Awards

The 2027 Shopper Insight of the Year Award recognizes the exceptional work that turns powerful insights into tangible results. This award recognizes an individual or team for delivering the most impactful shopper research insight of 2026. To be considered, submissions must clearly outline the project and quantify how the insight drove measurable improvements within a category or subcategory.

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

The recipient(s) of the 2027 Manufacturer Category Manager of the Year 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.

Key criteria include:

• Data-Driven Strategy: Effectively utilizing data analytics, including market trends, consumer insights, and sales data, to drive category performance.
• Retailer Partnership: Exhibiting a deep understanding of their retailer partner and delivering tailored category strategies that align with and meet the retailer’s specific objectives.
• Collaborative Relationships: Fostering strong, collaborative relationships across all relevant retailer contacts to enhance overall category performance and drive mutual success.

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

The 2027 Retailer Category Manager of the Year Award honors an exceptional Retailer Category Manager who has achieved outstanding results by transforming their category through strategic leadership and powerful manufacturer partnerships.

The 2027 recipient will be selected based on their proven ability to:

• Drive Growth: Deliver significant, quantifiable gains in category sales and profitability through innovative and effective management.
• Leverage Analytics: Masterfully use market trends, shopper insights, and performance data to build and execute winning category strategies.
• Forge Powerful Partnerships: Cultivate deep, collaborative relationships with manufacturer partners, co-developing tailored strategies that create mutual value and elevate the category.

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

The RISING STAR AWARD celebrates the next generation of industry leaders, honoring exceptional professionals in the early stages of their careers in Category Management, Shopper Insights, and Space Planning. This award is presented to individuals with a maximum of five years of experience who have already made a significant impact through their outstanding dedication, innovative thinking, and emerging leadership.

We seek to recognize those who have demonstrated immense future potential by delivering tangible results, whether through creative strategies, insightful analytics, or impactful team collaboration. This award highlights the emerging talent whose early accomplishments are already shaping the future of the retail and consumer goods industry, setting a new standard for excellence and inspiring their peers.

The Space Planner of the Year award recognizes an individual who delivered the most impactful change to macro and/or micro space, resulting in measurable improvements for a category, store, or group of stores during the 2026 calendar year. To be fully considered, nominations must provide specific details on the project’s scope and quantify the impact of the efforts. This prestigious award celebrates the vision and analytical rigor that drive superior spatial efficiency and enhances the customer experience, ultimately delivering significant value to the business.

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

The recipient of the 2027 Innovation of the Year Award will be recognized for implementing groundbreaking strategies or technologies that have significantly enhanced category performance. Nominees must demonstrate a measurable, positive impact on sales growth and profitability resulting from their innovative practices.

Innovation for this award can be demonstrated across the following key pillars:

• Customer Experience Enhancement: Innovations that demonstrably improve the shopper journey, leading to higher satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Introduction of impactful, sustainable practices within the category that contribute to environmental goals and resonate with consumers.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective and inspiring collaboration with other departments (e.g., marketing, supply chain, finance) to successfully launch and drive innovation.
• Scalability and Replicability: Innovations with proven potential to be scaled across multiple categories or replicated in other business areas.
• Data Utilization: Sophisticated use of advanced data analytics, AI, or machine learning to inform and execute innovative category management decisions.

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

The 2027 Community Benevolence Award celebrates an individual or team who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to improving their community. Going above and beyond their professional roles, the recipient has successfully balanced a demanding career with impactful good works that create a better society for all.

We seek to honor a nominee who:

• Creates Lasting Impact: Their actions have resulted in a significant and enduring positive change within the community.
• Leads with Purpose: They have shown exceptional leadership by organizing, leading, and inspiring others through community service projects and initiatives.
• Embodies Selfless Service: They serve as a powerful role model, demonstrating long-term dedication to volunteerism and inspiring others to engage in acts of benevolence.

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