Tony Kendall.
ACM has been confirmed as presenting partner for the AdNews Agency of the Year Awards.
The award program features 24 tightly contested categories, alongside a Hall of Fame induction and the coveted Grand Prix title for Agency of The Year.
The winners will be revealed at a long lunch hosted at Doltone House (Sydney) in February, 2026.
"We're proud to partner with AdNews on the Agency of the Year Awards," ACM MD Tony Kendall said. "These awards are a powerful platform to celebrate the outstanding work of Australia's advertising talent. I’m especially pleased to see the addition of a regional campaign of the year category in this year's awards—championing those brands that are tapping into the regional growth opportunity."
Entries for the awards are judged exclusively by a panel of senior marketers and CMOs from more than 50 companies across sectors such as FMCG, finance, retail, automotive, travel and telecommunications.
AdNews publisher Assia Benmedjdoub said the awards celebrate adland's best work through a client-side lens.
"These awards are about celebrating the agencies and individuals who don’t just keep pace with change — they set the pace. They push creative and strategic boundaries while delivering real, measurable impact. With a distinguished panel of senior marketers assessing the entries, the stage is set to dive into the work."
The award categories are listed below:
A. Creative Agency of the Year
B. Media Agency of the Year
C. Independent Agency of the Year
D. Small Agency of the Year (Headcount under 25)
E. Digital Agency of the Year
F. PR Agency of the Year
G. Ad Campaign of the Year
H. Media Campaign of the Year
I. Small Budget Media Campaign of the Year (Budget under $500,000)
J. Social Media Campaign of the Year
K. Regional Media Campaign of the Year
L. Best Influencer Campaign
M. Best Use of Data in Campaign Planning
N. Best Use of Content
O. Brand Partnership Award
P. Social Responsibility / Pro Bono Award
Q. The Game Changer Award
R. Best Transformation Strategy
S. Best Use of AI and Technology
T. Employer of the Year (Headcount over 75)
U. Employer of the Year (Headcount under 75)
V. Marketing Team of the Year
W. Sales Team of the Year
X. The AdNews Effectiveness Award
AdNews would like to thank supporting partners Blis, Boomtown, Magnite, Perion, PubMatic, StackAdapt and associate partners Coles 360 and Mamamia.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
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