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Building on the incredible energy of our breakout debut, the Campaign In-House Agency Awards return for 2026. Last year revealed the passion of this community; now, we’re back to celebrate the personal stories and "people-first" spirit that define the in-house sector. This isn't just a ceremony; it’s a reunion for the visionary teams who are redefining the global marketing landscape from the inside out.

The in-house agency has evolved into a creative powerhouse, and now is the time to claim the prestige you've earned. Backed by the authority of Campaign, a win serves as the ultimate endorsement from the industry’s most respected voice. It provides the high-level C-suite validation you need to cement your influence and proves to the wider world that your team is a world-class strategic leader.

First Entry Deadline: Thursday 21 May 2026

WORK

Marketing Effectiveness

This category celebrates the marketing effectiveness of a campaign which was devised by an in-house agency and delivered brand or commercial success. Entrants must clearly demonstrate how the in-house agency played a leading role in the ideation and development of the campaign. Entrants should use the brand’s own business results to show how the strategy delivered on effectiveness with demonstrable results. It may be helpful to include, when relevant, how the in-house agency worked in partnership with any third parties such as an external agency to deliver the campaign.

Creative Excellence

This category celebrates the creative excellence of a single campaign which was devised by an in-house agency and delivered brand or commercial success. Entrants must clearly demonstrate how the in-house agency played the lead role in the ideation and development of the campaign. While the judges will be looking primarily at the originality and quality of the creative output, they will also consider how the campaign achieved business outcomes for the brand with demonstrable results. It may be helpful to include, when relevant, how the in-house agency worked in partnership with any third parties such as an external agency to deliver the campaign.

Social & Creator Creative Excellence

This category celebrates the creative excellence of a social media or creator-led campaign which was devised by an in-house agency and delivered brand or commercial success. Entrants must clearly demonstrate how the in-house agency played the lead role and why social media and/or an online creator/influencer was at the heart of the campaign. While the judges will be looking primarily at the originality and quality of the creative output, they will also consider how the campaign achieved business outcomes for the brand with demonstrable results. It may be helpful to include, when relevant, how the in-house agency worked in partnership with any third parties such as a social media platform, a creator/influencer or an external agency to deliver the campaign.

Media Excellence

This category celebrates excellence in media planning and buying for a single campaign which was devised by an in-house agency and delivered brand or commercial success. Entrants must clearly demonstrate how the in-house agency played the lead role in the media strategy and the planning and buying of the campaign. The judges will be looking for impactful and innovative use of media channels and data resources. Entrants should use the brand’s own business results to show how the media campaign delivered with demonstrable results. It may be helpful to include, when relevant, how the in-house agency worked in partnership with any third parties such as a media owner or platform or an external agency to deliver the media campaign.

Branded Content Strategy

This category celebrates a branded content strategy which was devised by an in-house agency and delivered brand or commercial success. Entrants must clearly demonstrate how the in-house agency played the lead role in the ideation and development of the branded content strategy. Entrants should use the brand’s own business results to show how the strategy delivered with demonstrable results. It may be helpful to include, when relevant, how the in-house agency worked in partnership with any third parties such as a media owner or platform or an external agency to develop and implement the strategy.

Social Content Strategy

This category celebrates a social content strategy which was devised by an in-house agency and delivered brand or commercial success. Entrants must clearly demonstrate how the in-house agency played the lead role in the ideation and development of the social content strategy. Entrants should use the brand’s own business results to show how the strategy delivered with demonstrable results. It may be helpful to include, when relevant, how the in-house agency worked in partnership with any third parties such as a social media platform, a creator/influencer or an external agency to develop and implement the strategy.

Breakthrough Innovation

This category celebrates an innovation in marketing which was devised by an in-house agency and had a breakthrough or disruptive impact that benefitted the brand’s business. Entrants must clearly demonstrate how the in-house agency played the lead role in the marketing innovation or new product development. The judges will want to understand how and why the in-house agency developed this innovation and how it led to brand or commercial success. Entrants should use the brand’s own business results to show how the innovation delivered with demonstrable results. It may be helpful to include, when relevant, how the in-house agency worked in partnership with any third parties such as a media or technology company or external agency to develop the innovation.

