FAQs

What is Next Of The Best?

Next of the Best is Mediaweek’s annual awards recognising the leaders shaping Australia’s media, marketing and technology ecosystem.

The awards celebrate individuals delivering real impact across brands, agencies, publishers, platforms and creative organisations.

Next of the Best recognises leadership in motion – the people trusted with outcomes across the industry today.

Who can enter?

Entries are open to individuals working across Australia’s media, marketing and communications ecosystem.

This includes professionals working across brands, agencies, publishers, platforms, retail media networks, technology companies and creative organisations.

If you are leading work, shaping outcomes or influencing decisions within your organisation, these awards are designed for you.

What is the eligibility period?

Entries should focus on leadership and work delivered between March 2025 and March 2026.

Where relevant, entrants may reference earlier work for context, but submissions should primarily reflect achievements within the eligibility window.

Where can I view the category criteria?

You can find the full criteria and submission questions for each of the categories here

Read the criteria

I entered last year and my category has changed. What should I do?

The award categories have been updated to better reflect how the industry operates today.

Please review the updated category criteria to find the most relevant category for your entry. If you are unsure, contact our team and we will be happy to help.

If your still not sure get in touch with us.

Can I nominate myself or someone else?

Yes. You can submit an entry for yourself or nominate a colleague, employee or industry peer.

Is there an entry fee?

No. Entries to the Next of the Best Awards are free to submit.

Can I enter more than one category?

Yes. You may submit entries across multiple categories provided the submission meets the criteria for each category.

Each entry should be tailored to the specific category.

How long does it take to submit an entry?

Most submissions take approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.

You can save your entry and return to finish it at any time.

Do I need to disclose confidential commercial data?

No. Entries do not require the disclosure of confidential information.

Where appropriate, results may be expressed as percentages, ranges or directional growth.

How are winners selected?

Entries are reviewed by a panel of respected industry leaders with expertise across media, marketing, technology and communications.

Judges assess submissions based on leadership, strategic thinking, measurable impact and contribution to the industry.

Who are the judges?

The judging panel consists of senior industry leaders from across brands, agencies, publishers and technology platforms.

Judges will be announced closer to the awards.

How can I buy tickets?

Tickets and tables for the Next of the Best Awards can be purchased here.

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket includes access to the awards ceremony, networking opportunities with industry leaders, a seated dinner with drinks and the official after-party.

Can I bring a guest?

Yes. Additional tickets and tables can be purchased for colleagues or guests.

Will there be assigned seating?

Guests will be seated at allocated tables during the awards ceremony.

Can my company sponsor Next of the Best?

Yes. Sponsorship opportunities are available for brands seeking to align with the leaders shaping the future of media and marketing.

For sponsorship enquiries please contact:

Andrew Mulready
[email protected] for details.

For any additional questions, reach out to us at: [email protected]