The AdNews Emerging Leaders Awards are back for 2026, with entries now open across all sectors of the media, marketing and advertising industry.
Following continued growth in nominations and industry engagement, the program returns with Snapchat as presenting partner.
Last year’s Grand Prix was awarded to Wavemaker strategy director Summer Treseder. The program has fostered the rise of adland talent to the C-Suite, with previous winners including CCO Mandie van der Merwe and CSO Mitchell Long.
The awards are open to professionals with a minimum of five years’ experience who are not currently in a C-suite or managing director role.
Entries open here today and close on May 22. Individuals can enter themselves or nominate a colleague to be recognised as one of the industry’s top emerging performers.
The 2026 awards will be held as a cocktail event at The Promenade Docklands, Melbourne on August 6. Twenty Emerging Leaders will be selected from a shortlist of finalists, with one recipient awarded the Grand Prix for exceptional industry achievement.
Snap Inc. ANZ managing director Ryan Ferguson said the company is proud to continue its support of the program.
“The next generation aren’t just influencing our industry, they’re about to run the show. As Presenting Partner of the AdNews Emerging Leaders Awards, Snapchat is backing the newest stars in media and advertising. We get Gen Z and they get us - we’re proud to be supporting the talent who’ll not only shape the future of our industry, but redefine it.”
AdNews publisher Assia Benmedjdoub welcomed the continued support of Snapchat and the growth of the program.
“The team and I are incredibly excited to see Emerging Leaders go from strength to strength. It’s a vital platform to recognise the talented professionals pushing our industry forward and setting new benchmarks for creativity, leadership and impact.”
Thank you to Snap, Presenting Partner, and Blis, Supporting Partner.
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