Observed Signal · Jul 2, 2026 · Campaign Launch · Source: Horizont · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Epica launches satirical 'Awards Survival Kit' campaign
Epica, the international creative-awards organisation, has launched a satirical campaign to open its 2026 submission phase. The campaign centres on a fictional "Awards Survival Kit" — items like an "ego-polishing cloth" and "shit-talking" mints — that mock industry behaviours such as networking, flattery and insider politicking. Epica positions the stunt to highlight its claimed USP: winners are chosen by independent specialist journalists rather than by peer creatives. The work was developed by creatives Matt Jones and Abi Stephenson, who previously handled Epica communications in 2024, and is endorsed by Mark Tungate, Editorial Director of the Epica Awards. Epica’s reduced early-bird entry period runs until 1 September 2026, regular entries are accepted until 4 October 2026, and the jury will convene in Paris in early December 2026 to decide winners.
Creative-campaign/news about an awards programme is of limited impact to the wider AdTech/MarTech ecosystem; relevant primarily to creative agencies and awards participants.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Epica launched a satirical campaign featuring a fictional "Awards Survival Kit" to start its 2026 entry phase.
- The campaign was developed by creatives Matt Jones and Abi Stephenson, who also managed Epica communications in 2024.
- Epica emphasises that its jury is composed of independent journalists who evaluate creative work, not peers.
- Early-bird submissions for the Epica Awards 2026 run until 1 September 2026; regular submissions until 4 October 2026.
- The Epica jury will meet in Paris in early December 2026 to select the winning work.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“The story was published on HORIZONT and written by Margaux Adam (article published 2026-07-02)....”
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