ADWEEK Opens Submissions for 2026 Tech Stack Awards
The 2026 ADWEEK Tech Stack Awards are now officially accepting entries, inviting global participation from innovators in advertising and marketing technology. This prestigious annual event honors the most impactful products and platforms driving the industry forward, from audience targeting tools to groundbreaking martech innovations.
ADWEEK’s Tech Stack Awards shine a spotlight on companies transforming the way brands connect with customers. Past winners include major players like Hubspot, Microsoft Advertising, Snap Inc., and Vimeo, setting high standards for excellence in the field.
Global Entries Welcomed Across 25 Categories
Organizations from around the world are encouraged to submit their entries across 25 distinct categories by May 8, 2026. However, returning participants should note that a company cannot be awarded in the same category two years in a row.
The wide-ranging categories span both product/platform and company-level recognitions, reflecting the diverse ecosystem of ad tech and martech innovation.
Key Product and Platform Categories
Addressable Identity honors privacy-first solutions advancing cookieless targeting and identity resolution. Platforms in this category showcase tech like encrypted data frameworks and clean rooms that enable personalized marketing at scale.
Agentic AI celebrates autonomous technologies capable of planning and executing marketing strategies with minimal human oversight.
AR/VR platforms that deliver immersive storytelling across sectors such as retail and entertainment are also recognized for tangible results in engagement and conversions.
B2B Marketing entries highlight tools that help businesses connect with professional audiences more effectively.
Buy-Side Programmatic platforms are judged on efficiency, transparency, and campaign performance, enabling smarter media buying strategies.
Cloud Platforms that enhance scalability, integration, and performance for marketers are honored for enabling agility and cost-effectiveness.
Commerce solutions that power shoppable media, checkout experiences, and SKU optimization are evaluated based on their impact on sales and conversions.
Creative Tech platforms that automate asset creation while maintaining creativity are showcased through real-world brand use cases.
Creator Marketing entries must demonstrate innovation in influencer marketing workflows, from discovery to ROI analytics.
CRM Platforms that optimize customer journeys through automation, targeting, and conversion improvements are also eligible.
CTV/OTT tools demonstrate how brands reach high-value audiences via connected TV and streaming platforms with measurable impact.
Data/Analytics platforms are celebrated for turning complex data into actionable insights that drive business performance.
Gaming category entries must show how they innovate brand engagement through gaming environments, from in-game ads to creator integrations.
Generative AI tools that facilitate large-scale content creation, including text, image, and video, are also included.
Marketing Measurement platforms are recognized for cracking marketing ROI through methods like multi-touch attribution and incrementality.
Mobile platforms that enhance app UX, monetization, or advertising formats for user acquisition and retention are eligible.
Podcast/Audio tools must show success in creation, distribution, and monetization of audio content.
Search solutions are judged on their ability to enhance SEO, SEM, or AI-driven discovery experiences.
Sell-Side Programmatic honors platforms that help publishers optimize yield and transparency.
Social Media Marketing entries must demonstrate how their tools have transformed client or internal strategies with measurable success.
Company-Level Recognition
The awards also include top honors in several company categories:
- Top Ad Tech Company
- Top AI Company
- Top Creative Tech Company
- Top Measurement/Analytics Company
- Top Streaming/Media Company
Important Dates and Fees
Participants should be aware of the following deadlines and entry fees:
- Early Entry Deadline: March 6, 2026 – $175 USD
- Regular Deadline: April 10, 2026 – $225 USD
- Final Deadline: May 8, 2026 – $295 USD
Winners will be announced in the August 2026 issue of ADWEEK, both in print and online, as well as across social media platforms on August 4, 2026.
For inquiries or extension requests, participants can contact: awards@adweek.com.
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