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SMARTIES India 2026 Shortlist Highlights Marketing Innovation and Impact
The SMARTIES awards celebrate marketing campaigns that help brands grow.
The organizers announced which campaigns made the 2026 shortlist in India.
More companies entered this year than last year.
Many entries used personalization, artificial intelligence, videos, and creators.
The judges looked at ideas, execution, strategy, and business results.
Most senior judges came from companies and brands.
The shortlist shows that good marketing now often combines creativity with technology and sales.
Shortlisted teams will discuss their work in Mumbai on 9 October.
The award winners will be announced later that evening.
Marketing + Media Alliance announced the SMARTIES India 2026 shortlist, with participation up 28.8% year over year.
More than 100 new submitters joined the program across 25 SMARTIES categories.
Personalization entries rose 107.7%, while new product launches, AI-driven creative, video, and creator marketing also recorded strong growth.
AI-related categories represented 16.1% of finalist listings, while commerce, retail, and conversion categories accounted for 13.8%.
Winners will be announced at the SMARTIES India Gala on 9 October in Mumbai, following SMARTIES Unplugged India 2026.
- Who
- Marketing + Media Alliance announced the shortlist, which was judged by senior leaders from brands, agencies, media, platforms, and marketing technology.
- What
- The SMARTIES India 2026 shortlist was announced, alongside participation figures, new industry awards, and details of the upcoming winner announcement.
- Where
- The events will take place at Taj Lands' End in Mumbai, India.
- When
- The announcement was made in 2026; SMARTIES Unplugged India 2026 and the gala are scheduled for 9 October.
- Why
- The program recognizes marketing that combines creativity, technology, innovation, and measurable business impact.
Key facts
- Participation growth
- Participation increased 28.8% year over year.
- New submitters
- More than 100 new submitters joined the program.
- Categories
- Submissions covered 25 SMARTIES categories.
- Largest category increase
- Personalization entries rose 107.7%.
- Senior jury composition
- Company and brand-side executives made up 96.7% of the senior jury.
- Finalist listings
- AI-labelled categories represented 16.1% of finalist listings, while commerce, retail, and conversion categories represented 13.8%.
- Awards date
- Shortlisted work will be explored and winners announced on 9 October 2026 in Mumbai.
Quotes
Moneka Khurana
Managing Director and Board Member of MMA India
“SMARTIES shows where marketing is moving. The strongest work stayed true to consumer behaviour, cultural context and the brand, while proving business impact. Chairing the jury was as much about listening and learning as evaluating.”
freepressjournal.in
“SMARTIES India 2026 showcased work that used data and innovation with purpose, solved consumer problems and proved business impact. Chairing the jury was a privilege; the caliber of work and depth of exchange were exceptional.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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