CMDC YA FUTURE IMPACT AWARDS
NOMINATIONS
CLOSE October 7.

It’s that time again to recognize the game-changers, the status-quo shakers, and the rising stars shaping the future of Canadian media.

The CMDC YA Future Impact Awards 2026 are back spotlighting emerging talent across the media industry. Whether they’re pitching like pros, mentoring with impact, or driving results that matter, we want to hear about them.

Nominate here →

2026

Award Categories

Nominate Your Impact Candidate Today

Nominations are welcome for individuals with five years or less of experience (excluding Media Leader of the Year and Mentor of the Year). Submissions are complimentary and open to all media agencies, marketers, and partners

Notable Newcomer of the Year

Celebrating a remarkable newcomer who has made a significant mark in their first two years in the media industry. This individual demonstrates exceptional strategic thinking and media execution, proving that impact is not measured by tenure.
Sponsored by:
Strategic Retail Media Partner Of the YEAR

Recognizes the agency partner that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to retail media through strategic partnership, innovation, and measurable business impact.
Sponsored by:
VIDEO CHAMPION of the Year

Recognizing an agency or brand young professional who champions the power of video, with a particular emphasis on YouTube advertising, organic and creator strategy, inside and outside their organization. These are the people who understand video's role as an essential piece of the media plan - from paid strategy to organic and creator partnerships—and who open the door for others to see the power behind video and unlock its full storytelling potential.
Sponsored by:
Innovator of the Year

Honouring free-thinking individuals who challenge norms and drive change through bold ideas and technology. This award recognizes those who disrupt the status quo with innovative strategies, processes, or tools that achieve powerful results.
Sponsored by:
Young Marketer of the Year

Rising marketer who blends creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking to elevate their brand. This individual stands out for building strong partnerships with media agencies to co-create impactful, innovative solutions that drive brand results. Nominee must work client-side.
Sponsored by:
Emerging Women in Technology & Media of the year

Celebrating trailblazing women who harness data and technology to drive transformative impact. From strategy to process improvement, these rising stars showcase how tech innovation unlocks growth and empowers others.
Sponsored by:
Media Entertainer of the Year

Honouring those who use creativity and imagination to captivate audiences. With an instinct for entertainment and digital content creation, this individual leaves a lasting impact across media platforms and cultural moments.
Sponsored by:
Collaborator of the Year

Awarded to an individual who embodies the power of partnership. This collaborator drives standout OOH media solutions through teamwork, achieving impactful business results together with partners or clients.
Sponsored by:
Insight to Impact of the Year

This Snapchat generation award Insight to Impact honours a rising star who turns Gen Z’s real-time culture into strategy and business results - mixing authenticity, the power of connection and innovation to move hearts and carts.
Sponsored by:
Media Leader of the Year

Recognizing senior leaders in the media industry who set the standard for excellence. These individuals drive impact at the agency or departmental level, demonstrating unwavering dedication to clients, staff, and industry growth. (Nominees must be in a leadership role.)
Sponsored by:
Local Media Champion of the Year

A true advocate for Canadian media, this individual works to support and strengthen Canada’s media ecosystem and demonstrates unwavering commitment to supporting trusted local voices.
Sponsored by:
Mentor of the Year

Recognizing those who go above and beyond to nurture and empower others. These mentors share their expertise generously, inspire confidence, and shape the next generation of media talent.
Sponsored by:
AI Changemaker of the Year

Recognizing next-generation talent who are championing AI adoption, acceleration, and experimentation to push the boundaries of what’s possible in media.
Sponsored by:
Community Catalyst of the Year

Recognizing a rising media professional who turns authentic conversations and community knowledge into meaningful media strategies. This individual creates work that builds trust, strengthens human connection and delivers measurable impact for brands and audiences.
Sponsored by: