Recognizing the Women Defining the Future of Media & Ad Tech

Early Pricing Deadline: July 17 | Final Deadline: July 24

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AdExchanger’s Top Women in Media & Ad Tech Awards honor the full spectrum of leadership in media and advertising technology—from the C-suite to the operators, data scientists and product builders driving results at every level. As the industry transforms, these are the women not just navigating change, but architecting it. Nominations are now open.

2026 Categories

Advocates for Inclusion

Women who have had an exceptional impact on diversity and inclusion in their teams, companies and the digital media industry as a whole

    AI Media Innovators

    This award honors the visionary leaders, strategists, technologists and innovators driving meaningful change across the industry. From pioneering new applications of AI in media and marketing to shaping ethical, effective and business-changing solutions, these women are setting the standard for what’s next.

      Buy-Side Tech Trailblazers

      Women on the demand side of digital advertising who are driving innovation in how media is planned, bought, and optimized. From DSP strategy and programmatic trading to audience targeting and investment technology, these leaders are shaping how advertisers and agencies deploy budgets with greater precision, efficiency, and impact.

        Catalyst Award

        Honoring an individual who has driven a tremendous amount of growth for her business and team over the past year.

          Change-Makers > Corporate Growth Innovator

          Women who have successfully altered the course of their brands or the industry for the better in the last year. 

            Change-Makers > New Product Launch

            Women who have successfully altered the course of their brands or the industry for the better in the last year. 

              Change-Makers > Revenue Growth

              Women who have successfully altered the course of their brands or the industry for the better in the last year. 

                Change-Makers > Team Leadership

                Women who have successfully altered the course of their brands or the industry for the better in the last year. 

                  Commerce Media Mavens

                  This award celebrates women who are redefining advertising at the intersection of media, data, and commerce. Commerce Media Mavens are the strategic leaders and technologists turning shopper insights, retail media, and performance signals into measurable business growth. From building and scaling commerce and retail media ecosystems to connecting media exposure with real-world sales, these women are shaping how brands influence, convert, and retain consumers in a commerce-first world.

                    Data Demystifiers

                    Women with expertise in data science or analytics, using their prowess to inform decision-making, prove out business cases or test new ideas.

                      Entrepreneurial Achievement

                      Women who have launched or rebuilt brands or companies and continue to work tirelessly towards their success.

                        Industry Impact Award

                        Awarded to an individual who has truly set the standards for creativity, innovation, and leadership throughout her career.

                          Innovative Brand Marketer

                          Brand-side women in CMO or senior leadership who have spearheaded remarkable digital advertising strategies for their brand portfolio.

                            Inspirational Mentors

                            Women who have made an extraordinary effort and impact on the careers of their colleagues. Women who are sending the elevator back down! 

                              Media Orchestrator

                              For the strategist who designs campaigns with measurable impact, skillfully orchestrating ad placements to maximize reach, engagement, and ROI. This award celebrates those who build impressions that last.

                                Media Orchestrator (NEW category)

                                For the strategist who designs campaigns with measurable impact, skillfully orchestrating ad placements to maximize reach, engagement, and ROI. This award celebrates those who build impressions that last.

                                  Privacy Powerhouses

                                  Women who are confidently steering their media brand's ship amidst the changing tides of privacy regulation. From privacy managers and compliance officers to corp counsel,  or business affairs, these are the women who are leading their company's data privacy, legal policies, and practices.

                                    Programmatic Storytellers

                                    From ad tech product to programmatic sales and ops, these women are expert translators who use marketing and content to simplify messaging and drive engagement, or use their sales mastery to make the programmatic case to their partners.

                                      Sell-Side Tech Trailblazers

                                      Women on the supply side of digital advertising who are building, scaling, and modernizing how media is monetized. From publisher technology and SSP strategy to yield optimization and ad quality, these leaders are redefining the standards and systems that power premium media environments.

                                        Transformative Tech Marketers

                                        Women CMOs within the ad tech industry who are taking their company’s B2B/SaaS marketing to the next level.

                                          Up & Comers

                                          Women in ad tech who are on the rise and making their mark within their first 10 years in the industry.

                                            Why Nominate

                                            Recognition that goes beyond the moment.

