categories
2025 lantern awards
Step right up, Showoffs!
Explore daring categories built for daring ideas and fearless feats.
Browse our diverse range of categories and find the best fit for your work. Will you please our picky eaters and come out on top?
2023 lantern awards
CATAGORIES
CATAGORIES
2023 LANTERN AWARDS
Browse our diverse range of categories and find the best fit for your work. Will you please our picky eaters and come out on top?
Digital Marketing
Video
Social
Website
Print
Outdoor & Large Format
Tradeshows & Special Events
Newsletters & Magazines
Sales Enablement Tools
Direct Mail
Corporate
Internal Communications
Public Relations
Non-Profit
Integrated Marketing Communications Program
Content Marketing
Market Research
Broadcast
Program of Shows
Category A: Digital Marketing
Targeted, measurable, and interactive marketing that leverages digital technologies to reach and engage audiences effectively. Post link(s) along with any required login/password to link(s) field on entry form. If a program does not run, or the link fails to work, it will not be judged.
Targeted, measurable, and interactive marketing that leverages digital technologies to reach and engage audiences effectively. Post link(s) along with any required login/password to link(s) field on entry form. If a program does not run, or the link fails to work, it will not be judged.
A1 Mobile / Smartphone App
Applications designed to perform specific functions on handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets. Successful entries will showcase apps that enhance user experience, offer innovative solutions, and achieve measurable results in engagement or conversions.
A3 SEO Campaign
Search engine optimization strategies designed to improve organic search rankings. Entries should detail the strategy, keyword selection, implementation process, and the resulting impact on website traffic and visibility. Effective campaigns will show a clear understanding of SEO principles and measurable improvements in search performance.
A2 Banner or Button Ad
(single or campaign)
Digital advertisements that can be in the form of videos, text, or static images (e.g., GIFs or Flash). It includes various ad formats such as floating, fold-over, peel-back, and expandable ads. Winning entries should demonstrate creativity, effective messaging, and measurable impact on the target audience.
A4 PPC Campaign
Pay-per-click advertising efforts that are targeted, measurable, and interactive. Entries should include an overview of the strategy, targeting methods, ad previews, and performance metrics. Successful PPC campaigns will demonstrate a solid ROI, effective targeting, and significant engagement with the intended audience.
Category B: Video
Recorded continuous motion. Successful entries should demonstrate high production quality, creative storytelling, and measurable impact on the target audience. Post link(s) along with any required login/password to link(s) field on entry form. If a program does not run, or the link fails to work, it will not be judged.
B1 Video, Corporate Overview
Videos that provide a comprehensive overview of a company, highlighting its mission, values, services, and achievements. Successful entries will effectively communicate the company's brand story, engage the audience, and convey key messages clearly and compellingly.
B3 Animation: 2D
Animated videos that utilize two-dimensional shapes and characters to tell a story or convey a message. Entries should demonstrate high-quality animation, creative storytelling, and effective communication of the intended message. Successful animations will engage viewers and achieve measurable results.
B2 Video, Promotional (new service, product, etc.)
Videos designed to promote a new service, product, or initiative. Entries should demonstrate how the video effectively introduces the offering, highlights its unique features, and drives audience interest and engagement. Winning entries will showcase creativity, clear messaging, and measurable impact on the target audience.
B4 Animation: 3D
Animated videos that create the illusion of movement in a three-dimensional space. Entries should showcase advanced animation techniques, lifelike rendering, and compelling storytelling. Winning entries will effectively engage the audience and convey complex messages in an understandable and visually appealing manner.
Category C: Social
Utilizing social media channels such as X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and others, this category focuses on innovative strategies and campaigns that effectively engage audiences, drive traffic, and achieve measurable marketing goals. Successful entries should showcase creativity, strategic planning, and significant results. Post link(s) along with any required login/password to the link(s) field on the entry form. If a program does not run, or the link fails to work, it will not be judged.
C1 Social Media Strategy
Comprehensive strategies that outline the use of various social media channels to achieve specific marketing goals. Entries should detail the strategic approach, target audience, content plan, and metrics for success. Winning strategies will demonstrate innovation, effective use of social media tools, and measurable results. Must show 2-3 pieces.
