The Australian Influencer Marketing Council (AiMCO) is readying for a stellar 2024 awards event, with a record number of entries received and 100 judges for the annual celebration of the best in influencer marketing.
More than 250 entries have been lodged for the 2024 AiMCO Awards spanning the brand, creator and agency categories, with multiple submissions also received for this year’s three new categories: Best Creator Podcast, Best Gifting Campaign and Best Talent Agency.
AiMCO has increased its judging panel to tackle the record number of award submissions, recruiting 100 industry experts, with decades of combined expertise.
This year’s judges include marketing and brand specialist and former SCA chief marketing officer, Nikki Clarkson, PepsiCo head of media and digital ANZ, Gill McHattie, Paramount+ vice president of marketing and growth, Louise Crompton, Tourism Australia head of global PR and advocacy, Nicole Foster, MCoBeauty head of influencer marketing, Beci Mamo, Luxury Escapes head of cocial Eegagement, Eugene Loane, ELY Marketing founder and chief marketer, Elysha Stephens and Lion’s cultural collaborations leader, Andie Tickner.
The AiMCO Awards, now in their fourth year, celebrate the brands, creators, agencies and businesses that are leading the way in Australia’s influencer marketing landscape.
The awards, which are set to culminate with a special event next February, are proudly sponsored by social media agency, Hello Social, and management service, Talentpay, along with gifting sponsors Colgate, Madebox Co. and Sticki.
This year, the awards have focused on theme of ‘The Creator Influence’, acknowledging the power of creator campaigns amid the broader marketing ecosystem.
AiMCO managing director, Patrick Whitnall said, “We have been overwhelmed with the sheer number of innovative, high-quality entries that we’ve received for this year’s awards, and the record number of entries this year is testament to the strong momentum and growth in the influencer industry.
“We are indebted to our diverse judging panel of industry leaders, creators and brand experts, who have contributed their collective knowledge and insights to this prestigious event. These judges ensure that every entry has been evaluated with precision, fairness and a passion for excellence.
“We have been continuously impressed with the calibre of award entries over the years – I’m looking forward to celebrating the outstanding creativity of our national influencer marketing sector.”
AMAA board director, 2024 judge and KINESSO chief product officer/senior vice president - operational excellence, Andy Holford said, “The continued popularity of the AiMCO Awards highlights the critical role influencers play in driving real results for brands. The wide range of entries—spanning industries that may have once hesitated to embrace talent—shows growing market confidence within the frameworks and guardrails championed by AiMCO members.
“It has been a privilege to judge so many case studies that demonstrate business-wide impact and showcase creative brilliance and platform nuance. Australia continues to lead the way in influencer marketing, and I’m excited to celebrate the exceptional talent and achievements in February.”
The 2024 AiMCO Awards finalists are set to be announced in November with winners unveiled at the official awards ceremony in February next year.