This campaign really caused a ruckus. It stood out from the competition like a cat in a dog park to prevent competitors or entrepreneurs from moving in — even squeezing an elbow in. Judges will be looking for a little risk or lots of courage.

Awarded to the best campaign that delivers a marketing experience by using a vehicle at the heart of the program. Judges will consider the strategy, brand/market relevance, vehicle design, execution and measurable results.

Awarded to the campaign best-utilizing creativity in producing a live event or customer experience to enhance the strategic position or sales of a product or service. The event should have been produced in five or fewer venues and have provided a brand experience to the target audience. Judges will consider strategy, brand/market relevance, execution and measurable results.

Awarded to the campaign best utilizing creativity in producing a live event or customer experience to enhance the strategic position or sales of a product or service. The event should have been produced in five or more venues and have provided a brand experience to the target audience. Judges will consider strategy, brand/market relevance, execution and measurable results.

Awarded to the program that effectively introduced or promoted a product or service by means of sampling or trial. Sampling and trial can include in-store, in-pack/on-pack, event sampling and direct mail. Program should demonstrate in its results an effective trial/conversion rate.

Awarded to the campaign that innovatively created a buzz and disrupted the status quo in a brand’s space through any medium or channel. Judges will consider how new ideas performed against the set objectives the brand had for the campaign or promotion.

Awarded to the campaign that achieves all stated objectives while adhering to a budget under $250,000. Judges will consider innovation, creativity, execution and results.

Awarded to the campaign best utilizing more than one marketing discipline (i.e. broadcast, direct marketing, advertising, sweepstakes, events, digital media, public relations) that showcases outstanding creativity, consistency of message and achievement of objectives.

Awarded to entries that use campaign marketing to focus on a particular holiday or season (i.e. Valentine’s Day, Earth Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Summer, Winter, Spring, Fall, back-to-school etc.) to drive sales. Judges are looking for a strategic and innovative use of creative, messaging and execution.

Awarded to the campaign that best leverages an entertainment brand or activity to market a product or service. Judges will consider creativity, execution and relevance to both the entertainment and product brand, as well as measurable results.

Awarded to the campaign that best leverages a sports brand or activity to market a product or service. Judges will consider creativity, execution, relevance to both the sport/sport franchise and product brand and measurable results.

Awarded to the campaign that most innovatively launched a new product or service via any medium or channel. Measurable results, creativity and the overall launch plan will be considered.

Awarded to the best use of loyalty marketing to motivate consumers to take action and/or encourage repeat purchases, including using discounts, points, rewards, coupons, premiums, membership programs, clubs and other incentives.

Awarded to the campaign most effective in gaining measured market awareness for a brand, service, product or event including re-launches, repositions and new introductions.

Awarded to the best business-to-business campaign to generate prospects, leads, sales or customer retention. Judges will consider creativity, execution, relevance to the vertical market targeted and measurable results.

Given to the campaign that shows the most strategic use of content marketing. Judges will consider how marketers consistently created and/or curated and promoted content to attract and retain customers, create brand awareness loyalty, and drive ROI for the overall marketing strategy. 

Awarded to the campaign that best promotes a product or service through the use of gamification, contests or sweepstakes. This tactic can be part of a broader integrated campaign, but the impact of the gamification, contest or sweepstakes should be clear.

Given to the campaign that shows the most strategic use of AI, VR or AR to attract, retain or engage consumers. Judges will consider use, creativity, execution and results.

You must have a great video up your marketing sleeve! Show us! Awarded to the agency/brand that produced/integrated branded or consumer-generated video into its marketing. Judges will consider how well the video generated awareness for the brand.

Awarded to targeted, measurable and interactive campaigns using digital technologies, mainly using the Internet or mobile devices as a core promotional medium to reach and convert leads into customers. Given to the campaign that shows the most creativity, innovation and measurable results using any digital technologies (using the Internet or mobile devices as a core promotional medium) or social media channel to drive brand awareness and/or sales. Judges will consider sharability and viral reach of the campaign.

Awarded to the campaign that pivoted into the post-Coronavirus era with the most compelling message, marketing and call to action.

*Date range from Jan. 2020-ongoing.*

Awarded to the campaign that promoted a D-to-C brand in the most innovative way, OR, any brand that pivoted into D-to-C utilizing innovative promotion marketing.

Honoring the best overall campaign of the year.
*This category is not open for entries. All entrants are eligible!*