C4 YouTube Page
Branded home pages for YouTube accounts that effectively represent the brand and engage viewers. Entries should showcase channel design, content organization, and audience engagement strategies. Successful pages will demonstrate high-quality content, subscriber growth, and strong viewer interaction.
C2 Organic Social Media Campaign
Campaigns that leverage organic (non-paid) social media efforts to drive engagement and traffic. Entries should highlight creative content, audience interaction, and the overall impact of the campaign. Successful campaigns will showcase significant organic reach, engagement, and measurable outcomes.
C5 Social Media Video
Short-form videos that are created specifically for social media channels. Entries can range from creative story-driven videos to informative product demos or how-to guides. Successful entries will demonstrate strong storytelling, engagement with the target audience, and measurable impact on brand awareness or conversions.
C3 Paid Social Media Campaign
Campaigns that use paid social media advertising to achieve marketing objectives. Entries should detail the ad strategy, targeting methods, creative execution, and performance metrics. Winning campaigns will demonstrate effective use of budget, high engagement rates, and measurable ROI.
Category D: Website
Innovative and engaging websites that provide an exceptional user experience, showcase creativity, and achieve measurable results. Post link(s) along with any required login/password to link(s) field on entry form. If a website does not load, or the link fails to work, it will not be judged.
D1 Microsite
Auxiliary site(s) designed to support a main site, campaigns or promotions. Successful entries will feature focused content, seamless integration with the main site, and measurable impact.
D5 Website (Budget over $100,001 to $250,000)
A set of related web pages containing content such as text, images, video, audio, etc. Successful websites will demonstrate clear messaging, intuitive navigation, and measurable results.
D2 Website (Budget under $25,000)
A set of related web pages containing content such as text, images, video, audio, etc. Successful websites will demonstrate clear messaging, intuitive navigation, and measurable results.
D6 Website (Budget over $250,001)
A set of related web pages containing content such as text, images, video, audio, etc. Successful websites will demonstrate clear messaging, intuitive navigation, and measurable results.
D3 Website (Budget $25,001 to $50,000)
A set of related web pages containing content such as text, images, video, audio, etc. Successful websites will demonstrate clear messaging, intuitive navigation, and measurable results.
D7 Landing Page
A single webpage used for a digital marketing campaign. Successful landing pages will show measurable results in campaign goals.
D4 Website (Budget over $50,001 to $100,000)
A set of related web pages containing content such as text, images, video, audio, etc. Successful websites will demonstrate clear messaging, intuitive navigation, and measurable results.
D8 eCommerce Website
Websites designed for online retail. Successful eCommerce websites will demonstrate high conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and measurable sales growth.
Category E: Print
Advertising using newspapers, magazines, newsletters, booklets, flyers, direct mail, or other portable printed media. Budget should include all production and implementation aspects, such as creative and placement costs, etc. Successful entries should demonstrate creativity, effective messaging, and measurable impact on the target audience.
E1 Fraction Page Advertising
(single or campaign)
Print ads that occupy a fraction of a page. Must show 2-3 pieces if part of a campaign.
E4 Full Page or Spread Advertising (campaign) – Budget $50,000 or less
Entries should showcase cohesive design, consistent messaging, and strategic execution. Must show 2-3 pieces.
E2 Full Page or Spread Advertising
(single) – Budget under $50,000
Full-page or spread ads created with a budget under $50,000.
E5 Full Page or Spread Advertising (campaign) – Budget over $50,000
Entries should showcase cohesive design, consistent messaging, and strategic execution. Must show 2-3 pieces.
E3 Full Page or Spread Advertising
(single) – Budget over $50,000
Full-page or spread ads created with a budget over $50,000.
Category F: Outdoor & Large Format
Advertising using newspapers, magazines, newsletters, booklets, flyers, direct mail, or other portable printed media. Budget should include all production and implementation aspects, such as creative and placement costs, etc. Successful entries should demonstrate creativity, effective messaging, and measurable impact on the target audience.
