Founder of Asociat, and chair of judges for Campaign Magazine’s Campaign Experience Awards 2026, has released a short film explaining what he wants to see in this year’s entries.
Michael has judged these awards since their evolution from Haymarket’s Campaign Event Awards in 2018. Drawing on that experience, he identifies three criteria that give him the confidence to recommend an entry for the shortlist and further jury review.
First, he wants big thinking built on genuine insight - ideas that surprise, challenge, and inspire.
Second, he looks for executional excellence — campaigns that transform intelligent strategy into powerful, experiential work that deeply engages the intended audience and makes fellow professionals just a little envious.
Finally, he seeks proof of real, measurable impact — work that demonstrates a clear return on the client’s investment.
About the awards
The Campaign Experience Awards celebrate the world’s most creative and effective brand experiences, activations, and live events. They recognise the agencies and brands that define best practice in experiential marketing — work that immerses audiences, connects with genuine insight, and delivers measurable results.
Story: Campaign Experience Awards 2026 – the chair’s advice
