Campaign awards
Although influencer marketing is becoming part of the wider marketing mix, the campaign categories demonstrated excellent research, sound insight and innovative strategies that focused solely on influencer campaigns. Campaigns were carefully measured; objectives set with the target audience in mind; and a refreshingly diverse range of influencers chosen to reach target audiences. “Many of these integrated campaigns prove social media’s value to traditional media,” commented Anna Anderson, social talent lead at Conde Nast. Viral Nation, R-Squared, MATTIO Communications, Influencer, Gleam Futures, and Ogilvy are in the running to win one of the most popular awards —Best Integrated Influencer Marketing Campaign (Multi-Channel).
Following fierce debates from the judges, strong entries from Captiv8, rewardStyle, The Hut Group, OST Marketing, and Seen Connects will compete forBest Use of Data.
Most Effective Collaboration and Partnership
had stand-out entries from Gold Boutique, IMA, Jelba The B2B Online Specialist, MediaCom, Ogilvy, Pegasus, Shell, and Takumi, who have all been shortlisted. Making the shortlist for theMost Creative Influencer Marketing Campaign
is HCL Technologies, Influencer, influencia, Ogilvy, Pulse, Shell China and Talent Villagewho will battle it out for bronze, silver and gold.Technology awards
A trend that came up in the technology awards was the clear investment in new technologies and the use of extensive analysis tools. Using a blend of human insight and in-depth data to discover the right talent and create genuine relationships with brands is what’s leading the way in the technology entries. “Providing insights that connect genuine influencers with brands that have the same values is vital for campaign success,” commented Hannah Tyrell, international social marketing manager at M&S. The battle of the tech continues as Traackr, Tagger, Impact, CreatorIQ, and Influencity go head-to-head for theBest Influencer Discovery Tool
award. CJ Affiliate, Influencity, and Traackr are up forBest Relationship Management Tool.
Meanwhile, the judges had a difficult time deciding who should make the cut forBest Campaign Planning & Management Tool,
listing CreatorIQ, Influencity, Tagger, Traackr and Q-83 as worthy contenders.Agency awards
The agency categories were hotly debated amongst the judges, with the panel looking for clear USPs and refreshing approaches that lead to creative, meaningful work in addition to real results. “In what is a saturated market, it was great to see those pushing industry standards and challenging what has become the norm,” said Ruby Soave, influencer lead at Prince’s Trust. The likes of R-Squared, Seen Connects, and Buttermilk Agency go head-to-head for taking home the prize forBest Boutique Influencer Marketing Agency.
The ever-popularBest Large Influencer Marketing Agency
is back with entrants including Collectively, Gleam Futures, Kairos Group, Tailify, Takumi, The Fifth and Viral Nation competing for the top prize.Vertical awards
The popular vertical awards were challenging to judge given the caliber of entries this year. A clear trend was the diversity of carefully selected influencers and the execution of campaigns across different touchpoints.“It was nice to see influencers on long-term contracts that became true brand ambassadors to create real authentic voices,’ commented Nicolas Mauron, head of influencer marketing and digital partnerships at Breitling. The likes of Ogilvy, Pulse Advertising, Takumi, Buttermilk Agency and MATTIO Communications have been shortlisted for the popular
Best Beauty Campaign
category.
Entries from THE FIFTH, Talent Village, Ogilvy, Ball Street Network and 160over90 all made it for the competitiveBest Sport & Fitness
category.
As always,Best Food & Drink
was a tough category to judge with so many strong entries. Making the shortlist is Buttermilk Agency, Collectively, IMA, Influencer, Ogilvy, Tailify and Takumi, whilst Awin and rewardStyle compete forBest Fashion & Style
campaign.New categories
Three shiny new categories were added to the mix this year and garnered attention from the likes of IMA, Influencer, MSL, Ogilvy and Pulse Advertising, all of which are in the running for gold in the newly createdBest Cause-Led Campaign
category, sponsored by headline sponsor Kindred. Meanwhile, Kairos Media, Viral Nation, United Esports, Wildfire Social and 160over90 will battle it out for the newBest Gaming Campaign
award, and HCL Technologies and Saulderson Media are contenders forBest Small Budget Campaign,
sponsored by Takumi.View the full list of shortlisted brands, agencies, and tech platforms on the website.
Vote for your Industry Choice and Rising Star
Voting is now open for you to choose which company should win the coveted prize forIndustry Choice of Technology or SaaS award
. Remember standard rules apply, with one vote limited per company. Voting closes at midday Wednesday 5 February – exactly one week from now – so head to the website to cast your vote.It’s also time to cast your vote for the
Industry Rising Star
and recognise the hard work and inspiring movements of those rising stars of the industry over the last 12 months. Again, voting closes at midday Wednesday 5 February – exactly a week from now – so head to the website to cast your vote.