Best Use of Emerging Technology

This category celebrates the best use of emerging technology in marketing by an in-house agency. Entrants must clearly demonstrate how the in-house agency played the lead role in the application of this emerging technology. Such technologies can include but are not limited to artificial intelligence, creative origination and production, data management and media optimisation. The judges will want to understand how and why the in-house agency used this emerging technology and how it led to brand or commercial success. Entrants should use the brand’s own business results to show how the innovation delivered with demonstrable results. It may be helpful to include, when relevant, how the in-house agency worked in partnership with any third parties such as a technology company or external agency to use the emerging technology.

LEADERSHIP & TEAM

In-house Agency Leader

This award celebrates leadership in the in-house agency sector. It is open to any leader or other senior executive who works in a leadership role in a brand’s in-house agency. Such roles can include but are not limited to commercial, strategy, creative, production, media buying and data management. Entries should provide evidence of leadership and growth and the individual’s role in delivering business performance, development of the in-house agency’s culture, ability to drive transformation and contribution to the brand’s wider business.

Best New In-house Agency or Team

This award celebrates a new in-house agency or team that has launched in the last two years. It is open to an in-house agency or team that has started running campaigns for the first time since 1 January 2023.

In-house Agency of the Year

This award celebrates the best in-house agency and is open to any in-house agency or team that is part of a brand’s business.

Dedicated In-House Award

While other awards are for external agencies, this is exclusively for the in-house community in the EMEA region. This singular focus provides a unique and vital platform to benchmark your work and team against your true peers, judged by a panel who understand the specific challenges and triumphs of the in-house model.

A Celebration of In-House Talent and Culture

These Awards are your chance to shine a spotlight on the creativity, commitment, and impact of your in-house team. Recognise their achievements and show the industry just how powerful in-house can be when it's firing on all cylinders.

Powered by the Authority of Campaign

As the flagship awards for this sector from Campaign, a win carries unparalleled weight and credibility. It is an endorsement from the industry's most respected voice, providing powerful validation of your team's work to your C-suite and the wider industry.

Attract and Retain Top Talent

Great talent wants to be part of something great. Showcasing your team's excellence helps attract the brightest minds while reinforcing pride and purpose within your existing team.

Strengthen Your Brand Inside and Out

Winning or even being shortlisted elevates your reputation both internally and externally. It’s a clear signal to stakeholders, clients, and potential recruits that your team delivers world-class work, with results to match.

Prove and Justify Your Value

With growing expectations and tight scrutiny, now’s the time to validate your team’s strategic importance. These Awards provide tangible proof of your impact, helping to secure buy-in, budgets and long-term support.

Joanne Hall

Agency Director, Sainsbury's

"We want to see beautiful, clever, stand out work that has delivered brilliant results. But we also want to see the passion, the heart and the true collaboration that got you there! After all, that's what sets in-house apart from the rest."

"It's fantastic to bring the Campaign In-House Agency Awards back for a second time following its launch in 2025. After recognising a breadth of talent and work from brands' in-house teams last year, Campaign is looking forward to doing the same again in 2026 and with the addition of three new awards. We are introducing categories to celebrate design, copywriting, and work for not-for-profit brands."

- Nicola Merrifield, Premium Content Editor: Campaign UK

The British Red Cross is proud to be partnered with Haymarket Media Group, shaping a better future to help millions prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises across the world. By supporting the British Red Cross Disaster Fund, Haymarket Media Group are providing vital funds needed to reach thousands around the world with essential aid. From hurricanes, floods, conflict, and earthquakes, the British Red Cross is here for humanity. In an emergency, every second counts, and with the help of this partnership, the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement are equipped to mobilise rapidly to support those affected, no matter who they are or where they’re from.

Amy Milham

Event Manager

E: [email protected]

James Butters

Sponsorship Enquiries

E: [email protected]

P: +44 (0)20 8267 8290

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