F1 Billboard or Large Banner
(single or series)
Billboard or large banner displayed in an airport, on a roadway etc. Must show 2-3 pieces if a series.
F2 Mass Transit or Vehicle Graphic
(single or campaign)
These can include full vehicle wraps, partial wraps, or vinyl graphics. Must show 2-3 pieces if campaign.
Category G: Tradeshow & Special Events
Innovative and engaging exhibits and events that effectively communicate brand messages, captivate attendees, and achieve measurable results. Successful entries should demonstrate creativity, strategic planning, and impactful execution.
G1 Small Tradeshow Exhibit
(500 sq ft or less)
Backwall displays, tabletop exhibits, kiosks, and other compact setups. Successful entries will showcase innovative use of limited space, engaging design, and clear messaging that effectively attracts and engages attendees.
G5 Themed Special Event (internal)
Events organized for employees, with a cohesive theme. Entries should highlight creative event concepts, engaging activities, and effective theme communication. Successful events will demonstrate high attendee engagement and measurable outcomes.
G2 Large Tradeshow Exhibit
(over 500 sq ft)
Peninsula and island exhibits. Entries should highlight expansive and immersive designs that create impactful brand experiences. Successful exhibits will demonstrate strategic use of space, engaging interactive elements, and measurable engagement outcomes.
G6 Themed Special Event (external)
Events organized specifically for external customers, prospects, partners, with a cohesive theme. Entries should highlight creative event concepts, engaging activities, and effective theme communication. Successful events will demonstrate high attendee engagement and measurable outcomes.
G3 Tradeshow Campaign
Comprehensive campaigns that include all aspects of tradeshow participation, from pre-show marketing to post-show follow-ups. Must show 2-3 pieces.
G7 Virtual Event (internal or external)
Virtual events, webinars, or workshops organized for specific audiences. Entries should showcase innovative use of digital platforms, engaging content, and effective audience interaction. Successful virtual events will demonstrate high participation rates, engagement metrics, and measurable impact.
G4 Fixed Installation
Displays installed in permanent locations such as building lobbies, stadiums, etc.
G8 Hybrid Event
Events that combine in-person and virtual elements to engage both physical and remote attendees. Entries should highlight strategic planning, seamless integration of live and virtual components, and effective use of technology to facilitate interaction. Successful hybrid events will demonstrate high levels of engagement from both audiences, effective communication, and measurable impact on event objectives.
Category H: Newsletters & Magazines
Routine publications published in print or electronically for an external audience. Successful entries should demonstrate high-quality design, engaging content, and measurable impact on readership and engagement.
H1 Newsletter, Print or Electronic
(16 pages or less)
Compact newsletters designed to inform and engage readers. Entries should highlight clear and concise content, visually appealing layouts, and effective use of images and graphics. Successful newsletters will demonstrate high open rates, reader engagement, and measurable impact.
Must submit 2-3 issues.
H3 Custom-published Magazine, Print or Electronic
Single-edition magazine supplements tailored to specific themes or events. Entries should highlight creative design, targeted content, and effective communication of the theme. Successful custom-published magazines will demonstrate high reader engagement and significant impact on the target audience.
H2 Magazine, Print or Electronic
(regular publication over 16 pages)
Regularly published magazines with more extensive content. Entries should showcase high-quality design, engaging articles, and effective use of visuals. Successful magazines will demonstrate strong reader loyalty, high engagement rates, and measurable impact on brand awareness. Must submit 2-3 issues.
Category I: Marketing/Sales Enablement
Brochures, catalogs, datasheets, or packages that enable sales. Successful entries should demonstrate high-quality design, clear communication of product or service benefits, and measurable impact on sales performance.
I1 Capabilities Booklet or Brochure
(4 pages or less)
Compact brochures that effectively communicate a company's capabilities. Entries should highlight clear and concise content, visually appealing design, and effective messaging. Successful brochures will demonstrate high engagement and measurable impact on sales.
I5 Sales Package or Media Kit
Comprehensive packages of information about a company. Entries should highlight clear and organized content, visually appealing design, and effective communication of key messages. Successful sales packages will demonstrate high engagement and measurable impact on sales.
