All submissions for the 47th ACE Awards will be digital, with the exception of the categories noted below that may require a physical submission.
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
The following categories require physical entries (along with the digital submissions):
Call for entries opened January 16, 2026.
Early bird deadline is at 11:59pm on January 30, 2026.
Entries closed at 5:00pm on February 13, 2026
For all entries, the following components are required:
Please refer to the categories guide for submission details. Contact awards@adclubedm.com for any questions.
ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN
* Results are ONLY permitted for the Advertising Campaign categories. All other categories are not permitted to have results submitted at this time.
1) Advertising Campaign $75,000 and over
Includes the use of three or more media (ie. Broadcast, Print, Digital and Interactive etc.) and a total campaign budget (including media and production) of $75,000 or more.
Digital submission requirements:
A minimum of three images, up to a maximum of 12 (follow image requirements), up to five videos and audio files to show the full context.
A Case Study, video-based (MP4) or written (max. 300 words) that includes a strategy rationale and campaign results. This will be taken into account by the judges at their discretion.
Upload a Campaign Description (max. 100 words in PDF) to be used for ACE on Display, the ACE Awards website and the ACE Awards Winners book. This is required in addition to the Context Description and will also be made available to judges at their request.
2) Advertising Campaign less than $75,000
Includes the use of three or more media (ie. Broadcast, Print, Digital and Interactive etc.) and a total campaign budget (including media and production) of less than $75,000.
Upload a Project Description (max. 100 words in PDF) to be used for ACE on Display, the ACE Awards website and the ACE Awards Winners book. This is required in addition to the Context Description and will also be made available to judges at their request.
3) For Good Campaign
The “For Good” category recognizes campaigns that go beyond commercial success to drive positive change. Whether addressing social issues, promoting inclusivity, or championing environmental causes, this category applauds marketing efforts that contribute to the greater good. Submissions should showcase creativity and innovation in leveraging the power of advertising to bring about meaningful, measurable, and sustainable improvements. Entries in this category should demonstrate a commitment to making a positive impact.
Note: Entering in this category does not limit the ability to enter the same campaign into other categories.
Note: Online and Social Media videos should be entered under Digital/Interactive categories. Out of Home videos should be entered under the Out of Home categories.
4) Broadcast Video Series
Includes paid television, CTV/OTT (streaming services), and cinema advertising.
You should not submit any online or social videos in this category; please refer to categories #6–7 and #17–18.
5) Broadcast Video Single
6) Online Video Series
Includes paid online video advertising including YouTube and pre- or mid-roll programmatic placements.
You should not submit any social videos in this category; please refer to categories #17 and #18.
7) Online Video Single
8) Other Video over 2 Minutes
Video creative that did not run with broadcast, OOH or other paid media—can include corporate, promotional or training videos. Any videos that ran as paid advertising are not eligible in this category.
9) Other Video under 2 Minutes
10) Audio Series
Series of radio, podcast ad or audio streaming advertising creative.
11) Audio Single
Singular radio, podcast ad or audio streaming advertising creative.
12) Microsite/Campaign Webpage
Webpage or microsite created exclusively for a campaign. Entries should be separate from a brand’s website and may be tied to a specific campaign, contest or promotion. Excludes entries submitted in the Website categories.
13) Website $50,000 and over
The website a brand uses to communicate its product or service, exclusive of any single advertising campaign. Total budget to build the website is $50,000 or more. Websites must have been built in the 2025 calendar year. Websites that have undergone a significant visual/design update in the 2025 calendar year are also applicable. Before and after comparisons of the updated website should be submitted.
14) Website less than $50,000
The website a brand uses to communicate its product or service, exclusive of any single advertising campaign. Total budget to build the website is less than $50,000. Website must have been built in the 2025 calendar year. Websites that have undergone a significant visual/design update in the 2025 calendar year are also applicable. Before and after comparisons of the updated website should be submitted.
15) Digital/Display Advertising Series
Entries can include static and/or animated digital ad placements (such as display/banner ads) on websites or mobile apps, excluding social media networks.
