Introduction
Marketing in Canada has never been more dynamic, competitive, or creative — and the Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026 exists to celebrate exactly that. The CMA Awards is the gold standard for recognizing outstanding marketing work across the country, bringing together the brightest minds, boldest campaigns, and most innovative strategies under one roof.
For decades, the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) has served as the voice of the marketing profession in Canada, championing best practices, professional development, and industry standards. The annual CMA Awards is the highlight of that mission — a moment where the entire marketing community comes together to honor work that truly moves the needle.
Whether you are a seasoned marketing executive, a creative agency, or an emerging brand looking to make your mark, the Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026 offers a platform to showcase your achievements, gain national recognition, and connect with peers who share your passion for marketing excellence. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this year’s awards — from key dates and new categories to how you can enter.
What Are the Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026?
Every year, the CMA Awards showcase features the winners of this competition – the marketing experts who have managed to raise the bar and make award-winning campaigns in their field(s).. The awards span a wide range of marketing disciplines, recognizing both creative work and strategic thinking across Canada.
The Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026 is open to brands, agencies, and individual marketers who want their work evaluated by some of the most respected names in the Canadian marketing industry. It is not just about winning — it is about being part of a community that pushes the standard of marketing higher every single year.
Who Are the 2026 CMA Awards Co-Chairs?
The Canadian Marketing Association announced the co-chairs for this year’s CMA Awards: Nuno Bamberg, Senior Vice-President of Brand and Marketing at Sleep Country Canada Inc., and Nancy Crimi-Lamanna, Chief Creative Officer at TBWA\Canada. Both bring immense industry expertise to lead this year’s celebration of marketing excellence.
Bamberg is a business builder and brand strategist who has reshaped some of Canada’s well-known brands through his entrepreneurial vision and mindset. In his role at Sleep Country Canada, he oversees the company’s full multi-brand portfolio, focusing on building an insight-led, modern marketing engine that strengthens customer connection and supports long-term growth.
Together, these two industry leaders bring a powerful combination of brand strategy and creative excellence to the 2026 judging process — ensuring entries are evaluated with the highest level of expertise and fairness.
New Award Categories at the Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026
One of the most exciting developments this year is the expansion of the awards program. The CMA has introduced four new categories reflecting the current industry landscape. This signals the CMA’s commitment to keeping pace with how modern marketing is evolving — from data-driven digital campaigns to emerging channels and platforms.
Among the notable new additions is The Trade Desk Award. This award celebrates the Canadian brands that best harnessed the power of digital advertising across the open internet — including websites, streaming platforms, and apps. It recognizes campaigns where smart strategy, data-driven insight, and compelling creative come together through open, accountable, and brand-safe environments.
The addition of these new categories makes the Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026 more inclusive and representative of the full breadth of today’s marketing landscape than ever before.
Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026: Key Dates
Missing a deadline means missing your chance. Here is a complete breakdown of all the important dates for the Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026:
| Milestone | Deadline |
| Early Bird Pricing (Members & Non-Members) | April 27 – June 11, 2026 @ 1 PM ET |
| Judge Application Deadline | June 11, 2026 @ 1 PM ET |
| Regular Award Entries Final Deadline | July 17, 2026 @ 1 PM ET |
| Deadline for Special Awards | August 6, 2026 @ 1 PM ET |
| Deadline for Premiere Awards | September 1, 2026 @ 1 PM ET |
| Final Submission Deadline (with extension) | July 21, 2026 @ 5 PM ET |
| CMA Awards Gala | November 13, 2026 |
Mark these dates in your calendar now to avoid missing out on early bird savings and submission windows.
Where Is the Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026 Being Held?
The 2026 Canadian Marketing Association Awards Ceremony will take place in Toronto at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel on November 13, 2026.. The Westin Harbour Castle is one of Toronto’s most iconic waterfront venues, making it a fitting backdrop for Canada’s premier marketing awards gala.
Giving Back: CMA Awards 2026 and the NABS Initiative
The Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026 goes beyond recognition — it is also about supporting the people behind the marketing industry. $10 from each signature award entry will go towards a donation to the National Advertising Benevolence Society (NABS), supporting people in the Canadian marketing community with wellness and career support.
This means that simply by entering, you are contributing to the mental health and career wellbeing of your fellow marketing professionals across Canada.
How to Enter the Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026
Getting started is straightforward. Entries are now open and can be submitted at the CMA awards platform. Early bird pricing is available until June 11 @ 1 PM ET.
Entrants should also be aware of compliance requirements. As a condition of eligibility, submitted work must comply with all applicable laws, including Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and provincial privacy legislation.
Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your entry:
- Enter early to take advantage of discounted early bird pricing before June 11.
- Review all categories carefully — with four new additions in 2026, there may be a better fit for your campaign than previous years.
- Ensure compliance with PIPEDA and privacy laws before submitting.
- Consider entering multiple categories to maximize your chances of recognition.
- Visit thecma.ca for the full list of categories, judging criteria, and submission guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026 ceremony? A: The awards gala takes place on November 13, 2026, at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto.
Q: When is the entry deadline for the CMA Awards 2026? A: The final submission deadline is July 21, 2026 @ 5 PM ET. Early bird pricing closes June 11, 2026.
Q: Are there new categories at the CMA Awards 2026? A: Yes. Four new award categories have been introduced this year, including The Trade Desk Award for digital advertising excellence.
Q: Can non-CMA members enter the awards? A: Yes, non-members can enter. However, CMA members benefit from discounted pricing at various entry stages.
Q: How do I apply to be a judge? A: Judge applications are open with a deadline of June 11, 2026 @ 1 PM ET. Applications can be submitted through the official CMA website.
Conclusion
The Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026 is more than just an awards show — it is a reflection of the creativity, strategy, and innovation driving Canadian marketing forward. With four new categories added to the lineup, two accomplished co-chairs at the helm, and a ceremony set at one of Toronto’s premier venues, this year’s edition promises to be bigger and more meaningful than ever.
For marketing professionals, agencies, and brands, entering the CMA Awards is a powerful way to benchmark your work against the best in the industry, gain national recognition, and contribute to a community that values excellence. With entry deadlines running through July 2026 and the gala set for November 13, now is the time to gather your best campaigns and make your mark.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of Canada’s premier marketing celebration. Visit thecma.ca to submit your entry and stay up to date on all things Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2026.