ad:tech HONOURS, launched in 2025 to celebrate India’s most innovative achievements in digital and technology-led marketing, returns in 2026 with a significantly enhanced framework. Organised in partnership with the International Advertising Association (IAA) – India Chapter, the second edition aims to recognise cutting-edge work across marketing technology, data, platforms, performance, and creative innovation.
In a major update, the HONOURS Awards ceremony will now take place on Day 1 of ad:tech New Delhi, underscoring the growing prestige of the platform. The shift ensures that the industry’s most impactful work receives prime visibility at the start of India’s largest marketing and technology event.
The 2026 edition expands dramatically from 10 to 22 award categories, reflecting the rapid evolution of digital marketing. The elevated structure now spans MarTech and AdTech innovation, creator and content excellence, commerce and platform transformation, and AI- and data-driven performance marketing. This comprehensive approach ensures recognition across the full marketing ecosystem, including brands, agencies, platforms, publishers, creators, and technology enablers.
According to Jaswant Singh, Country Head, ad:tech India, the expansion mirrors the pace at which new-age tools and intelligence-led solutions are shaping modern marketing, demanding deeper acknowledgment of innovation and real business impact.
The inaugural 2025 edition saw strong participation, with notable winners such as The Trade Desk, ARM Worldwide, Publicis, Social Beat, Tyroo, and Trackier setting high benchmarks for measurable performance and innovation.
Nominations are now open, with the awards ceremony scheduled for 18 March 2026 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre (IICC Dwarka), New Delhi. Each shortlisted entry receives two complimentary passes, and all ad:tech New Delhi 2026 VIP Pass holders gain entry.
