These categories will recognize the world's best employers since the beginning of 2024.
Nominations that won in the 2025 International Business Awards® may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Marketing Organization/Professional Categories | Marketing Campaign of the Year - Industry Categories | Marketing Campaign of the Year - Specialty Categories

Marketing Organization/Professional Categories

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories in the 2026 competition include:

1. Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated achievements since 1 January 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:
a. Briefly describe the nominated organization, department, team, or individual: its history and past performance (up to 1,500 characters). Required
b. Outline the achievements since the beginning of 2024 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 1,900 characters). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible, compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 1,900 characters). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 1,500 characters). Optional

2. 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, work samples, internal or external reviews, or employee feedback, for example.

G01. Marketing Department of the Year
Recognizes the recent achievements of everyone who works in marketing functions in your organization, regardless of function, location, seniority, or position.

G02. Marketing Team of the Year
Recognizes some subset of your entire marketing organization, such as a specific product marketing, brand marketing, social media or creative team. The team may be multidisciplinary, may span multiple organizations (your own organization, client organizations, and agency or vendor organizations, for example), and may be a permanent team or a temporary team that was assembled only for a specific task or assignment.

G03. Marketing Executive of the Year
Enter this category to recognize the achievements of individual marketing executives at the VP level or above.

Marketing Campaign of the Year - Industry Categories

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories in the 2026 competition include:

1. Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated achievements since 1 January 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:
a. Specify the date on which this campaign or program was launched. Required
b. Describe the genesis of the nominated campaign or program: the reasons it was initiated, the challenges it was created to address, the problems it was developed to solve, etc. (up to 1,900 characters). Required
c. Describe the development of the campaign or program: the planning process, the goal setting, the creative and media development, the scheduling, etc. (up to 1,900 characters). Required
d. Outline the activities and concrete results of this campaign or program since the beginning of 2024. Even if your initiative started before 2024, limit your response to activities and results since the beginning of 2024 only (up to 1,900 characters). Required
e. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 1,500 characters). Optional

2. 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, work samples, internal or external reviews, or employee feedback, for example.

G04. Achievement in Agricultural/Industrial/Building
For all related products, materials, tools and services.

G05. Achievement in Automotive - Aftermarket
Gasoline, motor oil, tires, batteries, paint, quick-lube, oil change, muffler, transmission, windshield wipers, enhancements, etc.

G06. Achievement in Automotive - Vehicles
Cars, trucks, motorcycles, both brand and model advertising.

G07. Achievement in Beauty
Cosmetics, fragrances, hair products, nail products, beauty services such as salons, spas, etc.

G08. Achievement in Beverages - Alcohol
Beer, champagne, liquor, wine, wine coolers, after-dinner drinks, etc.

G09. Achievement in Beverages - Non-Alcohol
Diet and non-diet soda, coffee, tea, juices, milk, milk substitutes, bottled water, sparkling water, etc.

G10. Achievement in Business & Office Supplies
Business cards and professional printing, office equipment includes printers, copiers, supplies, furniture, etc.

G11. Achievement in Corporate Reputation/Professional Services
Includes sponsorships, image & identity, communications to promote corporations, not exclusively their products. Includes business/professional services such as consulting, accounting, legal, employments, etc.

G12. Achievement in Culture & the Arts
Plays, museums, music organizations, concert series, cultural festivals, theater festivals, etc.

G13. Achievement in Delivery Services
Couriers, package freight/shipping, food and drink delivery, grocery delivery, flower/gift delivery, overnight delivery, package tracking, international service, etc.

G14. Achievement in Education & Training
Includes all educational institutions and organizations, training programs, job/career sites, etc.

G15. Achievement in Electronics
TVs, radios, mobile devices, home entertainment, laptops, tablets, cameras, smart home devices, computer hardware, game consoles, drones, external or integrated VR/AR devices, sound systems, etc. Electronic devices may be targeted to consumers or business.

G16. Achievement in Energy/Nutrition Products & Services
Products and services aimed at the energy, sports, wellness lifestyle. Vitamins, energy bars, drinks, etc.; weight loss and fitness programs/camps, training camps and facilities, etc.

