Marketing Categories
These categories recognize innovation in marketing since 1 January 2025.
Nominations that won in the 2026 edition of the awards may be resubmitted for consideration to the 2027 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be resubmitted to the categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.
Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories include
a. An essay of up to 4,900 characters describing the nominated innovative achievements since 1 January 2025, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length describing the same.
b. Optional (but highly recommended), add to your entry up to 10 webpage links and up to 10 document uploads to support your case to the judges. These might be press articles, press releases, videos, or images, for example.
E01. Award for Innovation in AI-Powered Marketing Strategy (New for 2027): recognizing innovation in the use of artificial intelligence to develop, execute, or optimize marketing strategies and campaigns.
E02. Award for Innovation in Brand Development: recognizing innovation in the development of a new brand.
E03. Award for Innovation in Brand Experiences – B2B (New for 2027): recognizing innovation in creating engaging and memorable brand experiences that strengthen relationships with business customers and audiences.
E04. Award for Innovation in Brand Experiences – Consumer (New for 2027): recognizing innovation in creating engaging and memorable brand experiences that connect with consumers and build brand awareness, loyalty, or engagement.
E05. Award for Innovation in Brand Renovation / Re-Branding: recognizing innovation in the renovation or makeover of an existing brand.
E06. Award for Innovation in Branded Entertainment: recognizing innovation in the development or use of branded entertainment tools such as video, gaming, music, entertainment, etc.
E07. Award for Innovation in Content Marketing / Branded Editorial: recognizing innovation in work that has used branded content - original or sponsored - to reach out to audiences to establish meaningful relationships, memorable, engaging experiences, and unique connections with their brands.
E08. Award for Innovation in Cross-Media Marketing: recognizing innovation in the use of multiple marketing media to communicate a cohesive message to an audience.
E09. Award for Innovation in Engaged Communities (New for 2027): recognizing innovation in building, growing, and engaging communities that foster meaningful connections, participation, and long-term relationships with a brand or organization.
E10. Award for Innovation in Experiential Marketing: recognizing innovation in creating immersive, on-ground, or virtual brand experiences such as activations, pop-ups, hybrid brand events, or interactive campaigns.
E11. Award for Innovation in Influencer Marketing (New for 2027): recognizing innovation in the use of influencers, creators, or brand advocates to reach target audiences, build credibility, and drive engagement.
E12. Award for Innovation in Marketing Analytics & Performance Optimization: recognizing innovation in the use of data, AI, or real-time performance tracking tools to optimize marketing efforts, spend, and outcomes.
E13. Award for Innovation in Paid Media Planning & Management: recognizing innovation in the planning and/or management of a paid media campaign or program.
E14. Award for Innovation in Product Placement: recognizing innovation in the use of product placement.
E15. Award for Innovation in Purpose-Driven Marketing: Recognizing innovation in marketing campaigns that focus on social impact, sustainability, or community engagement as part of the brand purpose.
E16. Award for Innovation in Small-Budget Marketing (New for 2027): recognizing innovation in marketing campaigns or initiatives that achieve significant results through creative strategies and efficient use of limited financial resources.
E17. Award for Innovation in Sponsorships: recognizing innovation in the development, commission, practice, or use of a sponsorship program.
E18. Award for Innovation in Social Media Marketing: recognizing innovation in the use of paid social media marketing tools. Do not submit nominations of PR campaigns that use social media in this category - see the PR categories for that category.
E19. Most Innovative Advertising or Marketing Agency of the Year: Your nomination must cite innovation since 1 January 2025 in at least three (3) of the following areas: Agency Management or Structure, Advertising, Branding, Branded Entertainment, Content Marketing, Cross-Media Marketing, Media Planning, Product Placement, Social Media Marketing, and Sponsorships.
E20. Most Innovative Advertising or Marketing Team of the Year: Your nomination must cite innovation since 1 January 2025 in at least three (3) of the following areas: Agency Management or Structure, Advertising, Branding, Branded Entertainment, Content Marketing, Cross-Media Marketing, Media Planning, Product Placement, Social Media Marketing, and Sponsorships.
E21. Most Innovative Marketing or Advertising Professional of the Year: Your nomination must cite innovation since 11 January 2025 in at least one (1) of the following areas: Agency Management or Structure, Advertising, Branding, Branded Entertainment, Content Marketing, Cross-Media Marketing, Media Planning, Product Placement, Social Media Marketing, and Sponsorships.