Zweig Group Marketing Excellence Awards 2026

The Marketing Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding and effective marketing strategies in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. These awards recognize firms that deliver exceptional results through creative marketing campaigns, innovative marketing strategies, and impactful branding.

What’s New for 2026

The Marketing Excellence Awards have evolved to better recognize great work across the AEC industry. New this year, entries will be evaluated using a standardized scoring system rather than ranking only the top three submissions in each category. Top-scoring entries in each category will receive Best in Show distinction, with those winners advancing to the People’s Choice Award. All recognized entries will also have the opportunity to be featured in our digital showcase, giving your work greater visibility across the industry.

View the 2025 Marketing Excellence Winners Showcase HERE!

How Scoring Works

Your entry is evaluated on its own merit using a standardized scoring system.

Score-based recognition:

• 96+ → Platinum
• 90–95 → Gold
• 80–89 → Honorable Mention

Each entry is scored by a panel of experienced marketing professionals based on defined criteria. Entries that do not meet the standard will not receive an award.

Top scores in each category earn Best in Show, with People's Choice selected from those finalists.

Application Guide

1. Register your firm and pay the application fee for each category you plan to enter. Campaigns active since January 1, 2025 are eligible to submit.
2. Complete your entry online, including a short survey, firm information, and supporting materials. Submissions must include the following: "Business Challenge & Campaign Objectives", "Insights & Strategy", "Big Idea", "Tactics & Execution", Results & Effectiveness". 
3. Evaluation: Entries are judged by senior AEC marketing professionals based on creativity, messaging, results, and design.
4. Register for the 2026 ElevateAEC Conference & Awards Gala.

Categories Include

• Brand Identity – Campaigns for rebranding or launching a new brand.
• Drone Video – Showcase projects using drone/UAV footage and visual storytelling.
• Event – Marketing materials for one-time events such as anniversaries or community outreach.
• Integrated Marketing / Brand Awareness – Multi-channel campaigns promoting firm visibility.
• Internal Marketing – Campaigns designed for employee engagement and communication.
• Newsletter – Firm-created newsletters for external audiences.
• Publication – Print or digital publications highlighting firm capabilities.
• Social Media – Marketing efforts leveraging social platforms for thought leadership.
• Video – Promotional or project-specific videos for internal or external audiences.
• Website – Public websites promoting your firm or specific projects.

Deadlines

• June 5, 2026 – Entries must be submitted online.
• July 2026 – Winners notified.

Winners receive: 

• A profile feature showcasing your achievement on ZweigList.com
• An evergreen listing that lives on beyond awards season
• The opportunity to be interviewed and share your story with the industry
• All recognized entries will have the opportunity to be featured in our digital showcase. 
• Official digital winner badges for use on website, email signatures, proposals and social media. 
• A certificate and stage recognition at the 2026 ElevateAEC Conference & Awards Gala in Park City, Utah