HMC STRATEGIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The HMC Strategic Excellence Awards Powered by Collage Group the only award of its kind that honors Hispanic and multicultural strategic thinking and cultural competence in marketing.
The 2026 Hispanic Marketing Council Strategic Excellence Awards recognizes companies driving innovation, cultural relevance, and impact… in other words, campaigns that connect with today’s dynamic consumers.
What We’re Looking For:
• Campaigns that authentically engage today’s diverse mainstream audience and set new standards in marketing excellence.
• Campaigns featuring groundbreaking strategies and steeped in data-driven insights.
• Culture-forward campaigns that redefine industry success across nine categories.
Why Enter:
• Gain industry recognition among top marketing leaders.
• Showcase your commitment to authentic, culturally resonant marketing.
• Join a network of innovators transforming the marketing landscape.
• Best of Show/CultureRate: Ad campaigns featured at the 2026 HMC Annual Conference on April 22-23, with Silver and Gold finalists showcased year-round during HMC webinars and other speaker engagement opportunities.
Key Dates:
• Submission Open: January 20, 2026
• Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026
• Shortlist Announced: March 27, 2026
• Winners Announced: April 22, 2026
Check out the work of past winners by category!
REELS
Best Hispanic Cultural Insight
When a Hispanic insight is inspiring a Hispanic targeted campaign.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
REELS
Mainstream Impact
When a Hispanic or multicultural insight impacted the mainstream market campaign.
2025
2023
2022
2021
REELS
Impact on Innovation
When a Hispanic or multicultural insight led to an innovation in a new product, service or brand offering.
2024
2023
2022
REELS
Media Connections – Content Strategy
When Hispanic or multicultural insights are applied to targeted connections and/or content strategies that drive effective cultural reach and engagement.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
REELS
Content Creator & Consumer Engagement Strategy
When Hispanic or multicultural insights are used to develop a content creator/influencer marketing program targeting key consumers.
2025
2024
2023
REELS
Pro-Bono
When a Hispanic or multicultural insight led to a targeted pro-bono cause related program addressing multicultural community needs.
2025
2024
2022
2021
REELS
Shopper AND/OR Experiential Impact
When a Hispanic or multicultural insight is effectively applied in the design and execution of a shopper, lifestyle, experiential, or promotional live activation program.
2025
2024
2023
REELS
Creative Ingenuity
When a creative campaign activates a courageous and/or unexpected interpretation of a Hispanic or multicultural insight and brief. Creativity is the craft of applying art to purpose, as such this category seeks to celebrate ingenuity of purpose in the art of the work.
2025
2024
2023
WRITTEN CASE STUDIES
2023
2022
2021
WEBINARS
An Inside Look at the Award-Winning Campaigns from the Strategic Excellence Awards
WEBINAR 2 - 2024
Strategic Excellence Awards
BeautifulBeast - Colon Cancer Coalition Campaign
WEBINAR 3 - 2024
Strategic Excellence Awards
Lopez Negrete Communications
- Alzheimer's Association
"Some Things Come with Age"
Case Study
WEBINAR 2 - 2023
Strategic Excellence Awards
BeautifulBeast / Amazon Music
Lopez Negrete Communications / Walmart
WEBINAR PART 1 - 2021
An Inside Look at Award-Winning Campaigns from the Strategic Excellence Award
WEBINAR PART 2 - 2021
An Inside Look at Award-Winning Campaigns from the Strategic Excellence Award