Dear Davey Awards Community,

“Create the Current.”
That phrase perfectly captures the spirit of this 21st Season of the Davey Awards. It’s a tribute to the small agencies, boutique firms and independent creators whose ideas make waves and ripple out to shape the future of our industry. I’m so honored to kick off this season celebrating the brilliant minds and the boundary-pushers who are the lifeforce of the Davey Awards.

Reflecting on the work that has passed through the Davey Awards over the years, it struck that the most groundbreaking ideas often don’t come from the industry giants. Small shops are the true avant-garde, setting trends, challenging norms and inspiring the larger industry to follow their lead. The influence is undeniable and I’m proud that these awards have become a home for these creative trailblazers.

This season, we’re building on that legacy with exciting updates designed to amplify the voices of our community:

• Expanded categories across all types of media – We’re especially continuing to refine and broaden our Social Media & Emerging Tech categories to reflect the evolving digital landscape. This includes more honors across AI, AR/VR and experiential innovations that are transforming how we engage with content.
• A Stellar New Jury Lineup – We’re welcoming an impressive new roster of jurors who bring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives. This year’s panel includes creative leaders fromThe Digital Storytellers, the School of Visual Arts, Indiblu Creative, Amalgamated Pixels and more. Their insights will help us celebrate work that truly defines what’s next.
• More Spotlight Moments for Our Winners – This season, we’re introducing new content and features that will showcase past Davey Award winners and their lasting impact.
• Opportunities to Connect and Collaborate – We’re exploring new avenues for IRL and virtual meet-ups, giving our Davey Awards community more chances to exchange ideas and build relationships.

One of the things I love most about the Davey Awards is that it’s not just about the winning, it’s about fostering a community where collaboration thrives.

I can’t wait to see the bold, imaginative work that will define this season and which will ripple out to shape the future. This year, more than ever, we celebrate the power of small teams that Create the Current.

I look forward to celebrating your work this season!

As ever,

Lauren Angeloni
Managing Director
AIVA | aiva.org