CMDC YA FUTURE IMPACT AWARDS 2025
NOMINATIONS OPEN OCTOBER 1ST.
CLOSE NOVEMBER 3rd.
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 2025 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 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
2025
Award Categories
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Notable Newcomer <br>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.
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Innovator <br>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.
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Young Marketer <br>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. They exemplify the future of client-side leadership through collaboration and bold ideas. (Nominee must work client-side.)
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Emerging Women in Technology & Media
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.
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Media Entertainer <br>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.
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AI Changemaker <br>of the Year
Recognizing next-generation talent who is championing AI adoption, acceleration, and experimentation to push the boundaries of what’s possible in media.
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Collaborator <br>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.
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Gen Z Culture & Commerce of the Year
Celebrating a rising star who translates Gen Z culture into strategy and results. By blending authenticity, creativity, and innovation—like AR experimentation—they connect brands with the next generation in meaningful ways.
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Media Leader <br>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.)
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Media Buyer <br>of the Year
Honouring an investment trailblazer who balances innovation and strategy to deliver purpose-driven results. Their work exemplifies the power of media buying to spark partnerships, capture audiences, and move business forward.
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Local Media Champion <br>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.
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Positive Trendsetter <br>of the Year
Recognizing those who shape a more positive digital ecosystem. By leveraging trends to create safe, inclusive online spaces, this individual leads with purpose and inspires change in the media industry.
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Mentor <br>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.
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Performance Driver <br>of the Year
Recognizing individuals who deliver measurable business impact. From media optimization to campaign effectiveness, these talents drive performance that elevates both clients and the industry.
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