G17. Achievement in Entertainment & Sports
Includes all forms of entertainment, including movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, music, comics, games, toys, entertainment apps, sporting events, sports teams, etc.

G18. Achievement in Fashion & Style
Brands of clothing, eyewear, footwear, hosiery, jewelry, accessories, etc.

G19. Achievement in Financial Cards
Credit, charge, debit, reward, phone and other cards.

G20. Achievement in Financial Products & Services
Communications promoting overall image and capabilities of a financial institution and specific products or services including home banking, loans, mortgage, mutual funds, traveler's checks, etc. Nominations related to cryptocurrencies should be submitted to this category.

G21. Achievement in Food
Fresh, packaged, or frozen foods.

G22. Achievement in Gaming & ESports
All forms of Esports and single and multi-player games, including virtual reality, arcade, console, mobile, online and computer games.

G23. Achievement in Government/Institutional/Recruitment
Municipal or state economic development, lotteries, utilities, civil, diplomatic or armed forces, parks, libraries, public services, etc. Includes political messages and recruitment efforts.

G24. Achievement in Health, Fitness & Wellness
Unregulated products/services focused on consumer health and/or promoting a healthy lifestyle. Includes digital health products, fitness trackers, health/fitness apps, exercise equipment, nutraceuticals, vitamins, energy bars and drinks, etc.; fitness studios; weight loss and fitness programs/camps, training camps and facilities, etc.

G25. Achievement in Healthcare - Disease Education & Awareness
Communications to educate and/or spread awareness about a certain disease or health issue, whether to healthcare professionals, patients, and/or consumers.

G26. Achievement in Healthcare - OTC
Communications efforts for products that may be purchased without a prescription that address a specific illness, disease, or health issue, whether to healthcare professionals, patients, and/or consumers.

G27. Achievement in Healthcare - Rx
Communications efforts for products that may be purchased with a prescription that address a specific illness, disease, or health issue, whether to healthcare professionals, patients, and/or consumers.

G28. Achievement in Healthcare - Services
Marketing communications efforts that were developed for hospitals, HMOs, referral services, dental and medical care services, or chronic care facilities, whether to healthcare professionals, patients, and/or consumers.

G29. Achievement in Home Furnishings & Appliances
Kitchen appliances, air conditioners, carpeting, furniture, decorator's supplies, paint, wallpaper, etc.

G30. Achievement in Household Supplies
Cleaning products, waxes, detergents, floor-care products, fabric softeners, paper products, domestic services, mowers, fertilizers, lawn care, etc.

G31. Achievement in Insurance
Communications promoting specific products or services related to insurance and the capabilities of financial institutions offering these services. All types of insurance are eligible (home, auto, financial, health, life, travel, business, etc.).

G32. Achievement in Internet/Telecom
Wireless/cellular providers, high-speed Internet access services, online services, portals, search engines and related Internet products & services (including SaaS/IaaS and Cloud-based services), and bundled communications (Internet, telephone, and cable TV).

G33. Achievement in Leisure & Recreation
Products and services aimed at hobbies, leisure, and recreation, including, but not limited to: dating services/apps, wedding planning platforms, personal development/improvement programs/apps, genetics/ancestry testing services, sporting and camping goods/services, etc.

G34. Achievement in Media & Entertainment Companies
TV networks, streaming services, websites, magazines, newspapers, consumer or trade media, radio stations, broadcasters, etc.

G35. Achievement in Non-Profit
Not-for-profit organizations of all types, including charitable, social, civic, advocacy, trade, special interest, religious, etc.

G36. Achievement in Personal Care
Soap, dental products, face & body lotions and cleansers, cotton swabs, deodorants, feminine hygiene products, razors, shaving cream, etc.

G37. Achievement in Pet Care
Animal care products and services of all types, including food, toys, veterinary and boarding services, training, and breeders.

G38. Achievement in Real Estate
Homes, real estate brokers, malls, etc.

G39. Achievement in Restaurants
Quick service, casual dining, mid-scale, white table cloth and other restaurants.

G40. Achievement in Retail
General—stores and/or web sites that provides a multiple range of non-related or generally related merchandise, which include department stores, food retailers, and discount/bulk retailers, craft stores, etc. Specialized—stores and/or websites that specialize in one particular line of products (e.g. clothing, fashion, jewelry, health food, shoes, pet care, toys, greeting cards, etc.).