                                            Nominating someone for Top Women in Media & Ad Tech is more than a professional gesture, it’s an investment in their career and your company’s culture. Honorees receive industry-wide visibility through AdExchanger editorial coverage, social amplification, and recognition at the November 3 Awards Gala in New York City.

                                            For companies, it’s a signal: we see our leaders, we celebrate them, and we believe the industry should too. Past nominees have come from organizations across the full ecosystem—from global platforms and publishers to independent agencies and emerging tech companies.

                                            Self-nominations are welcome.

                                            This year’s honorees join the Top Women Network.

                                            The Top Women Network is a year-round, cross-industry platform uniting leaders across media, marketing, ad tech, PR and publishing. Honorees gain access to ongoing programming, thought leadership opportunities, and connections to senior decision-makers across the ecosystem.

                                            Recognition is just the beginning.

                                            Testimonials

                                            “It is always an honor to be recognized for your efforts within the media & ad tech space but more importantly it is extremely valuable to find yourself in a room with other accomplished women from our industry.  I’ve previously written about finding myself in the position of being the “only women in the room” but on the night of the awards I was overwhelmed by the powerful networking opportunity this event provides for women who are leading our industry forward.”
                                            Amanda Martin
                                            SVP, Monetization & Business Strategy, Mediavine
                                            “Recognition for my work was both humbling and encouraging. I greatly appreciated my work being recognized and valued in this way. The night of the event was inspiring; I loved spending the evening celebrating women paving the way. Awards like this help us spotlight, honor, and celebrate exceptional women trailblazing in our industry.”
                                            Femi Olu-Lafe
                                            Partner, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Barclay's
                                            “I was honored to be recognized amongst such an amazing group of women in advertising and technology. When we put our minds to something, we can accomplish anything – the sky’s the limit! A program like this that brings women together to support other women helps continue to drive forward this message.”
                                            Isabel Rafferty
                                            CEO & Founder, Canela Media
                                            “Like many industries, adtech, and media have a predominance of men at the top, many of them outstanding leaders, but the number of women leaders in tech pales in comparison. I read that only 26% of all tech workers are women. That's a shocking statistic, but there are real reasons for this, and I believe one of the best gifts we can give the next generation is to help close the gender gap. When an organization like AdMonsters and AdExchanger recognizes women, it's not only motivational for the recipient, but it sends a broader message of inspiration to the next generation of women who are trying to build and navigate their careers in adtech.”
                                            Laura Gaffney
                                            Chief Growth Officer, Growth Ventures

                                            AWARDS GALA

                                            Awards Gala — November 3, 2026 · New York City

                                            The 2026 Top Women in Media & Ad Tech Awards Gala brings together the industry’s most influential leaders for an evening of recognition, celebration and connection. Join honorees, their teams and peers from across the ad tech, media and publishing ecosystem.

                                            Entry Requirements

                                            ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

                                            Nominees must meet the following criteria: 
                                            a) Identify as a woman.
                                            b) Work within the digital media or ad tech industry, including but not limited to: a media company, digital-only media company, brand, technology/SaaS company, marketing or advertising agency, association, or work as a consultant or other services-provider to the industry.

                                            GUIDANCE:

                                            • Nominees may be nominated (and win) multiple times, in multiple years. Each year’s submissions are judged independently for their merit.
                                            • Nominees are encouraged to submit their application in multiple categories. Each category is judged independently.
                                            • The program is open to national and international nominees.
                                            • The program is for women in digital media & ad tech at every stage of their careers! Please see category descriptions.
                                            • Self-nominations are welcome!

                                            ENTRY DEADLINES AND FEES

                                            Early Deadline : July 17, 2026 — $425 per initial entry; $375 per each additional entry for the same nominee
                                            Entry Deadline: July 24, 2026 — $495 per initial entry; $445 per each additional entry for the same nominee
                                            Extended Deadline: July 31, 2026 — $575 per initial entry; $525 per each additional entry for the same nominee

                                            WHAT DO I NEED TO HAVE PREPARED?

