The Influencer Marketing Awards judging panel have now attended the virtual judging day where they generously provided their expertise and time to discuss and debate this year’s IMA entries, narrowing the entrants down to develop this year’s official shortlist.
This year shortlisted entrants demonstrated how smartly and efficiently the influencer marketing industry can adapt in a crisis, focusing on meaningful collaborations, excellent teamwork and impressive ROI and outstanding results from creative campaigns.
Overcoming hurdles, delivering excellence
The likes of Ogilvy, Digital Voices, and rewardStyle impressed judges with their consistent approach to expertly executed campaigns. Judges also highlighted the success of diverse entries such as Buttermilk Agency X Dior with their Love Your Skin Without Compromise campaign and Billion Dollar Boy with their Zalando Zerotypes campaign.
During the past year, there have been many hurdles that everyone has had to climb over in order to adapt their strategies to work within a pandemic. Fortunately, the influencer marketing industry is one that was able to thrive during this time. After an initial halt as brands figured out their budgets and new marketing strategies, influencer marketing came out on top as outstanding, successful campaigns were executed by content creators at home, aided by the excellent tools and agencies that enabled the influencer marketing channel to continue to grow during this testing period.
Camilla Craven, Brand Communications Director at Vashi, and IMA 2021 judging panel member said: “Judging the Influencer Marketing Awards is always a highlight of my year! There is so much incredible talent in our industry, and this year’s entries were once again world-class and made me very proud of our industry. Especially so, with the last year and the challenges, all brands and agencies faced. “
Another member of the judging panel, Hedvig Algotsson, Account Director at Wildwire, said: “It was an absolute delight to judge this year’s IMAs – so many incredible entries from all around the world. It’s great to see the industry going from strength to strength!”
Matthew Wood, Founder of the Influencer Marketing Awards adds: “Since our inaugural awards back in 2019 we’ve seen how sophisticated influencer marketing campaigns have become, whether based on their creativity or integrated nature alongside other marketing channels – judges this year were hugely impressed’
‘With a significant increase in applications year on year, reaching the shortlist is a huge achievement in itself – congratulations to everyone who made the cut.”
Rising Star Award
The Industry Rising Star Award will return again this year to highlight the next generation of those within the influencer marketing sphere who are taking the industry by storm. Those shortlisted will face a challenging Q&A from our judges (Dragons!)
One winner will be decided by an algorithm of 70% for each of the three judges’ scores, while a crucial 30% is reserved for the final industry vote.
You will not need to register to vote for the rising star winner, just simply subscribe to the IMA newsletter so that you are alerted when the shortlist goes live on Wednesday 7 July, then the voting can commence!
All winners will be announced at the virtual awards ceremony taking place on 22 July, and Mark Atherton can provide all the information you need about securing your table. Don your best party gear, or comfiest loungewear – it will soon be time to celebrate!