16) Digital/Display Advertising Single
Entries can include static or animated digital ad placements (such as display/banner ads) on websites or mobile apps, excluding social media networks.
17) Social Media Series
Entries can include any series of organic and/or paid social content. This includes all formats such as static, video, carousel, story, reels, and collection ads.
18) Social Media Single
Entries can include a single organic and/or paid social content. This includes all formats such as static, video, carousel, story, reels, and collection ads.
19) Identity System
Demonstrates the practical application of a corporate identity—for example, as part of a stationery package. Work cannot be entered in both the identity system and brand refresh categories. Identity Systems that were created within an agency or company for the agency or company that created it should be submitted under Self-Promotion (Category #67).
20) Logo / Wordmark
Logo or wordmark created for a brand or company. Logos that were created within an agency or company for the agency or company that created it should be submitted under Self-Promotion (Category #67).
21) Brand Refresh
The work must be a rebranding of an existing organization, product or service and should express the brand through multiple platforms. Work cannot be entered in both the identity system and brand refresh categories.
22) Annual Report
Includes printed and/or digital Annual Reports. Annual Reports that were created within an agency or company for the agency or company that created it should be submitted under Self-Promotion (Category #67).
Physical submission optional but NOT required: if printed please provide a physical copy.
23) Brochure/Print Collateral
A brochure, booklet, or other printed collateral to promote products or services. Print collateral that was created within an agency or company for the agency or company that created it should be submitted under Self-Promotion (Category #67).
Physical submission required: provide a sample of the original piece in an envelope.
24) Poster Series
Includes traditional printed or digital posters, not purchased in media such as outdoor billboards, transit shelters, bus kings etc. or print medium such as magazine, newspaper, event program, etc.
Physical submission optional but NOT required.
25) Poster Single
Includes a traditional printed or digital poster, not purchased in media such as outdoor billboards, transit shelters, bus kings etc. or print medium such as magazine, newspaper, event program etc.
26) Out of Home Series
Includes purchased media such as outdoor billboards, transit shelters, bus kings, digital restobar, digital screens, and elevator. This includes static and OOH video that primarily runs without audio.
27) Out of Home Single
28) Print Series
A series of paid or sponsored ads inserted in one or more print mediums, such as magazines, newspapers, event programs, etc.
29) Print Single
A paid or sponsored ad inserted in a print medium, such as a magazine, newspaper, event program, etc.
These categories include advertising paid or done for by a registered not-for-profit organization or charity. This does not include work for any government organization and you may be asked to produce a charitable or PSA number as proof.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN
Please see categories #1 – #3 for entry descriptions and requirements.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT VIDEO
Please see categories #4 – #9 for entry descriptions and requirements.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT AUDIO
Please see categories #10 – #11 for entry descriptions and requirements.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT DIGITAL/INTERACTIVE
Please see categories #12 – #18 for entry descriptions and requirements.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GRAPHIC DESIGN
Please see categories #19 – #23 for entry descriptions and requirements.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT OUT OF HOME
Please see categories #24 – #27 for entry descriptions and requirements.
NOT-FOR-PROFIT PRINT
Please see categories #28 – #29 for entry descriptions and requirements.
These categories include work done for both for-profit and not-for-profit clients/organizations.
59) Innovative Use of Technology
Work that uses paid digital media or traditional means in a creative or innovative way. Could include social media, digital games, hashtags, VR, traditional media executions, augmented reality, digital billboards, interactive surfaces, use of Artificial Intelligence etc.
60) Permanent Branded Environment
A branded environment is an extension of a brand into a physical space.It primarily includes interior design and branded elements in a physical space such as a restaurant, a retail experience, a mobile store etc. The unveiling must have occurred between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 and the branded environment must have been active for a minimum of 3 months.
61) Experiential/Non-Permanent Installation
Includes advertising that involves a temporary branded environment such as a trade show booth, a paid media domination at a single location, and/or a direct, in-person experience with a brand through live events, stunts, merchandising or samplings.
