Top 40 Awards Overview

Sponsor the Top 40 Awards | Indie Agency News

Sponsor the Top 40 Awards

Two shows celebrating the best work, people, and agencies in the indie world.

About the Top 40

The Indie Agency News Top 40 celebrates creative excellence from independent agencies worldwide. Two distinct programs recognize the work and the people who make it happen. Winners are revealed live across five days of livestreams, creating genuine moments of surprise and celebration.

Only independent agencies can enter — no holding companies, no networks. From solo shops to 500+ person indies, this is your show.

Category-Driven Judging

Work is judged within categories first, then the best compete for overall Top 40 placement.

Live Reveals

Five days of livestreams counting down from 40 to 1, with commentary and reactions.

Recognition for All

Every entry receives either a Top 40 placement or an Award of Merit.

2026 Shows

Two programs. Same mission. Celebrate indies.

Top 40: Classic

The Work • February – June 2026

Creative excellence across every discipline. 10 categories showcase the breadth of indie creativity. We list the top 10 in each category, with the top four advancing to the Top 40.

Categories 10
Entries Open February 2, 2026
Livestream Reveals June 1–5, 2026
View Classic Sponsorships →

Top 40: People, Agencies + Hall of Fame

The Humans • July – October 2026

Celebrating the people who make indie agencies special, the shops doing exceptional work, inducting legends into the Indie Hall of Fame, and yes — Pet of the Year.

Categories 4
Entries Open After July 4, 2026
Livestream Reveals October 2026
Coming Soon

Sponsorship Opportunities

Same structure for both shows. Pick what fits your brand.

Title Sponsor

$15,000
1 per show

Category Sponsor

$5,000
10 for Classic • 4 for People

Livestream Sponsor

$5,000/day
5 per show (or $15K for all)

Winners Report

$15,000
Classic only

See individual show pages for full details on what each sponsorship includes.

In-Person Celebrations

We're planning celebration events in the cities with the most winners. Sponsorship opportunities for these will be announced after we determine winners and locations for each show.

The Audience

Who you're reaching.

215+

Indie Agency Members

70%

Agency Decision-Makers

8,000

LinkedIn Followers

55%

Email Open Rate

6.89%

LinkedIn Engagement

2026 Calendar

The full year at a glance.

Date Milestone Show
February 2 Entries Open Classic
April 3 Early Deadline Classic
April 24 Main Deadline Classic
May 1 Final Deadline Classic
May 18 Top 40 Finalists Announced Classic
June 1–5 Livestream Reveals (40 → 1) Classic
After July 4 Entries Open People
October 2026 Livestream Reveals (40 → 1) People

Interested?

Let's talk about what makes sense for your brand.

Get in Touch

Or email directly: za****@*********cy.news