As AI continues to creep further into digital advertising, we’ve seen more interest—and budget—move toward experiential events for consumers.
Now in its seventh year, ADWEEK’s 2025 Experiential Awards highlight the brands and agencies engaging consumers in the exciting realm of activations.
ADWEEK is seeking experiential campaigns that dazzle with interactive elements, deliver awe-inspiring experiences, and find creative ways to educate consumers. Last year’s winners include Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Latte Larry’s pop-up and Pinterest’s Manifest Station at Coachella.
Enter HERE by Aug. 26! Category descriptions, official rules, and key dates can be accessed in the submission portal.
The 2025 Experiential Awards categories:
By Spend:
- Experiential Activation Less Than $1 Million
- Experiential Activation Over $1 Million
By Industry:
- Experiential Activation by Auto Brand
- Experiential Activation by Retail Brand
- Experiential Activation by Technology Brand
- Experiential Activation by a Media Brand
- Experiential Activation by a Packaged Goods Brand
- Experiential Activation by an Entertainment Brand
- Experiential Activation by a Spirits or Alcoholic Beverage Brand
- Experiential Activation by a Beverage Brand
- Experiential Activation by a Travel Brand
Best Use:
- Best Use of Mobile in an Experiential Activation
- Best Use of Video in an Experiential Activation
- Best Use of Data Insights in an Experiential Activation
- Best Use of Out-of-Home Media in an Experiential Activation
- Best Use of Social Media in an Experiential Activation
- Best Use of Celebrity in an Experiential Activation
- Best Use of Music/Audio in an Experiential Activation
- Best Use of Partnership in an Experiential Activation
- Best Use of Influencers in an Experiential Activation
- Best Use of Experiential Activation to Launch a Brand/Product
- Best Sports-Related Experiential Activation
- Best Community-Focused Experiential Activation
- Best International Experiential Activation
- Best Event in Support of Diversity and Inclusion
- Best Cause-Related Experiential Activation
- Best Activation in Support of Sustainability
- Best Use of Virtual Event Technology
- Best Use of Delivery and Merchandise
- Best Use of Drive-Up Experience
- Best Consumer Activation
- Best Networking Event
- Best Event for Professional Development
Overall:
- Experiential Agency of the Year
- Experiential Brand of the Year
- Experiential Executive of the year