The Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2024 (CMA Awards) were more than just an industry event—they were a celebration of creativity, strategy, innovation, and impact. Every year, this ceremony honors the brightest minds and most successful campaigns in Canada’s marketing world.

In 2024, the awards brought together agencies, brands, and marketers from all across the country to spotlight campaigns that made a difference—ones that didn’t just look good but actually moved the needle.

So, what made the 2024 CMA Awards special? Who were the big winners? How do these awards work, and why do they matter? Let’s dive into all of that and more.

What Are the Canadian Marketing Association Awards?

The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) hosts an annual awards ceremony to recognize excellence in marketing across Canada. It’s one of the most respected honors in the industry. The CMA Awards cover a wide range of categories including digital marketing, brand building, customer experience, social impact, and more.

Why they matter:

They set the standard for what successful marketing looks like in Canada.
Winning helps brands build credibility and gain visibility.
They highlight innovation, strategy, and execution—not just flashy ads.

How Are the CMA Awards Judged?

Each year, hundreds of entries are submitted, and a panel of expert judges from across the marketing industry evaluates them. Judging isn’t just about creativity—it also looks at strategy, execution, and results.

Judging Criteria:

Strategy (25%): Was the plan strong and well thought out?
Creativity (25%): Did the idea stand out and connect with audiences?
Execution (25%): Was the work carried out effectively and professionally?
Results (25%): Did the campaign meet or exceed its goals?

This balanced approach ensures that a campaign doesn’t just win for looking cool—it has to perform too.

What Were the Standout Categories in 2024?

In 2024, the CMA Awards introduced new categories to reflect current trends. While long-time favorites like Digital and Brand Building remained popular, some fresh categories caught attention.

Category	Focus Area
Digital Marketing	Social media, influencer, and web ads
Customer Experience	How brands interact with their audience
Data-Driven Marketing	Using data to shape campaigns
Social Purpose	Impactful campaigns for good causes
Brand Building	Long-term branding strategies
Innovative Media	Unique use of platforms and formats

Adding categories like Social Purpose and Data-Driven Marketing shows how the industry is evolving. Today, it’s not just about selling—it’s about meaning and measurement.

Who Were the Big Winners in 2024?

Several Canadian companies and agencies walked away with top honors this year. Whether it was a viral campaign, a rebranding effort, or a data-backed customer journey, the winners proved they understood today’s complex marketing world.

Top Winners Included:

Rethink – Known for bold creativity, they earned multiple golds for campaigns across non-profit and retail sectors.
Sid Lee – Took home honors for outstanding brand storytelling.
Zulily Canada – Recognized for a customer-first data campaign that boosted retention by 40%.
Public Inc. – Won for a heartwarming social cause project supporting mental health awareness.

These winners didn’t just make people laugh or cry—they got real results.

What Trends Did the 2024 CMA Awards Reveal?

The awards also reflect the direction marketing is heading in Canada. Here’s what stood out:

More focus on social impact: Brands are trying to stand for something. It’s no longer enough to just sell a product—you need to show that you care about community and environment.
Rise of personalization: Campaigns that used data to speak directly to users performed especially well.
Short-form video dominance: Many award-winning campaigns leveraged short video formats like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Cross-platform storytelling: Winners told stories that connected across multiple platforms, not just one.

Why Should Marketers Care About These Awards?

You might be wondering—why should anyone outside the winners care? Because the CMA Awards act as a guide for what works in marketing today. If you’re a brand owner, freelancer, content creator, or marketing student, watching these trends can give you an edge.

Here’s how you can benefit:

Learn what works: Real-world examples show how top campaigns achieve goals.
Get inspired: Creativity can strike when you see bold ideas that worked.
Benchmark your work: Compare your strategy to Canada’s best marketers.
Network and connect: The awards also offer events, panels, and learning sessions.

How Can You Enter or Attend in the Future?

If you’re a marketer in Canada—or work with Canadian brands—you might want to consider entering in the future. The CMA typically opens submissions each spring and hosts the gala in late fall.

Tips for entering:

Gather strong campaign data and results.
Show how your creative idea connects with your brand strategy.
Use clear visuals and storytelling in your entry.

And if you just want to attend or follow the event? The CMA streams it live and shares highlights online, so you can tune in wherever you are.

What Was the Audience’s Reaction in 2024?

The 2024 CMA Awards were praised for being both glamorous and inclusive. Held in Toronto, the event featured live music, celebrity presenters, and interactive showcases. But more importantly, it also recognized small agencies, nonprofits, and underrepresented voices.

Many attendees said this year felt more relevant and exciting than ever, especially with a focus on campaigns that tackled real-world issues like mental health, climate action, and equity in tech.

Final Thoughts: What Makes the CMA Awards So Important in 2024?

The Canadian Marketing Association Awards 2024 weren’t just about trophies and applause. They were a mirror held up to the marketing world—a reflection of what’s changing, what’s succeeding, and what’s inspiring. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just curious about the field, these awards are worth watching.

They remind us that great marketing doesn’t just sell—it connects, it moves people, and sometimes, it even changes the world.

Quick Recap

The CMA Awards celebrate excellence in Canadian marketing.
Judging is based on creativity, strategy, execution, and results.
Categories now include data-driven, social purpose, and customer experience.
2024 winners reflected trends like personalization, social good, and storytelling.
The event helps marketers learn, grow, and gain visibility.

If you’re dreaming of getting your campaign recognized next year—start planning now. Because the Canadian Marketing Association Awards are not just an event. They’re a milestone in a marketer’s journey.