I2 Capabilities Booklet or Brochure
(over 4 pages)
More extensive brochures that provide detailed information about a company's capabilities. Entries should showcase comprehensive content, high-quality design, and clear messaging. Successful brochures will demonstrate significant engagement and measurable impact on sales.
I6 Promotional Item
(Budget $20 each or less)
Cost-effective promotional items designed to engage and attract customers. Entries should showcase creativity, practical use, and brand alignment. Successful promotional items will demonstrate high recipient engagement and measurable impact on brand awareness.
I3 Product, Equipment, or Parts Catalog
Catalogs that provide detailed information about products, equipment, or parts. Entries should highlight clear organization, comprehensive content, and visually appealing design. Successful catalogs will demonstrate high usability and measurable impact on sales.
I7 Promotional item
(Budget over $20 each)
Higher-budget promotional items that offer greater value to recipients. Entries should highlight creativity, high-quality design, and effective brand alignment. Successful promotional items will demonstrate significant recipient engagement and measurable impact on brand perception.
I4 Technical Sheet or Bulletin
(single or series)
Technical documents that provide detailed information about products or services. Entries should showcase clear and precise content, effective use of visuals, and high usability. Successful technical sheets will demonstrate significant impact on customer understanding and sales. Must show 2-3 pieces if series.
I8 Interactive Presentation
Presentations created using PowerPoint, Keynote, PDF, Flash, or HTML5. Entries should showcase engaging content, interactive elements, and clear communication of key messages. Successful presentations will demonstrate high audience engagement and measurable impact on understanding and interest.
Category J: Direct Mail
Targeted and tangible advertising sent by mail. Successful entries should demonstrate creativity, personalization, and measurable impact on the target audience.
J1 Flat Direct Mail Piece
(single or campaign)
Flat mailers such as postcards, letters, or flyers. Entries should highlight compelling design, clear messaging, and effective targeting. Successful mailers will demonstrate high engagement rates, response rates, and measurable impact on campaign goals. Must show 2-3 pieces if campaign.
J2 Dimensional Direct Mailer
(single or campaign)
Three-dimensional mailers that go beyond traditional flat pieces, such as boxes, tubes, or other creative formats. Entries should showcase innovative design, interactive elements, and effective personalization. Successful dimensional mailers will demonstrate high recipient engagement, strong response rates, and measurable impact on campaign objectives.
Must show 2-3 pieces if campaign.
Category K: Corporate
The brand or identity incorporating both the relationship between a customer and a business as well as the look and feel of the business. Successful entries should demonstrate cohesive brand identity, strategic communication, and measurable impact on brand perception and loyalty.
K1 Branding or Rebranding Campaign
National or global programs to establish or refocus a company or product brand image. Entries should highlight strategic planning, cohesive messaging, and comprehensive execution. Successful campaigns will demonstrate significant improvements in brand awareness, perception, and loyalty.
Must show 2-3 pieces.
K4 Tagline
Short, memorable phrases that encapsulate the brand's essence and promise. Entries should showcase creativity, clarity, and alignment with the brand's identity. Successful taglines will demonstrate strong recall, resonance with the target audience, and measurable impact on brand perception.
K2 Identity Standards / Manual
Comprehensive guides detailing the visual and communicative aspects of a brand. Entries should showcase clear and consistent guidelines for logo usage, color palettes, typography, and other brand elements. Successful manuals will demonstrate ease of use, consistency in brand application, and measurable impact on brand cohesion.
K5 Annual Report
Comprehensive reports detailing a company's yearly performance, achievements, and outlook. Entries should highlight clear and engaging presentation of information, effective use of visuals, and alignment with the brand's identity. Successful annual reports will demonstrate high readability, stakeholder engagement, and measurable impact on brand transparency and trust.
K3 Logo Design
Entries should highlight innovative and memorable logo designs that effectively represent the brand's identity and values. Successful logos will demonstrate strong visual appeal, recognizability, and alignment with the brand's overall image.
Category L: Internal Communications
The intent to create a cultural shift within an organization, where employees become more customer-focused and business-focused. Successful entries should demonstrate effective communication strategies, employee engagement, and measurable impact on organizational culture and performance.
