NOMINATIONS OPEN SEPTEMBER 3, 2024.

Do you know a rising star who is making a positive impact in the media industry? We invite you to nominate the next generation superstar who showcases outstanding passion and talent, and embodies excellence in their work.

Nominations are welcome for individuals with five years or less work experience, excluding the highly anticipated Media Leader and Mentor of the Year Award.

Nominate now, as we welcome nominations from all agencies, marketers, and partners, and there are no nomination fees!

IMPACT CATEGORIES

1. Notable Newcomer of the Year 

A remarkable newcomer in the media industry who excels in strategic thinking and brilliant media execution, all within their first year. We want to honor those whose impact exceeds their tenure, making a significant mark early in their career. Nominees must have one year or less of media experience and work at a media agency.

Criteria:

  • Must have less than one year or less (ex. Within 1 year of first media job/ experience)

  • Works at media agency

  • Anyone across the different disciplines (buying, planning, activation, etc)

2. Innovator of the Year 

Sponsored by The Trade Desk

Free-thinking individuals who fearlessly challenge industry norms. This award recognizes those who have developed groundbreaking strategies, processes, or tactics to disrupt the status quo for the better. Their outstanding use of technology has led to determined goals being achieved through innovation. Nominate exceptional innovators who are driving change and pushing boundaries

Criteria:

  • Works at media agency

  • Has under 5 years of experience in media/agency

3. Young Marketer of the Year

Sponsored by The Globe and Mail 

This award honours the most promising and talented young marketers who are making a significant impact in the industry. They demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking in their work, propelling their brands and clients to new heights. They are known for maintaining strong relationships with agency partners, fostering collaboration and success. Must work client-side.

4. Emerging Women in Technology & Media of the Year

Sponsored by Google 

A trailblazing women who uses data & technology in new and innovative ways to drive impact at scale. This impact could include: enhanced decision making, process improvement, strategy development or furthering others' ability to maximize potential through the use of data & tech.

Criteria:

  • Works at media agency

  • Has under 5 years of experience within media/agency

  • Anyone across the different disciplines (buying, planning, activation, etc)

  • Trailblazer when it comes to use of data & technology, and/or competitive insights

5. Media Entertainer of the Year 

This extraordinary individual has demonstrated exceptional prowess in driving imaginative media solutions, captivating audiences with entertaining content. With a profound understanding of the media entertainment space, they amplify digital content creation across various forms of media entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on viewers, listeners, and fans alike.

Criteria:

  • Works at media agency

  • Has less than 5 years of experience in media/ agency

  • Anyone across different disciplines

6. Mentor of the Year 

Celebrates individuals with a profound commitment to mentorship. This award honors those who selflessly take it upon themselves to educate and train their colleagues, showcasing their dedication to nurturing talent within the industry. They are passionate advocates for championing others and empowering success within their agency. Exceptional mentors inspire greatness and foster growth in others!

Criteria:

  • Commitment to mentorship and has imparted wisdom, expertise, knowledge to empower others

  • Works at media agency

7. Collaborator of the Year 

Making the dream work with teamwork. This award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond with a partner or client to create a standout media solution with impactful business results, whether it's from an agency, marketer, creative, or partner. These exceptional individuals exemplify the spirit of teamwork and partnership!

Criteria:

  • Worked above & beyond to create a standout media solution

  • Works at media agency

  • Has under 5 years of experience in agency/media

  • Anyone across the different disciplines (buying, planning, activation, etc)

8. Advocate of the Year 

An active promoter for diversity, equity and inclusion within the media industry. Whether through their media work or in the agency community. This rising talent consistently advocates for the betterment of society that drives representation and inclusion. Their unwavering commitment to making a lasting and meaningful impact through their media practice and partnerships distinguishes them as a true advocate and champions of positive, inclusive environments.

Criteria:

  • Works at media agency

  • Has less than 5 years of experience in media/ agency

9. Media Leader of the Year (nominated by next.gen)

Sponsored by Thinktv

The industry's most exceptional media leaders. These extraordinary individuals have demonstrated unwavering dedication to their professional careers and have left a significant positive impact within their agencies. By consistently going above and beyond for their clients, staff, and partners, they set the standard for excellence in industry performance. All nominees must be at the leadership level, leading an agency or department to be eligible for this prestigious award.

Criteria:

  • Media Leader (Department or Agency Lead)

  • Works at media agency

  • Leader works across any media discipline (operations, investment, strategy)

10. Local Media Champion of the Year

A true advocate, tirelessly working to build and sustain a resilient Canadian ecosystem for media. Through their resolute efforts, they ignite a transformative impact, reshaping the narrative and reinforcing the vital role that local media plays in shaping our collective understanding of the world. This individual has exemplify an unwavering commitment to advancing the critical cause of supporting local media in Canada. This prestigious award is a testament to those who not only understand the pivotal role that local media plays in shaping our communities but also actively lead the charge in championing its significance.

Criteria:

  • Works at media agency or client

  • Agency or Client has signed support for ‘Canadian Media Manifesto’

  • Open to individuals all individuals from next generation to leaders

  • Has meaningfully found a way to solve / challenge norms to meaningfully direct investment towards local media

11. Media Buyer of the Year

This award celebrates a standout individual who showcases unparalleled prowess in investment strategies, highlighting the significance of purpose-driven investments and their pivotal role in shaping impactful and innovative media solutions. They identified innovative methods of engaging target audiences and captured their attention. Their meticulous strategic acumen and fearless attitude towards pushing boundaries underscores their dedication to advancing media investment. Beyond this, their exceptional aptitude for cultivating robust partnerships significantly contributes to impactful business results.

Criteria:

  • Works at media agency

  • Has less than 5 years of experience in media/ agency

  • Anyone across all buying discipline(s) OOH, TV, Radio, Broadcast, Print, Digital

  • Drove a media solution or developed a new process through investment

12. Positive Trendsetter of the Year

An individual who has made a significant impact by driving a media or creative solution through positive action. This exceptional person demonstrates a keen ability to embrace and leverage trends or movements that contribute to a more positive digital ecosystem. They focus on goals related to the creation of safe online environments. Nominate those who are making a remarkable difference by promoting positive change and progress in the industry. These trailblazers are shaping a brighter, more inclusive, and safer future for the digital world.

Criteria:

  • Works at media agency, creative agency, vendor side

  • Anyone across the different disciplines (buying, planning, activation, etc)

  • Leaned into a trend or movement to support a more positive digital ecosystem