Observed Signal · Mar 13, 2026 · Awards / Judging Criteria · Source: ExchangeWire · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Judges Reveal Criteria for The Wires 2026 Awards
ExchangeWire published judges' perspectives for The Wires 2026 awards, collecting criteria that the jury will use to evaluate entries. Judges from IBM, UM Qatar, Currys, Marriott International and independent consultancy emphasize clarity of purpose, innovative and outcome-driven use of data and AI, measurable business results, human-centric design, and responsible AI governance. They seek work that blends creativity with operational efficiency, demonstrates scalability and market relevance, and reflects cultural nuance and cross-functional collaboration. The piece is intended to guide submissions and highlights the awards' focus on measurable, trustworthy, and ethically designed marketing and technology work.
Guidance for an industry awards programme offers directional signals about judges' priorities (AI, measurement, ethics) but does not report market-moving product, policy, or financial events.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- ExchangeWire solicited judging criteria from The Wires 2026 judges to guide award submissions.
- Judges include representatives from IBM, UM Qatar, Currys, Marriott International and an ex-Diageo consultant.
- Common criteria highlighted: clarity of purpose, innovative use of data/AI, measurable results, human-centric design, and ethical AI/governance.
- Judges expressed preference for entries that combine creativity with operational efficiency, scalability, cultural fluency, and cross-functional collaboration.
- The guidance is positioned to encourage outcome-driven experimentation and responsible, measurable marketing and technology work.
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