L1 Internal Branding Program
Programs defining the image of the organization for employees and providing guidance for their actions. Entries should highlight strategic planning, comprehensive communication, and employee involvement. Successful programs will demonstrate strong internal brand alignment, employee engagement, and measurable impact on organizational culture.
L3 Internal Video (single or periodic)
Regular videos (live or prerecorded) delivered to employees. Entries should highlight engaging content, professional production quality, and effective communication of key messages. Successful videos will demonstrate high viewership, employee engagement, and measurable impact on internal communication. Must submit 2-3 pieces.
L2 Internal Newsletter or Magazine
(print or electronic) (single or campaign)
Regular publications delivered to employees. Entries should showcase engaging content, high-quality design, and effective communication of company news and values. Successful newsletters or magazines will demonstrate high readership, employee engagement, and measurable impact on internal communication.
Must submit 2-3 pieces.
L4 Internal Marketing / Communications Strategy
Effective strategies for communicating with employees in an organization should focus on clear objectives, innovative channels, and success metrics. Successful approaches will align with company goals, boost employee engagement, and improve internal communication. Examples include multi-channel campaigns, employee feedback systems, and initiatives that strengthen company culture.
Category M: Public Relations
Coordinated B2B public relations efforts that support products, divisions, or companies. Successful entries should show strategic planning, effective communication, and measurable results. Entries may include media relations campaign results, press releases, press conferences, analyst relations briefings, media kits, new product announcements, community relations efforts, investor communications, and video segments of broadcast coverage. Post link(s) along with any required login/password to link(s) field on entry form. If a program does not run, or the link fails to work, it will not be judged.
M1 Public Relations Campaign
Comprehensive PR campaigns designed to support products, divisions, or companies. Entries should highlight strategic planning, cohesive messaging, and integrated communication efforts across multiple channels. Successful campaigns will demonstrate significant media coverage, positive brand perception, and measurable impact on business objectives.
Must submit three or more items.
M3 Media kit
Comprehensive packages of information prepared for media professionals. Entries should highlight well-organized content, high-quality design, and effective communication of key messages. Successful media kits will demonstrate ease of use, extensive media coverage, and measurable impact on brand awareness.
M2 Single PR Effort
Individual PR initiatives such as a press release, press conference, media tour, or analyst briefing. Entries should showcase clear objectives, strategic execution, and effective communication. Successful efforts will demonstrate immediate media coverage, positive stakeholder engagement, and measurable results.
M4 Crisis Management
PR strategies and actions taken to manage and mitigate crises. Entries should showcase strategic planning, timely communication, and effective stakeholder management. Successful crisis management efforts will demonstrate swift response, positive media coverage, and measurable mitigation of negative impacts on the brand.
Category N: Non-Profit
Services performed or produced for a non-profit organization communicating to a business audience. Successful entries should demonstrate strategic planning, effective communication, creativity, and measurable impact. Entries may include complete advertising campaigns, individual advertisements, literature/printed materials, identity materials (logos/letterhead), direct mail, radio, TV, web, video, and public relations strategy. Post link(s) along with any required login/password to link(s) field on the entry form. If a program does not run, or the link fails to work, it will not be judged.
N1 Non-Profit Campaign
Comprehensive campaigns designed to support a non-profit organization's mission and goals. Entries should highlight strategic planning, cohesive messaging, and integrated communication efforts across multiple channels. Successful campaigns will demonstrate significant awareness, engagement, and measurable impact on fundraising, volunteer recruitment, or community support. Must submit 3 or more items.
N2 Single Non-Profit Effort
Individual initiatives such as a single advertisement, direct mail piece, social media post, or public relations event. Entries should showcase clear objectives, strategic execution, and effective communication. Successful efforts will demonstrate immediate impact, such as increased donations, volunteer sign-ups, or media coverage, and measurable results.
Category O: Integrated Marketing Communications
Targeted, measurable, and interactive marketing using digital technologies. Post link(s) along with any required login/password to the link(s) field on the entry form. If a program does not run, or the link fails to work, it will not be judged.
