The CMA | SIMA Awards program recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and tireless efforts which help advance and evolve the industry. The diverse accomplishments across our industry are a testament to the talents and unique contributions each make to retail, and we’re excited to recognize those in front of the Category Management and Shopper Insights community in 2025.

Each award listed below indicates eligibility requirements. Nominations will not be considered if applications are incomplete. Individuals can self-nominate or nominate a peer, colleague, client, or other contact. Award recipients will be recognized at the 2025 CMA | SIMA Conference in Las Vegas, Feb 15 – Feb 18.

Submissions are due by Friday, January 2, 2026

SHOPPER INSIGHT OF THE YEAR AWARD

Shopper Insight of the Year Award recognizes an individual or team that delivered the most impactful insight derived from shopper research that resulted in measurable improvement in a category or subcategory in calendar 2025. To be fully considered, the nomination must include specific details on project/scope and must be able to quantify the impact of the listed efforts.

*Recipient of this award can be an individual or team from a retailer or supplier/manufacturer.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The CMA | SIMA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes the professional accomplishments of an individual from within the Category Management and Shopper Insights industry that has made a significant and lasting impact on the industry. This individual has demonstrated a high degree of integrity, collaboration, and leadership in helping to move the industry forward. Examples can include but are not limited to mentoring other industry members, contributing to written thought leadership, presenting at industry events, leading a team, implementing and scaling the category management and shopper insights function at an organization(s), etc. To qualify an individual must possess a minimum of 10 years of experience within Category Management or Shopper Insights.

*Consultants, Educators, Manufacturers, Retailers, Solution Providers are eligible to apply

MANUFACTURER CATEGORY MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The recipient(s) of this award will be chosen based on the quantitative and qualitative impact they have delivered to their retailer partner. To qualify, the individual must demonstrate significant sales growth and profitability in their category through innovative strategies and effective management.
They must effectively utilize data analytics to drive category performance, including market trends, insights, and sales data. They must exhibit a deep understanding of their retailer and deliver tailored category strategies to meet the retailer’s objectives. Finally, they must foster strong relationships across their retailer contacts to enhance category performance.

Retailers nominate manufacturers candidates for this award

*Individual recipient of this award must be a current Category Manager at a supplier/manufacturer.

RETAILER CATEGORY MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The recipient(s) of this award will be chosen based on the quantitative and qualitative impact they have delivered to their category in partnership with manufacturer(s). To qualify, the individual must demonstrate significant sales growth and profitability in their category through innovative strategies and effective management. They must effectively utilize data analytics to drive category performance, including market trends, insights, and sales data. They must exhibit a deep engagement with their manufacturer partner(s) and drive tailored category strategies based on wide-ranging insights.

Manufacturers nominate retailer candidates for this award

*Individual recipient of this award must be a current Category Manager at a retailer

RISING STAR AWARD

The Rising Star Award celebrates the outstanding achievements and future potential of industry professionals in Category Management, Shopper Insights, and Space Planning who are in the early stages of their careers. This award honors individuals who have committed to the industry and demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation and leadership in these critical areas of retail. Nominees may only have a maximum of 5 years of experience in their respective roles and must be currently employed in the retail or consumer goods industry. This award aims to encourage and celebrate the new talent emerging in these specific fields of the retail industry. By recognizing early career professionals who show great promise, we hope to inspire continued excellence and innovation in the years to come.

  • Provide an example of how this person has demonstrated excellence and accomplishments in their early career stages.
  • What innovative approaches, strategies, or solutions in the areas of Category Management, Shopper Insights, or Space Planning has this person demonstrated? Provide specific examples.
  • Provide examples of leadership, whether through team collaboration, project management, or mentorship.
  • Provide an example of the positive impact this individual has made on their organization, such as increased efficiency, revenue growth, or improved customer experiences.
  • How has this person demonstrated their commitment to continuous learning and professional development?

SPACE PLANNER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Space Planner of the Year recognizes an individual that delivered the most impactful change to macro and/or micro space that resulted in measurable improvement in a category, store, or set of stores in calendar 2025. To be fully considered, the nomination must include specific details on project/scope and must be able to quantify the impact of the listed efforts.

*Individual recipient of this award must be a current Space Planner (any level) at a retailer, supplier/manufacturer, or broker.

INNOVATION OF THE YEAR AWARD

The recipient of this award should exhibit the implementation of groundbreaking strategies or technologies that significantly enhance category performance. They should be able to demonstrate a positive impact on sales growth and profitability due to their innovative practices. Innovation can span these pillars:

  • Customer Experience Enhancement: Innovations that improve the shopper experience, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Introduction of sustainable practices within the category that contribute to environmental goals.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective collaboration with other departments (e.g., marketing, supply chain) to drive innovation.
  • Scalability and Replicability: Innovations that can be scaled across multiple categories or replicated in other areas of the business.
  • Data Utilization: Use of advanced data analytics to inform and drive innovative category management decisions.

*Individual recipient of this award must be a current Space Planner (any level) at a retailer, supplier/manufacturer, broker, or solution provider.

COMMUNITY BENEVOLENCE AWARD

The recipient will be nominated for doing good in their broader community, outside of the workplace, finding a way to elevate their community and balance work with good works. The nominee’s actions should have made a significant and lasting positive impact on the community, demonstrate a long-term commitment to community service and volunteerism and show leadership in organizing and leading community service projects or initiatives. They serve as a role model, inspiring others to engage in community service and benevolence.

*Recipient of this award can be an individual or team from a retailer or supplier/manufacturer