Sponsored by SuperAwesome

This category will reward work (campaigns or products) that harnesses exciting, innovative and creative approaches to engage and entertain young audiences, with their digital safety and well-being in mind.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, age appropriateness and intention to promote a healthy self-image and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Well-being considerations, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Sponsored by The Trade Desk

This category is in partnership with The Trade Desk and celebrates trading excellence and the immense contributions traders make to digital advertising. The Trade Desk has strived to recognize those individuals who have truly changed the way we trade in such a revolutionary industry.
This category is not open for entry as the nominees were shortlisted by The Trade Desk as part of The Trade Desk 2022 Bid Factor Awards. This category will be judged by our esteemed panel of judges and the winner will be announced at The Drum Awards for Digital Industries broadcast on October 13, 6:30pm GMT.
OVERALL
Description
If you think your team is the best, this is your chance to show them how much you believe in them. Only companies entering other categories in the awards may enter this category. We want to reward the best digital team in the industry. To be eligible, you need to have entered work into other categories. But that’s what a great team would do anyway. Show your creative talent as well as your effective results
Criteria
To reward the best digital team of the past year. In your report you should use examples of the best work you have produced, how effective they have been and how your team has worked together to achieve these. We want you to show the judges why your team is the best.
Description
This category will recognize those who demonstrate the strongest commitment to diversity and inclusion, both in the day to day, as well as through specific activities and initiatives. Judges will be looking for examples of activities that have promoted the building of diverse teams, creation of inclusive working environments or driving culture to create marketing/products/services that are inclusive of a diverse audience. We are looking to reward those companies who are pushing boundaries and shaping their own journeys.
Criteria
You will also need to share evidence of: Policies/procedures in place, initiatives and their successes, meeting / exceeding any objectives
The best of the best, a non entered category but all awarded entries will be considered for this top award. Chosen from all the award winning work and announced at the awards
Chosen by the chair of the judging panel as their personal favourite and announced at the awards
RESEARCH BASED
Exclusive and free of charge, these two award categories will be selected through a rigorous research process taken from client recommendations, industry peers and additional The Drum research sources.
Rising Star of the Year
The Rising Star of the Year Award highlights individual excellence in advertising and marketing and celebrates the pioneers of tomorrow.
This is a research-based award, open to all, and you can make your nominations here.
Tell us about the Rising Stars who have worked in the industry for three years or less (as of January 2022) and have made significant progress in your company or another.
Peer nomination deadline: Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Agency of the Year Award
The Agency of The Year award is a FREE research-based category that recognizes the very best agencies in the business. To enter, register your agency with The Drum Recommends for free (our client rating platform) and get recommended by collecting a minimum of 3 positive ratings for your services. Find out more here.
To nominate an agency you work with, complete this short survey here.
The winner will be selected through a rigorous research process taken from client recommendations, industry peers and additional The Drum research sources.
Peer nomination deadline: Wednesday, September 14, 2022
SECTOR
Description
For work you’ve created for any charity/not-for-profit organizations. Make sure you supply the registered charity number for the client within your report.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work you’ve created for any B2B organization, service or project.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work you’ve created for any legal, accountancy, teaching, training or other professional services. For work you’ve created for any financial service, including insurance, banking, accountancy and any other form of money management.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work you’ve created for the retail and e-commerce sector.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work you’ve created for any automotive or transport business.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work you’ve created for any consumer brand, service, company or product.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work developed for the music, entertainment, gaming and e-sports industry.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For any work you’ve created for a travel, tourism, leisure or sports company. This includes hospitality
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work you’ve created for the healthcare or pharma industry.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work you’ve created for any public sector organization, service, government body or project.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
NEW FOR 2022
Description
Rewarding an effective NFT campaign that derived maximum value (revenue or profile) through creativity and clever thinking.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
This category will reward creative thinking in the metaverse. You should demonstrate how you have brought a product or service to life in this exciting new world.Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
This category looks to reward entries for good and shine a spotlight on important subjects such as education, diversity and inclusivity etc
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
Recognizing the strategy and use of first-party data that has most successfully has allowed/assisted companies to engage with their audiences and generate revenue for themselves and their clients.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work you’ve created for any fashion, health, beauty or luxury brand/company.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
CREATIVITY
Description
For any visually impactful work, you’ve created for a website.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work you’ve created to promote your agency’s services. Or if you work client-side, to promote your digital offering in-house.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged.Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
DIGITAL/INNOVATION
Description
This category rewards those companies/campaign that adapted quickly to change. This could be in response to external factors such as the Covid-19 crisis or an internal shift. The judges will look for how the team responded to a changed brief and exceeded expectations.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
This is for the best digital platform that enables the industry. You need to demonstrate how the use of the platform helps to build successful campaigns.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
This category will recognize and reward creative and innovative digital thinking/swift action, where a business/project/campaign can demonstrate how they have transformed over the past year. e.g. in-person to digital, e-commerce, new platforms etc.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
We want to see your technical innovations that have had an impact on an audience. Especially if you can demonstrate how they affected the results.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
We want to see how your work has had a positive impact on the user’s experience.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged.Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
STRATEGY/CAMPAIGN
Description
This is for your best concepts that use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or any other recognized social channel.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
This category is open to any type of exciting digital experience that pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation. We want to see something that is unlike any experience that has happened before.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged.
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
This is for your most creative video projects. We’re looking for innovation, production quality, storytelling and everything else that makes the medium so powerful. You can either present the overall video output for a campaign or just a specific part of it.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
Show us how you’ve used branded content to improve the success of your client. We’re looking for fresh approaches, quality and effectiveness.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
If you’ve used data in a new and interesting way to improve the end-user experience, this is for you. Demonstrate how you used metrics, segmentation, targeting, or other data techniques to make a difference.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
For work you’ve done, that demonstrates a movement in rankings in SERPs across a target keyword list, an increase in natural search traffic, and an increase in revenue (if applicable) over the campaign period.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
Your entry should demonstrate the use of at least three types of media. At least one of these should be digital while the others can be more traditional channels.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
This is for the most interesting and effective uses of paid media. Show us the work and the results that it generated.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
Any paid search activity you’ve undertaken that demonstrates a great strategy to meet client’s objectives and campaign KPIs.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
This is for your digital communication strategies only. If you want to impress us with a strategy that includes traditional communication, you need to enter the Integrated Marketing Campaign category.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
Share your best virtual or augmented experiences with us. Tell us why your entry is so good in terms of impact, quality and results.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.
Description
We want to see how you’ve used of AI/Machine Learning in a campaign or strategy. Make sure you clearly demonstrate how it affected your overall results.
Criteria
Judges will review entries based on the following criteria: Innovation/creativity, clear strategic thinking, effectiveness, and tangible results. In your main entry report, you should use the following structure: Objectives, Strategy, Results and address any specific key points stated in the category description above. Testimonials are encouraged
Entries must have been live to market at some point between August 2021 and August 2022. Entries do not have to be created within this timescale.