The Drum Commerce Media Awards are global and open to anyone delivering innovative work across the commerce media landscape, whether you’re leading strategy, crafting creative, building platforms, or driving measurable results. We welcome entries from:

Brands & Advertisers – From global CPG and FMCG leaders to emerging DTC challengers, if you’re using commerce media to engage shoppers, influence purchase, or grow your business, this is your space to showcase results.

Agencies – Media, advertising, creative, shopper marketing, and commerce specialists driving performance, innovation, or breakthrough ideas for clients.

Commerce Media Networks & Retailers – From global retail platforms to regional networks, highlight your innovations, evolution, and measurable outcomes in commerce media.

Tech & Ad Platforms – DSPs, retail media tech, analytics, AI tools, or attribution platforms enabling the commerce media ecosystem.

If you’re helping shape the world’s fastest-growing media channel - these awards are for you.

Early-bird deadline:  $595 + sales tax (if applicable)
Official deadline:  $695 + sales tax (if applicable)
Extended deadline : $795 + sales tax (if applicable)

Early-bird deadline:  Thursday, January 8, 2025
Official deadline:   Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Extended deadline : Wednesday, February 25, 2026

This is a hard deadline so please ensure that all your work is submitted by then. The preferred method of payment is by card online via the website. Only if you are unable to complete payment by card, can you request an invoice by contacting the Award Experts. This will then be required to be paid by the April judging date.

We’ll announce the nominees on Thursday, March 26 2026 at 12pm ET, here on the site and entrants will also receive an email. Then get ready because on Monday, April 27, 2026, we’re bringing the inaugural Commerce Media Awards to life with an unforgettable evening in Miami. One of America’s most vibrant, dynamic cities will set the stage for a night of energy, inspiration, and industry stars.

The exact venue will be revealed soon but trust us, it’s going to be special. Ticket sales are opening soon so watch this space and save the Awards date!

To find out exactly how to enter, you can follow this handy guide.

Yes, if you save your entries as you go then you will be able to edit them up until the official entry deadline, via your entry dashboard.

You can pay via credit/debit/AMEX card on our website once your entries have been submitted.

Payments must be received by the entry deadline to qualify for judging.

Yes, you will be able to edit your entries up until the official deadline.

To edit your entries log on to your 'Dashboard' > 'Awards' > 'Nominations' and edit.

Your work will take centre stage on thedrum.com, the world's second-largest marketing site.

Your success will be celebrated through extensive editorial coverage, including case studies and interviews. Plus, you'll be featured in our annual Awards Report, a must-read for major global brands.

Your entry not only positions you for victory but also elevates your standing in the industry's definitive guide—The World Creative Rankings.

Your work is not just a submission; it's a guaranteed showcase for the top decision-makers at the best brands. Who knows? Your next big client might be among them.

Gain exposure for your team to get the recognition they deserve.

For the inaugural year of the Commerce Media Awards, entries are eligible if the work was launched or active between 1 January 2025 and March 2026.

This extended window has been introduced to reflect the launch of the awards and ensure we recognise the most impactful and innovative work to date. From 2027 onwards, the eligibility period will return to a standard 12-month cycle (March-March)

All entries submitted must be legal. Any entries containing offensive material will be disqualified. Any entry that has a complaint upheld against it by the Advertising Standards Authority will be disqualified.

The judges reserve the right to re-allocate entries that in their view are entered in an incorrect category. The judges also reserve the right to remove categories where entries do not meet the standard for nomination.

These entries will not be refunded as they will have been judged accordingly.

For a full understanding of our Terms and Conditions, find them here.

Entries will be judged objectively on their own merit, regardless of budget, project size, or resource scale, ensuring fairness for all.

Judges evaluate submissions across three equally weighted criteria: Planning, Execution, and Results.

The jury will be looking for evidence of:
- Clear strategic thinking - insight, rationale, and innovative approaches to commerce media challenges.
- Creative excellence - originality, inventive use of media, and ideas that push the category forward.
- Tangible outcomes and effectiveness - measurable business outcomes, incremental lift, and proof of success.

After pre-judging, the jury meets to discuss entries and award Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners. Judges may move entries to a more appropriate category if needed.

Not all categories are guaranteed winners; awards are only given where entries meet the judges’ standards for quality, innovation, and impact.

After the final deadline, the judging panel will sign an NDA before they are given access to read your submission and view your images, videos, and links. By entering these awards, you give the organizers the right to publish/exhibit screen grabs and/or submitted reports. If you wish to upload a modified/less commercially sensitive version for publishing purposes, please do so on the entry upload form under the "publication" section.

Sure! You can nominate yourself, a colleague, or a client by completing this form with your details, and a member of The Drum team will be in touch should there be an opportunity to move forward.

Please keep in mind that the judging panels are comprised strictly of individuals from the world's biggest brands. 

We welcome applications from all. More information regarding the criteria can be found on the application form.

Please note that we cannot guarantee judges' feedback on individual entries, however, if you would like a better understanding of the process, get in touch via our live chat  or email where you can speak with a member of The Drum team.