The independent agency world — news, work, people and thinking.
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.
Or email directly: zanger@indieagency.news