Submissions for Friends of Search Awards now open!

On 12 March 2026, the most impactful SEO and PPC campaigns will once again take center stage during the Friends of Search Awards 2026. The awards will be presented at the Friends of Search conference, held at the Kromhouthal in Amsterdam. From today, search specialists and agencies can submit their best work in the following categories: Best SEO and Best PPC. Submissions are now open:

Submit

The expert jury

Once again, the jury consists of two expert teams – one for SEO and one for PPC – featuring respected thought leaders from the international search community. Entries will be judged on strategy, innovation, effectiveness, measurable results, transparency, and privacy-conscious execution. The deadline for submissions is 22 January 2026.

SEO jury Friends of Search 2026:

• Barry Adams (chair), Polemic Digital
• Linda Hogenes, Coolblue
• Arnout Hellemans, OnlineMarkethink
• Jono Alderson, Technical SEO Consultant
• Jes Scholz, Jes Scholz Consulting

PPC jury Friends of Search 2026:

• Frederick Vallaeys (chair), Optimyzr
• Reinier van der Poel, Google
• Kirk Williams, ZATO
• Clemmentijn Treinen, Microsoft
• Bianca de Bruijne, Travix

Want to be on stage at Friends of Search 2026?
Submit your case before 22 January 2026 via: friendsofsearch.com/awards
Tickets are available at: friendsofsearch.com

Looking back

Last year, Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland took home the SEO award for a case that demonstrated how SEO can go beyond rankings and visibility. Their strategy helped drive public conversation and served as the foundation for broader multi-channel campaigns.

In the PPC category, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines won the award for their innovative use of a value-based bidding strategy. By integrating airplane emissions data into their campaigns, they managed to both improve advertising performance and reduce their carbon footprint.