Indie Agency News Top 40 Awards
A global creativity program celebrating indie agency excellence
No Categories. Just Great Indie Work.About the Indie Agency News Top 40
The Indie Agency News Top 40 takes a different approach to recognizing great work. Instead of traditional categories, we count down the 40 best pieces of work from indie agencies worldwide. Winners don’t know their placement until we reveal it live, creating genuine moments of surprise and celebration.
How It’s Different
No categories means no politics. Work is judged on merit, creativity, and impact – not which box it fits into.
Who Can Enter
Any independent agency not owned by holding companies or networks. From solo shops to 500+ person indies.
Recognition for All
Every entry receives either a Top 40 placement or an Award of Merit, plus assets to promote their achievement.
The Experience
Easy Entry
Simple submission process. Great work speaks for itself without lengthy entry forms.
Live Countdown
Five livestreams revealing places 40-4 with commentary, reactions, and insights.
Local Celebrations
Top 3 winners revealed at events in their home markets with their peers.
2025-2026 Show Lineup
Weirdos, Misfits + Underdogs
2025
Celebrating the people who make indie agencies special. Their different perspectives on business, creativity, and culture. Plus Hall of Fame nominations.
2026: May 4 – Oct 2
Pet of the Year
2025
The beloved people’s choice award celebrating the furry, feathered, and scaled heroes of agency life. Public voting determines the winners.
2026: July 1 – Oct 23
Classic
2025
Creative excellence across every medium. No categories, no boxes – just the 40 best pieces of work from indies worldwide. All work welcome.
2026: Sept 14 – Dec 11
Design + Craft
2026
Celebrating how indies value craft alongside design. From large-scale rebrands to intimate details that matter. The thinking, the making, and everything in between.
2027: Jan 12 – Apr 23
What Partners Get (Per Show)
Brand Visibility
- Logo on that show’s award pages for one year
- Featured in 40-45 winner posts for that show
- Bottom third of that show’s videos
- Weekly newsletter placement during show period
- That show’s Winners Report sponsorship
Your Message
- Live reads during that show’s five countdowns
- 15-word sponsor message for that show
- Social media messaging for that show
- Newsletter mentions during show period
- That show’s Winners Report messaging
Engagement
- Two LinkedIn posts weekly during show
- One post per winner for that show
- Host your own webinar about that show
- 10 entries to distribute for that show
- Lead generation through that show’s Winners Report
Each show partnership is exclusive – only one partner per show
Investment Value
Lead Generation Opportunity
Connect with agencies seeking solutions
Exclusive Winners Report
We transform our livestream commentary into an Exclusive Winners Report featuring insights, trends, and judge commentary. Non-members can opt-in to download, providing you with contacts actively interested in indie agency insights.
- Features all 40 winners with campaign insights
- Includes trends and commentary from livestreams
- Sponsored by your brand with messaging throughout
- Simple opt-in form for lead capture
- Typical conversion rates of 30-40% from non-members
Investment Options
Digital Package
All the digital glory
Per show • 20% multi-show discount
- Complete digital integration
- Five livestream integrations
- Social media domination (56-60 posts)
- Newsletter inclusion (12-13 issues)
- Exclusive Winners Report sponsorship
- One sponsored webinar/show
- 10 award entries to share
Digital + Live
The full indie experience
Per show • 20% multi-show discount
- Everything digital PLUS…
- Logo at all live events
- Interactive banners with QR codes
- Live event announcements
- Food & beverage sponsorship
- Additional posts for each live event city
- Direct access to event attendees
The Reach
Partner with Us!
Support indie agency creativity while connecting with decision-makers across the industry.
Get Started