Community Choice — You Decide!
New this year, the Community Choice Award lets you decide which content marketing campaign deserves top honors! The five finalists excelled in their respective categories but just missed taking the top spot, so we’re giving them a second chance to be recognized.
Learn more about the finalists below and choose your favorite by October 11. The winner will be revealed at Content Marketing World, October 21-23 in San Diego.
BEST B2B PUBLICATION
ArcNews (Esri)
ArcNews is the longest-running magazine focused on GIS technology, first published in 1979. It reaches a diverse global audience, including governments, universities, and media organizations. Available in both print and online, ArcNews features real-world stories from Esri technology users, showcasing how GIS helps solve global challenges.
With content on climate change, infrastructure, and innovation, the magazine highlights how Esri’s technology facilitates impactful decision-making. Recent features include how GIS connected communities during the 2022 baby formula shortage and promoted environmental monitoring apps and accessible mapping for the blind. ArcNews reaches up to 100,000 readers annually, inspiring geospatial innovation. Explore the publication >
BEST USE OF RESEARCH
Battling a Crisis with the Right Content (Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Red Door Interactive)
In the winter of 2022, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) faced a surge in pediatric viral outbreaks, overwhelming their emergency department. To reduce non-urgent visits and improve patient satisfaction, CHOC partnered with Red Door Interactive to launch the Fever Campaign. This data-driven initiative included a comprehensive fever guide, addressing common misconceptions and offering guidance on fever management at home.
The campaign, available in English and Spanish, generated over 51 million ad views and led to a 3% overall decrease in non-urgent fever cases at CHOC’s emergency department, with notable reductions in both English and Spanish-speaking communities. See the campaign >
BEST PRINT PUBLICATION
Two Bits: A Hair Saloon Publication (Kolbeco)
In 2023, Hair Saloon launched Two Bits, a free quarterly newspaper available in its 16 St. Louis locations, as part of its mission to help men become better versions of themselves. Each issue features inspiring employee or customer stories, self-improvement articles, CEO messages, and fun activities like crosswords and dad jokes.
Aimed at men but also appealing to families, Two Bits enhances the in-store experience by sparking meaningful conversations between stylists and clients, boosting staff morale, and deepening customer relationships. The print format fosters a genuine connection, aligning with the brand’s promise beyond haircare. View the content >
BEST EVENT CONTENT MARKETING STRATEGY
Becoming Bucky: A Mascot Competition (East Tennessee State University)
East Tennessee State University’s Becoming Bucky reality series exemplifies its mission to improve lives through community-focused storytelling. The five-part series follows students competing to become Bucky, the ETSU mascot, while showcasing school spirit and community engagement. Produced by the Office of University Marketing and Communications, the show aired across digital platforms, featuring behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and interactive voting.
The competition’s winner was revealed live at the 2023 SGA concert. With over 50,000 views and local media coverage, Becoming Bucky successfully boosted ETSU’s brand perception and engagement among students, faculty, alumni, and the wider community. Watch the series >
BEST TOPIC-SPECIFIC VIDEO
Sustainable Bites: Food and Our Future (University of British Columbia)
The Sustainable Bites: Food and Our Future campaign, led by the University of British Columbia (UBC), aims to raise awareness of sustainable food systems, key to achieving the UN’s 2050 sustainability goals. Targeting a broad audience of civic-minded individuals aged 25 and above, the video series highlights UBC’s leadership in sustainable food practices, encouraging viewers to adopt eco-friendly habits.
The campaign utilized earned, owned, and paid media channels, achieving notable engagement. Results included a 22% increase in UBC familiarity and 11% rise in trust, with audiences feeling more informed about climate change and sustainability. Watch the videos >