Applications Now Open
The PR Net Next Gen Awards return for 2027, the annual international program celebrating the new thinkers, innovators, and groundbreakers across marketing and communications who are shaping the future of the industry.
The awards recognize the achievements of newly emerged agencies, compiling a definitive list of younger firms changing the game. The Next Gen Awards highlight agencies that foster a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and creativity through sharp and impactful campaigns, strong client portfolios, and new approaches to running a business.
Applications are assessed by an independent committee of senior industry leaders on how each agency has grown, created impact, and contributed to the marketing and communications industries. Up for grabs are Next Gen Agency of the Year and a range of category and campaign awards. Honorees will be announced in February 2027 and celebrated at a cocktail event in New York City.
Applications Open
Thursday, October 15th
10:00 AM ET
Application Deadline
Friday, November 20th
6:00 PM ET
The 2027 Judging Committee
A panel of senior brand, marketing, and communications leaders
Shari Ajayi, Vice President, PR, Saatva · Paige Cali, Vice President, Eyewear Communications Americas, Marcolin and Marchon · Jennifer Diaz-Alzuri, Vice President, Marketing Communications, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau · Brenae Leary, Director, Communications, Yelp · Amanda Marcus, Director of Marketing, LDV Hospitality · Samara Mormar, Chief Marketing Officer, HUNTER · Meredith Paley, SVP of PR, Talbots, Ann Taylor, LOFT · Ellie Whiteford, SVP Marketing, Madewell · Amanda Williams, Senior Manager, Global Brand Communications, Luxury & Branded Residential, Hilton
Apply for The Next Gen Awards
Open to agencies up to eight years in operation, worldwide
Entry is open to any marketing or communications agency that has been trading, and in operation, for up to and including eight years from the date applications open. To be eligible for this year’s Next Gen Awards, the submitting agency must have been founded after October 15, 2017, and must operate with two or more members of staff. One entry is allowed per agency.
Entry Deadline
6:00 PM ET, Friday, November 20th, 2026
Honorees Announced
Early February 2027
Celebration
February 2027, New York City, NY, USA
Judging Criteria
What the committee is looking for
The judges assess how your agency has grown, created impact, and contributed to the marketing and communications industries, both since its founding and over the past 12 months. Applications are scored on the areas below. Facts, figures, and concise case studies make the strongest case.
Growth
Milestones in your agency’s growth, such as team expansion, new client wins, and new service offerings.
Client Work and Results
Notable accomplishments for clients, and standout campaigns or projects with clear outcomes.
Innovation and Industry Contribution
New approaches to client work or to running an agency, and contributions to the evolution of the marketing and communications industries.
Recognition and Thought Leadership
Awards, industry recognition, and media features, as well as speaking engagements, published work, and podcasts.
Culture and Social Impact
Social impact initiatives inside and outside the agency, and efforts that strengthen internal culture and support professional development.
Application
All entries must be submitted through the online application form
The form has four parts. Please have the following ready before you begin.
1. Agency Details
Company name, applicant name and email, agency size, founding date, website, a short agency bio, your leadership team (names and titles), and a high resolution logo larger than 1MB.
2. Your Application
One written overview of up to 800 words answering: What are the most significant ways your agency has grown, created impact, and contributed to the marketing and communications industries, both throughout your journey and over the past 12 months? Please cover your achievements since founding, with particular emphasis on the past 12 months, using the judging criteria above as a guide. If any part of your answer is confidential, you can mark it in the form and it will not be shared or published.
3. Celebration Tickets
If your agency is awarded, you may purchase tickets to the celebration in New York City in February at $299 per ticket. Select the number you would like, or 0 if you do not plan to attend. Tickets are charged only if you are awarded, after winners are finalized in December.
4. Entry Fee
The $299 entry fee is paid at submission and applies whether or not your application is successful. One entry is allowed per agency.
Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation. The judging committee will review all applications, and we will contact successful applicants in December.
The PR Net Next Gen Awards celebrate the agencies setting the standard for the next generation of marketing and communications.