62) Guerilla/Non-Traditional
Includes work that does not fit clearly into any other category. Examples include unique giveaways, guerilla tactics, pop-up events, apparel, etc.
63) Direct Marketing
Includes work provided directly to a targeted audience for “one-on-one” communication about a product, service or cause. It could include invitations, promotional materials, flyers, letters, postcards, emails, text messages etc. Does not have to be a printed piece, can be digital direct mail.
Physical submission optional but NOT required. If printed please provide a physical copy.
64) PackagingPhysical packaging or labeling of a product/products.
Physical submission required: Provide a sample of the original piece. Please ensure proper packaging to maintain integrity of the item(s). If item(s) are delicate or perishable, please contact awards@adclubedm.com to coordinate delivery.
65) Advertising Industry Self-Promotion
Advertising industry self-promotion pieces and advertising industry related messages can only be entered into this category, and cannot be entered into any other categories. This category is intended for non-client work (where there is not an external client who needs to approve the creative work). This includes agencies’ or companies’ own websites, logos, holiday cards, etc.
66) Fearless Client
This award is given to a private, public service or not-for-profit clientthat displays the courage and wisdom to support a project or campaign considered beyond its so-called “comfort zone.” In doing so, they demonstrated the commitment to solving a problem in a truly unique and breakthrough way.
Entries in these categories should be judged on the skilled use of the specific craft to enhance the creative execution of the overall piece. Craft categories transcend medium, for example, the craft of Illustration may find life in a unique digital piece or a logo, and the craft of Typography could be found in the design of products as diverse as an annual report or a website.
NOTE: In the case where agencies or companies engage external suppliers for these services, the agency can enter on behalf of the supplier, but the award goes to the supplier. The supplier must be Edmonton and area-based.
67) Illustration Single
An illustration created in support of a marketing effort or advertising campaign.
68) Illustration Series
A series of illustrations created in support of a marketing effort or advertising campaign.
69) Photography Single
A photograph in support of a marketing effort or an advertising campaign.
70) Photography: Portrait/People
A portrait or people-centered photograph in support of a marketing effort or an advertising campaign.
71) Photography: Still life/Architecture
A photograph of still life or architecture in support of a marketing effort or an advertising campaign.
72) Photography: Composite/Photo Illustration
A composite photograph or photo illustration in support of a marketing effort or an advertising campaign.
73) Photography Series
A series of photographs created in support of a marketing effort or advertising campaign.
74) Printing
Any use of printing in support of a marketing effort or an advertising campaign. This award goes to the printer of the piece(s) and is awarded based on print quality.
Physical submission required: provide a sample of the original piece.
75) Typography
Any use of typography in support of a marketing effort of an advertising campaign.
76) Video Production $30,000 and over
The craft of video production in support of a marketing effort of an advertising campaign.
77) Video Production less than $30,000
78) Animation
Any use of animation created in support of a marketing effort or advertising campaign.
79) Music/Sound Design
Any use of music or sound design created in support of a marketing effort or advertising campaign.
These categories are nominated by the judges after seeing the whole body of work submitted.
80) Art Direction
All entries submitted will be eligible to win for Art Direction at the discretion of the judges. This is considered to be a craft category.
81) Copywriting
All entries submitted will be eligible to win for Copywriting at the discretion of the judges. This is considered to be a craft category.
82) Design
All entries submitted will be eligible to win for Design at the discretion of the judges. This is considered to be a craft category.
83) User Experience
All entries submitted will be eligible to win for User Experience at the discretion of the judges. This is considered to be a craft category.
84) Innovation
All entries submitted will be eligible to win for Innovation at the discretion of the judges. This is considered to be a craft category.
85) Best in Craft
All entries submitted to a craft category will be eligible to win for Best In Craft at the discretion of the judges.
86) Best in Show
All entries submitted in the Creative Categories will be eligible to win Best in Show at the discretion of the judges. All categories are eligible for this award.
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