IMAA – Independent Media Agencies Australia has opened applications for its 2026 Pitch-Chella program, with emerging indie agency talent set to develop campaign ideas for You Can Sit With Me.
Now in its third year, Pitch-Chella gives up-and-coming talent across IMAA member agencies the chance to sharpen their pitching skills while working with peers from across the independent media agency sector.
The program has attracted nearly 170 participants since launch, representing independent media agencies from across the country.
A brief for You Can Sit With Me
This year’s participants will prepare a written brief for You Can Sit With Me, an Australian anti-bullying charity focused on kindness, belonging and inclusion in schools.
The charity works to empower children to combat loneliness by fostering friendships among their peers. Its work includes public advocacy, educational programs, literacy support to close the reading gap, and “safe spaces” initiatives outside school, on the playground, and in the classroom.
Sophie Sparks, Founder and CEO of You Can Sit With Me, said the charity was grateful to be part of the program.
“At You Can Sit With Me, we believe kindness and inclusion can genuinely change lives, and having the support of the IMAA community helps us continue creating safe spaces where every child feels seen, valued and connected. We can’t wait to see the inspiring ideas that come from this collaboration.”
How the program works
Teams will prepare written submissions for You Can Sit With Me, which will be assessed across several criteria.
These include industry relevance, ability to address the objective and problem, insight and strategy, and idea and execution.
The top eight teams will then be selected to deliver a live pitch before a judging panel.
Judges include Audience360 Managing Director Jenny Parkes, TrinityP3 Business Director and Global Media Lead Stephen Wright, Orand Founder Adam Hickey, and Sophie Sparks, Founder and CEO of You Can Sit With Me.
Winners will be announced at an award ceremony at Sydney’s Beresford Hotel on Thursday, July 30.
Sponsors and steering committee
The 2026 Pitch-Chella program is supported by gold sponsor Audience360 and supporting sponsors Are Media, Channel Factory, News Australia, Meta, Microsoft Advertising, Snapchat and Taboola.
This year’s initiative is being led by a steering committee of independent agency leaders, including Lisa Blackshaw from Co.gency and Taylor Fielding from TFM Digital, alongside the IMAA team.
Taylor Fielding on indie talent
IMAA Pitch-Chella Steering Committee member and TFM Digital CEO Fielding said the program provides emerging professionals with a platform to collaborate and develop pitching skills.
“Pitch-Chella is all about showcasing the incredible talent we have within Australia’s indie agency sector. It offers a dynamic platform for budding professionals to team up, enhance their pitching skills, and share knowledge, while also providing support to our nominated charity.
“Every year, we continue to be impressed by the calibre of submissions and ideas from our emerging industry talent. They have demonstrated fresh perspectives and bold ideas well beyond their experience; it just shows that the future of the industry is in good hands.”
Lisa Blackshaw on what judges want
IMAA Pitch-Chella Steering Committee member, Leadership Team member and Co.gency Senior Account ManagerBlackshaw said this year’s participants are being encouraged to push their thinking.
“This year, we’re looking for participants to wow us with their submissions – to create work that challenges us, that excites us, and that inspires us.
“We want teams to be innovative with their cross-channel thinking, from traditional and digital media to unexpected activations and social-led storytelling. We can’t wait to see what they come up with.”
Key dates
Pitch-Chella is open to IMAA agency members with 5 years or less of industry experience.
Applications for the 2026 program close on Wednesday, May 20.
Finalists will be announced on Friday, June 26, with virtual pitches taking place on Tuesday, July 14.
Top Image: IMAA