PRESS RELEASE
10 MARCH 2026

GOLDEN DRUM 2026: CALL FOR ENTRIES IS NOW OPEN

The Golden Drum International Festival of Creativity, one of the few regional festivals featured in the WARC Rankings, is now open for entries. This year, the festival proudly introduces the UNFPA Inclusion Excellence Award, presented in partnership with UNFPA - the United Nations Population Fund, celebrating creative work that advances gender equality and social inclusion.

Works published, aired, or publicly released for the first time between 23 August 2025 and 26 August 2026, are eligible to compete for the esteemed Golden Drum awards. Agencies, advertisers, media companies, and creatives from 40 countries are invited to submit their best work by 26 August 2026, across six sections: One-Channel Drum, Omni-Channel Drum, Craft Drum, Creative Media Excellence Drum, Creative Business Excellence Drum and a special All Juries Section. Game Changer group intended for campaigns that challenge the traditional ways of advertising through their idea, concept and/or execution is the only group in the competition that is opened worldwide. Entrants can take advantage of the Super Early Bird Entry Fees until 22 April 2026.

The Golden Drum Festival will once again celebrate the best of the advertising industry in October in Portorož, Slovenia. The festival’s new visual identity, “Wild. Wild. Best.” manifests the ever changing and disruptive nature of the creative industry, where only the best of the best can break through. Showcasing your best work at Golden Drum will not only separate you from the rest but also inspire, influence, and shape the advertising industry moving forward. 

Join the creative community from 12 to 13 October 2026 in Portorož, Slovenia and seize this golden opportunity to gain the well-deserved recognition and celebrate with the best! 

INTRODUCING THE UNFPA INCLUSION EXCELLENCE AWARD

Each year the Golden Drum Festival continues to evolve, celebrating works that embody innovation and push the boundaries of creativity. In 2026, in the All Juries section, the festival is introducing The UNFPA Inclusion Excellence Award, presented by Golden Drum with UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which aims to inspire and recognise creative work that actively contributes to gender equality and social inclusion.

UNFPA works globally to uphold the rights and choices of women and young people. Their work ensures that individuals have access to the information and services they need for a healthy life, free from discrimination and violence. By rewarding work that challenges stereotypes and promotes gender equality and inclusion, Golden Drum and UNFPA aim to foster an environment where an individual’s rights and choices are not limited by their gender, background or identity. 

“I am deeply honoured that the Golden Drum Festival is recognised as a trusted and valued partner to UNFPA in advancing such a meaningful and far-reaching mission. Our collaboration extends beyond celebrating creative excellence; it reflects a shared dedication to upholding the rights, dignity and choices of women and young people worldwide. Through the UNFPA Inclusion Excellence Award, we stand united in championing ideas that challenge stereotypes, advance gender equality and foster true social inclusion. It is a privilege for Golden Drum to support and amplify initiatives that help shape a world where no individual’s opportunities are constrained by their gender, background or identity.” - Mojca Briščik, President of the Golden Drum Festival

Entries in this group should demonstrate how creativity can actively question the “default” narratives of society and replace them with empowering alternatives. Eligible work may address, among others the redefinition of gender roles, the visibility and leadership of women in traditionally male-dominated industries, inclusive representation of older people, persons with disabilities, and historically marginalised communities, the dismantling of stereotypes related to gender, age, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation.

"We are excited to partner with Golden Drum to launch the Inclusion Excellence Award,” said Florence Bauer, UNFPA’s Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. “This award celebrates creativity that breaks down harmful stereotypes and champions gender equality and social inclusion. By honouring work that redefines social narratives, we are collectively building a world where every individual’s rights and choices are respected, regardless of their background.”
 

REINFORCING ITS INTERNATIONAL STANDING

The festival’s competition is recognized and included on the WARC Creative Rankings, The Drum World Creative Rankings and AdForum Rankings, further affirming its global impact and prestige.

Golden Drum is also proud to partner with thenetworkone to further support independent agencies that often face challenges in gaining global recognition. Through this collaboration, Grand Prix and Gold-winning works from independent agencies will automatically qualify for the Indie Awards, giving them an additional platform to showcase their creative excellence on the international stage.

“As the world’s largest independent agencies network, and creator of the Global Indie Awards, thenetworkone is pleased to be a partner of the Golden Drum festival in 2026. We share a belief that what matters is the quality of the work, not the size of the agency. We also share the value, that awards are about celebrating every winner’s originality, craft and impact – not about scoring points, or only cheering for your own team. The Golden Drum’s long-established culture of inclusivity, welcome and friendliness, alongside its insistence on high standards, are an inspiration to us all. We congratulate you and wish you continuing success." - Julian Boulding, Founder and CEO, thenetworkone

ENTRY AND DELEGATE FEES

All entrants to the Golden Drum Festival can choose between the Super Early Bird, Early Bird, and Standard entry fees.

For every 10 entries submitted, the entrant receives one complimentary delegate pass (excluding lunch) to attend the Golden Drum Festival.

All Ukrainian entrants are entitled to a 50% discount on entry fees.

More about Entry Fees see here.

All delegates can now secure their passes to the upcoming edition of the Golden Drum Festival, an inspiring event that will once again bring together creative minds, showcase thought-provoking talks, offer valuable networking opportunities, and celebrate creativity in all its forms.

See the full price list here.

KEY COMPETITION INFORMATION

Deadline for Entry Submission: 26 August 2026 at 23.59 ECT

Deadline for Super Early Bird Entry Fee: 22 April 2026

Deadline for Early Bird Entry Fee: 17 June 2026

Golden Drum Shortlist Announced: 29 September 2026

Golden Drum Awards Show – Winners Announced: 13 October 2026

Groups and Categories: https://goldendrum.com/competition/groups-and-categories 

Golden Drum Juries: https://goldendrum.com/competition/juries 

Entry System: https://engine.goldendrum.com/ 

Entry Fees: https://goldendrum.com/competition/competition-fees-payment/one-channel-drum-prices 

MEDIA MATERIALS

Download images: https://goldendrum.com/press/media-materials 

Additional information: 

E: [email protected]

T: + 386 1 439 60 50

Social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldendrum/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/golden-drum-international-festival-of-creativity/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenDrumFestival/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GoldenDrumFestival

ABOUT GOLDEN DRUM

The Golden Drum Festival was born with a simple idea of bringing together creatives from different, back then often defined as New European countries. Thirty-two years ago, we’ve learned to play by the rules while dancing to the beat of our own drum. In the realm of advertising, rules aren’t guidelines; they are the canvas for our artistic rebellion. We respect them, we understand them, and then we twist them into something unforgettably unique. The Golden Drum Festival was chosen as one of the seven regional award shows included in WARC Rankings.