G41. Achievement in Snacks/Desserts/Confections
Ice cream, candy, chips, cookies, bakery items, nut, fruit & vegetable snacks, popcorn, etc.

G42. Achievement in Software
Software, groupware, operating systems, SaaS/IaaS and Cloud-based services, etc.

G43. Achievement in Transportation
Air, train, bus/trolley, taxi, subway systems, bike shares, scooter shares, car rentals, leasing not including automobile sales/leasing, ferries, etc.

G44. Achievement in Travel/Tourism/Destination
Cruises, hotels, resorts, amusement parks, travel websites and booking services, travel tours, tourism campaigns, etc.

Marketing Campaign of the Year - Specialty Categories

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories in the 2026 competition include:

1. Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated achievements since 1 January 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:
a. Specify the date on which this campaign or program was launched. Required
b. Describe the genesis of the nominated campaign or program: the reasons it was initiated, the challenges it was created to address, the problems it was developed to solve, etc. (up to 1,900 characters). Required
c. Describe the development of the campaign or program: the planning process, the goal setting, the creative and media development, the scheduling, etc. (up to 1,900 characters). Required
d. Outline the activities and concrete results of this campaign or program since the beginning of 2024. Even if your initiative started before 2024, limit your response to activities and results since the beginning of 2024 only (up to 1,900 characters). Required
e. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 1,500 characters). Optional

2. 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, work samples, internal or external reviews, or employee feedback, for example.

G50. Best Use of AI-Powered Marketing Strategy (New for 2026)
Recognizes holistic marketing strategies that leveraged AI to drive planning, personalization, and optimization across channels.

G51. Best Use of Data to Drive Brand Strategy
Recognizes campaigns that have effectively developed from the successful use of data and technology to identify and match the right audiences to the right message at the right moments.

G52. Brand Experience of the Year - Business-to-Business
Recognizes work that reaches out to business audiences to establish meaningful relationships, memorable, engaging experiences, and unique connections with their brands.

G53. Brand Experience of the Year - Consumer
Recognizes work that reaches out to consumer audiences to establish meaningful relationships, memorable, engaging experiences, and unique connections with their brands.

G54. Branded Content Campaign of the Year
Recognizes work that has used branded content—original or sponsored—to reach audiences and establish meaningful relationships, memorable, engaging experiences, and unique connections with their brands.

G55. Branded Utility of the Year
Recognizes products and services created to address a marketing or business challenge, not to be sold, as part of a marketing program itself. Entrants must explain the product or service created in response to the challenge, its roles and objectives, how it was communicated, and results achieved.

G56. Customer Loyalty & Retention Campaign of the Year (New for 2026)
Recognizes marketing campaigns focused primarily on engaging, retaining, and growing value from existing customers since 1 January 2024.

G57. Engaged Community of the Year
Recognizes brands for creating content, experiences, platforms, news, etc. that get their communities to grow, engage, share, act or amplify messaging in a way that directly relates to a brand's goals.

G58. Influencer Marketing Campaign of the Year
Recognizes campaigns targeting influencers who have an exponential effect on a brand’s audience.

G59. Marketing Disruptor of the Year
For campaigns that grew their business/brand by changing the marketing model in ways that drive the industry forward.

G60. New Product or Service Introduction of the Year
For campaigns conducted to introduce a new product or service to the marketplace.

G61. Omni-Channel Marketing Strategy of the Year
Highlights campaigns seamlessly integrating multiple platforms like digital, print, and in-person.

G62. Purpose-Led Marketing Campaign of the Year (New for 2026)
Recognizes initiatives built around long-term commitments to social causes, advocacy, or corporate responsibility aligned with core brand values.

G63. Re-Branding/Brand Renovation of the Year
For campaigns that recreated or repositioned an existing brand.

G64. Small-Budget Marketing Campaign of the Year
Budget less than €3 m/USD $3 million.

G65. Viral Marketing Campaign of the Year
For campaigns that used word-of-mouth, video stunts, and other viral tactics as their primary means of communication.

G66. Youth Marketing Campaign of the Year
For campaigns targeting the youth market (up to age 24).