AiMCO Awards go bigger with 36-category 2026 program

Entries have opened for the 2026 AiMCO Awards, with the program expanding to 36 categories and moving to a larger Sydney venue.

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The awards ceremony will take place at The Roundhouse on 25 February 2027. It marks the sixth year of the national influencer marketing awards.

More than 255 entries were submitted last year, the largest field in the program’s history. The ceremony also attracted more than 350 guests.

What is new for the 2026 AiMCO Awards?

The 2026 program covers three streams: 15 Creator categories, 10 Brand categories and 11 Industry categories.

Best Independent Talent and Unsung Hero are free to enter. Other categories recognise creator-led businesses, long-term brand partnerships, campaign effectiveness, data use, technology and talent management.

The AiMCO Most Influential Award will be selected from the Brand category winners and judged by marketers. The People’s Choice Award will be open to every shortlisted creator, with the winner decided by a public vote.

Independent judging panel

Each submission will be assessed by an independent panel of senior practitioners. Judges will come from brands, agencies, talent management businesses and the creator community.

In recent years, the panel has included more than 90 independent judges.

Patrick Whitnall, managing director of the Australian Influencer Marketing Council, said the expanded program reflected the sector’s growth.

“The 36 category-strong awards list demonstrates just how much the industry has grown and established itself as a recognised and effective form of marketing.

“Creators are building long-term brand partnerships and businesses of their own, and brands and agencies are delivering integrated, data-led influencer campaigns that stand up against any other channel. The AiMCO Awards exist to recognise that work and to set the benchmark for what great influencer marketing looks like in this country.”

Whitnall said the move to The Roundhouse would allow more of the industry to attend the ceremony.

“Last year was our biggest yet, and an industry growing this quickly deserves a night that matches it. The Roundhouse gives us the space to bring the whole industry together in one room.”

Key entry and event dates

• Early bird entries close: 17 September 2026
• Standard entries close: 1 October 2026
• Early bird ticket sales close: 4pm, 27 November 2026
• Awards ceremony: 25 February 2027

Entries are open to AiMCO members and non-members. Submissions must cover work completed during the past 12 months and are lodged through the AiMCO Awards entry portal.

Tickets for the awards ceremony are also on sale.