O1 Integrated Marketing Communications Program (Budget $50,000 or less)
Entries should highlight effective use of multiple channels, to create a cohesive message that resonates with the target audience.
O5 Lead Generation Campaign
Lead generation campaigns focused on attracting and converting potential customers through integrated strategies. Must show 2-3 pieces.
O2 Integrated Marketing Communications Program (Budget $50,001 to $99,999)
Entries should highlight effective use of multiple channels, to create a cohesive message that resonates with the target audience.
O6 Account-Based Marketing Campaign or Strategy
Documented strategies and plans for account-based marketing campaigns. Entries should highlight strategic planning, targeted content, and cohesive execution. Successful campaigns will demonstrate high engagement with target accounts and measurable impact on sales.
Must show 2-3 pieces with documentation of strategy and plan.
O3 Integrated Marketing Communications Program (Budget $100,000 to $200,000)
Entries should highlight effective use of multiple channels, to create a cohesive message that resonates with the target audience.
O7 Customer Relationship Management or Loyalty Program
Programs designed to manage customer relationships and foster loyalty. Entries should showcase comprehensive planning, effective communication, and engaging activities. Successful programs will demonstrate high customer retention and measurable impact on loyalty and sales. Must show 2-3 examples.
O4 Integrated Marketing Communications Program (Budget over $200,000)
Entries should highlight effective use of multiple channels, to create a cohesive message that resonates with the target audience.
Category P: Content Marketing
Strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience, ultimately driving profitable customer action. Successful entries demonstrate a cohesive content strategy, audience engagement, and measurable business impact.
P1 Email Campaign
A series of targeted emails directed to a specific audience. Successful entries will showcase strategic planning, compelling copy, effective design, and measurable results such as high open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Campaigns should demonstrate audience segmentation, personalization, and a clear call-to-action strategy. Must show 2-3 pieces.
P5 White Paper
In-depth reports or guides on industry-specific topics. Successful white papers will exhibit thorough research, expert analysis, and actionable insights for the target audience. Entries should showcase how the white paper establishes thought leadership, generates leads, and supports the overall marketing strategy with measurable results.
Must show example.
P2 Blog
Regularly published content by or on behalf of an organization, or a report specifically addressing an issue. Winning entries will exhibit consistent, high-quality content that provides value to the target audience, effective SEO strategies, engaging visuals, and measurable impact on website traffic, lead generation, or thought leadership positioning.
P6 Thought Leadership Promotion
Programs that encourage and empower employees to promote their company and its products or services through their own social channels, speaking engagements, thought leadership opportunities, etc.
P3 eBook
Comprehensive digital publications on specific topics. Successful eBooks will demonstrate in-depth knowledge, visually appealing design, effective lead generation strategies, and measurable impact on audience engagement and business goals. Entries should showcase how the eBook fits into the overall content marketing strategy.
Must show example.
P7 Original Photography
Advertisements featuring original photography. Entries should highlight high-quality images that enhance the ad's message and appeal. Successful ads will demonstrate creativity, effective visual communication, and measurable impact.
P4 Case Study
Detailed examinations of specific client success stories or problem-solving scenarios. Winning case studies will present clear, compelling narratives that highlight challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results. Entries should demonstrate how the case study effectively showcases the organization's expertise and drives customer trust and conversions. Must show example.
P8 Original Illustration
Advertisements featuring hand-drawn or digitally created illustrations. Entries should showcase artistic creativity, clear messaging, and effective visual appeal. Successful ads will demonstrate high engagement and measurable results.
Q1 Qualitative and / or Quantitative Research Project
Research projects incorporating qualitative data (words, pictures, objects) and/or quantitative data (numbers, statistics). Successful entries will showcase clear research objectives, robust methodologies, and insightful analysis. Winning projects will demonstrate how the research findings led to actionable recommendations and measurable impact on marketing strategies or business outcomes.
Category Q: Market Research
Highlights the work that helps brands truly understand their audiences, industries, and opportunities. From uncovering unmet customer needs to testing new concepts, this category honors research that sparks smarter strategies. Whether driven by numbers, narratives, or both, standout entries will show how insight led to impact.
