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Call for Entries for the SMARTIES™ Awards 2026

The Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) has officially opened the submission window for the SMARTIES™ Awards 2026. This prestigious award program celebrates marketing campaigns that achieve measurable business success through the innovative use of creativity, data, media, and technology. As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, the SMARTIES™ Awards are at the forefront of recognizing excellence in this rapidly changing industry.

Evolving with the Industry

The 2026 edition sees an updated framework for the SMARTIES™ Awards, designed to better illustrate how contemporary marketing organizations operate and deliver impactful work. This fresh approach introduces a cohesive set of channels and categories adaptable across all SMARTIES™ programs, from local to global scales. The key aim is to create universally acknowledged benchmarks of marketing excellence while enabling markets to showcase their unique contributions relevant to local contexts.

Categories for 2026

1. Purpose Driven Marketing:
- Campaigns that harness brand power for societal betterment, championing causes like sustainability and inclusion.
2. Impact Marketing:
- Initiatives that yield measurable results by enhancing brand relationships and customer experiences to stimulate growth.
3. Media Growth:
- Excellence in the strategic execution of media, showcasing how integrated ecosystems effectively connect and expand audiences.
4. Creative Innovation Impact:
- Groundbreaking marketing imbued with creativity, data, and advanced technologies to forge new avenues of brand engagement.

“SMARTIES™ represents the only innovation awards that neatly intertwine technology, creativity, and tangible business outcomes,” remarked Rohit Dadwal, CEO of MMA APAC and Global Head of SMARTIES™ Worldwide. He elaborated on how the 2026 edition reflects a global perspective, encompassing everything from North America's performance-driven strategies to the diverse cultural markets of the Asia-Pacific region, the creative flair of Europe, and the ambitious growth initiatives in Latin America. This is where exceptional marketing demonstrates its effectiveness across various channels and industries, offering invaluable learning opportunities for all participants.

Beyond the Awards

Winning a SMARTIES™ Award transcends the accolades. Award-winning campaigns play a critical role in establishing global industry benchmarks, including contributions to the MMA SMARTIES Business Impact Index and the WARC Media 100 Ranking, subsequently reinforcing their credibility in the marketing ecosystem.

Important Dates for Submissions

• - Deadline: July 23, 2026

Award Categories

Winners are celebrated with Gold, Silver, and Bronze accolades across each category. The top honors also include distinctions such as Best in Show, Juror's Choice Award of the Year, and the Most Resilient Brand of the Year, among others.

Judging Criteria

A panel of senior brand marketers and industry leaders will assess submissions based on criteria including creativity, innovation, and measurable impact.

Entry Levels

• - SMARTIES™ X Global: Acknowledging the finest campaigns at a worldwide level.
• - Regional SMARTIES™ Awards: Honoring outstanding marketing talent and innovations across North America.

About the MMA

The Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) is a global, non-profit coalition of Chief Marketing Officers and senior marketing leaders dedicated to fostering value creation among marketers. Comprising over 825 corporate members worldwide, MMA facilitates knowledge sharing through extensive conferences, including flagship events in the Asia-Pacific region.

For those in marketing, the SMARTIES™ Awards serve not only as recognition but also as an invaluable opportunity for growth and learning within the global marketing landscape. Explore more at MMA Global.

In conclusion, the SMARTIES™ Awards 2026 promises to showcase the best of innovative marketing that truly drives business results while making a positive impact on society. Prepare to submit your entries and join this global celebration of excellence in marketing.