                                            • Nominator contact and company information (the point person for the nomination)
                                            • Nominee contact and company information (the person who is being nominated for an award)
                                            • Justification – Synopsis of why the nominee should win an award in that category. Can include any specific traits and abilities that make this person stand out among peers and how this person’s influence extends beyond her company. (500 word max)
                                            • (3) Career Achievements – Please provide a description that includes 3 specific accomplishments and milestones achieved by the nominee that support both your justification and the category they’re being nominated for. (250 word max each)
                                            • Headshot of the Nominee – Hi-res; no text or logos; no screenshots
                                            • Nominee Short Bio for Promotion (1000 character max; written in third person)
                                            • OPTIONAL – Supporting documents (any supporting documents, videos, or URLs to support your entry)

                                             
                                            HOW TO ENTER:

                                            To begin your entry, click START A NEW ENTRY and proceed with the below. (If you already have an account, simply sign-in on the left):

                                            • Select the category you would like to enter from the drop-down.
                                            • Answer the questions regarding the nominee and entry contact.
                                            • Complete the entry form. Upload any supporting materials, and select SAVE at the bottom of the page.
                                            • If you’d like to submit the same nominee into an additional category select “I’d like to enter this submission in another category”. Once saved, click ADD TO CART. To add another entry, select “START A NEW ENTRY.”

                                            After all entries are complete, return to your cart. Select CHECKOUT to enter your payment information and then PROCESS to officially submit your entries.

                                            Questions? Contact Megan Sigg at msigg@accessintel.com. Happy nominating!

                                            Enter NowView the 2025 Honorees

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                                            FAQ

                                            FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

                                            GALA FAQ

                                            IF I WIN, DO I NEED TO BE PRESENT ON NOVEMBER 3RD TO ACCEPT MY AWARD?

                                            It’s encouraged for honorees to attend the Top Women Awards Gala on November 3, 2026 in NYC, but not required. We understand not everyone’s schedule or geography allows for it. 

                                            DO HONOREES NEED TO BUY A TICKET TO THE AWARDS GALA?

                                            Yes. Honorees receive a discount on their tickets. Many honorees bring colleagues, partners and family to celebrate with them, and discounted tables of ten are available as well. It’s a night to remember!  

                                            WILL I ACCEPT MY AWARD ON STAGE? DO I HAVE TO SPEAK? 

                                            Yes. All honorees present are called to the stage to accept their award. Each honoree is invited to say a brief 30-second remark from a specific prompt we’ll give you in advance. This helps keep the remarks interesting! 

                                            CAN SOMEONE ELSE ACCEPT MY AWARD ON MY BEHALF?  

                                            Yes and No. You can authorize someone else to pick up your trophy, but we do not permit acceptance remarks on behalf of non-attending honorees due to program length. 

                                            ENTRY FAQ

                                            CAN I WIN A 2026 TOP WOMEN IN MEDIA & AD TECH AWARD IF I WON IN A PRIOR YEAR?

                                            YES! Nominees may be nominated (and win) multiple times, in multiple years. Each year’s entries are judged discreetly. 

                                            CAN I SUBMIT A NOMINEE INTO TWO OR MORE CATEGORIES? 

                                            ABSOLUTELY YES! In fact, nominees are encouraged to submit their applications in multiple categories. Each category is judged discreetly and discounted pricing applies to your 2nd category and beyond. 

                                            CAN INTERNATIONAL NOMINEES ENTER AND WIN? 

                                            YES! The program is open to national and international nominees. We’ve had Top Women from all over the U.S., Canada, South America, EMEA, and APAC. Top Women know no geographical boundaries! 

                                            IS THERE A REQUIRED SENIORITY LEVEL TO ENTER OR WIN?  

                                            NO. The Top Women in Media & Ad Tech program honors rock star women at every stage of their careers! Please see category descriptions to determine where you or your nominee may fit best. We have Up & Comers for more junior stars, and we have categories for executives and even C-suite nominees. 

                                            CAN I NOMINATE MYSELF? 

                                            HECK YES! Self-nominations are welcome. No one knows how hard you work better than YOU. 

                                            ONLY WOMEN ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE NOMINATED? 

                                            YES. We welcome all applicants who identify as a woman. We celebrate diversity in the workplace, and we’re here to celebrate the Top Women in the industry! 

                                            WHEN ARE THE HONOREES NOTIFIED? 

                                            AdExchanger will announce the 2026 Top Women in Media & Ad Tech Honorees by September 4. Specific timing will be announced to all nominees as judging wraps up.