Category R: Broadcast
Marketing initiatives delivered through web, radio, or television channels. Successful entries demonstrate creative storytelling, effective audience targeting, and measurable impact on brand awareness and engagement. Post link(s) along with any required login/password to link(s) field on entry form. If a program does not run, or the link fails to work, it will not be judged.
R1 TV Commercial
(single or campaign)
Television advertisements, either standalone or part of a series. Winning entries will showcase compelling narratives, high-quality production, and effective brand messaging. Successful commercials will demonstrate measurable impact on brand awareness, audience engagement, and business objectives.
R3 Webinar or webcast
(live or recorded)
Live or pre-recorded broadcasts presented over the internet, or routine chronological commentary videos. Successful entries will demonstrate engaging content, effective audience interaction, and high production quality. Winning broadcasts will show measurable impact on audience growth, engagement rates, and lead generation or thought leadership positioning.
R2 Radio Commercial
(single or campaign)
Audio advertisements for radio broadcast, either standalone or part of a series. Successful entries will exhibit creative audio storytelling, memorable scripts, and effective use of sound elements. Winning commercials will show measurable results in terms of brand recall, audience reach, and call-to-action responses.
R4 Podcast
(live or recorded)
Live or pre-recorded podcast episode or series. Successful entries will demonstrate engaging content, effective audience interaction, and high production quality. Winning entries will show measurable impact on audience growth, engagement rates, and lead generation or thought leadership positioning.
Category S: Product Marketing
Strategic initiatives focused on promoting and positioning specific products or services. Successful entries demonstrate a deep understanding of the product, target market, and competitive landscape, resulting in effective marketing strategies and measurable business impact.
S1 Product Marketing Strategy
Detailed plans for marketing specific products or product lines. Successful entries will exhibit clear objectives, target audience analysis, competitive positioning, and integrated marketing tactics.
S3 Virtual and Augmented Reality Product Demonstrations
Immersive technologies used to showcase complex B2B products or services. Successful entries will demonstrate innovative use of VR/AR to create interactive and engaging remote demonstrations. Winning demonstrations will show measurable impact on customer understanding, engagement, and sales conversions.
S2 Product Marketing Campaign
Integrated marketing campaigns focused on specific products. Winning entries will demonstrate creative messaging, effective use of multiple channels, and strong alignment with product positioning. Must show 2-3 pieces.
S4 Interactive Product Demo
Digital demonstrations that allow users to explore product features and benefits interactively. Winning entries will showcase user-friendly interfaces, engaging content, and effective communication of product value. Successful demos will demonstrate measurable results in terms of user engagement, lead qualification, and sales acceleration.
Category T: Artificial Intelligence
Innovative applications of AI technologies in B2B marketing initiatives. Successful entries demonstrate creative use of AI to enhance marketing effectiveness, efficiency, and engagement.
T1 Imagery Creation
AI tools and platforms assisting in creating B2B marketing content and/or imagery. Winning entries will demonstrate innovative use of AI for tasks such as copywriting or image generation.
T2 Innovation in Marketing
Groundbreaking AI technologies and applications significantly impacting B2B marketing practices. Successful innovations will show measurable impact on marketing effectiveness, efficiency, or customer experience in B2B contexts.
Lantern Awards & Awards of Excellence
A Lantern Award is given to the highest-scoring entry out of all Awards of Excellence within each category. Only one Lantern Award is presented per category; however, one is not necessarily granted for every category. An Award of Excellence is presented to the next highest-ranked piece(s) in recognition for marketing excellence within each category.
Special Awards
Selected from individual category Lantern Award winners.
Rookie of the Year
Selected by judges from first-time entrants receiving a Lantern Award
Agency of the Year
Selected by judges from agencies receiving a Lantern Award
Best of Oil & Gas
Selected by judges from overall Lantern Award winners
Best of Show*
Selected by judges from overall Lantern Award winners
People’s Choice
Selected during the gala by attendees from all displayed entries
Judges’ Choice
Selected by the judges for an entry that did not win a Lantern Award, but the judges felt was deserving of special consideration