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CELEBRATING CREATIVE TALENT

For the past 58 years, the Jersey Awards has celebrated creative excellence across communication platforms throughout New Jersey. We seek to recognize the most creative, most innovative, and most compelling work produced every year. North, South, East and West, spreading across the state of New Jersey, all Agencies, Production Companies and Media Properties are eligible to enter.

This year, we acknowledge the evolving role of artificial intelligence in our industry - technology that inspires stronger connections, deeper empathy, and meaningful collaboration. The NJ Ad Club 58th - Jersey Awards honor the people, communities, and relationships at the heart of every impactful idea and strategic execution.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

WHAT’S NEW — NJ AD CLUB AWARDS 2026

Fewer Categories. Stronger Competition.

Categories have been streamlined from 109+ to 84 total (including 3 student categories). The new structure reduces confusion, strengthens competition within each category, and increases the overall prestige and value of winning.

Campaign Categories Refined — Not Reduced.

Campaign entries remain a core focus, with categories consolidated for clearer placement and stronger competition. Premium pricing for campaigns with three or more elements stays the same, reinforcing the value of integrated, strategic work.

New “Design for Good” Recognition.

Pro Bono and Not-for-Profit work is now unified into five dedicated “Design for Good” categories, increasing visibility, ensuring more consistent judging, and elevating the recognition and impact of purpose-driven creative.

AWARDS & JUDGING CRITERIA

The Annual Jersey Awards present First- and Second-Place trophies, along with an Award of Excellence certificate in each subcategory. In addition, Best of Category trophies and a one-of-a-kind Best in Show Award will be presented. Awards will be announced at the 58th Annual Jersey Awards Exhibition and Ceremony on September 16, 2026, at The Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.

Judging and Criteria

Entries will be judged by out-of-state advertising professionals. While the metrics used to score each major category may differ, several criteria remain consistent, including Originality, Creativity, Memorability, Visual Design, and Innovation. It is also helpful to include an outline of pertinent information that supports the work, such as target audience, intended goals, and/or results.

Plus, the Outfront Edge Award

The Outfront Edge Award, sponsored by Outfront Media, will be presented to the company whose overall work is deemed the most creative and innovative. If you would like your submissions considered for the Edge Award, please visit the Registration page and select “yes” to have them reviewed.

ONLINE ENTRY PLATFORM

Our fully digital platform delivers speed, efficiency, and sustainability — allowing entrants to upload work, complete submissions, and process payments through one streamlined, tech-forward system. Less friction. Less waste. More focus on great creative.

Have Questions or Need Assistance?

please call Pat Hanley at 201-998-5133 or email: JerseyAwards@njadclub.org

JERSEY AWARDS SHOW COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Ava Bongiovanni
Rizco

Gary Denburg
GarDen Printing Consultant

Grace DePaola
Advertising & Marketing Consultant

Nancy Fischer
NCF Design

Robin Kantor
Design Consultant

Mark Newland
SGW Integrated Marketing

Eric Ortiz
O2 Advertising

Clayton Pollard
DSM and NJ Ad Club President

Debra Rizzi
Rizco and Jersey Awards Chair

Allegra Sandelli
Consulting

Sandra Schler
Non-Profit Professional

Alicia Shepherd
Rizco

Sara Turner
Rizco

PROCESS


1. Register

Click on the "Register" link, then complete and submit the registration form.

2. Login

Log in to the awards platform using your email and password.

3. Create

Create your online entry. You will be required to upload submission materials or provide links to your materials during the creation process. Please review the categories and sponsorship opportunities before to getting started.

4. Save

During the entry period, your entry can be saved as DRAFT until all required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a appear in the entry form tab when the application is saved.

5. Submit

Once complete, save your entry as FINAL. Please review your entry carefully and confirm that all uploaded materials are accurate.

6. Payment

After completing your entry, you can easily pay through our PayPal integration. If you are submitting more than one entry, you may pay for them all at the same time with a single payment action. Once payment is successfully processed, your entry will qualify for judging.

Any questions or assistance needed with your entries, please call Pat Hanley at 201-998-5133 or email: JerseyAwards@njadclub.org

Awards Entry Categories

Deadline for Entries is April 19th, 2026

ALL MULTIMEDIA CAMPAIGN ENTRIES TO BE SUBMITTED UNDER CATEGORIES #65, #66, and #67

Creative Excellence

  1. Creative Effectiveness
  2. Creative Use of AI & Emerging Technology
  3. Innovation & Emerging Platforms

 Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

  1. Website Design – Healthcare Professional (HCP)
  2. Pharma: Integrated or Specialty Communications

Public Relations & Special Events

  1. Special Event / Client Celebration
  2. Media Relations – Consumer or Trade

Social Media

  1. Single Platform Social Media
  2. Social Media Campaign – Single Platform (3+ Elements)
  3. Social Media Campaign – Multi-Platform (3+ Elements)
  4. Social Media for Brand Building
  5. Influencer Marketing

Website Design

  1. Website Design – B2B
  2. Website Design – Consumer
  3. Website Design – eCommerce
  4. Website Design – Internal or Self-Promotion
  5. Microsite Design

Digital Media

  1. Content Marketing (Video, Blog, Social, White Paper, E-Newsletter)
  2. Email Marketing Campaign
  3. Landing Page
  4. Display / Banner Advertising
  5. Digital Campaign (3+ Elements)
  6. Digital Collateral (Includes Presentations/E-Books)
  7. Digital Visualization & Infographics (Data, Narrative, Outcomes)

Television

  1. Television Single Spot – Any Length
  2. Television Campaign (3+ Elements)
  3. Streaming or Online Commercial – Any Length

Video

  1. Non-Broadcast Video (Training, Educational, PSA, Institutional, Trade Show)
  2. Video Campaign (3+ Elements)
  3. Animation / Motion Graphics
  4. YouTube Video
  5. Social Media Video
  6. Explainer Video

Audio & Music

  1. Radio / Audio Single Spot – Any Length
  2. Radio/Audio Campaign (3+ Elements)
  3. Jingle
  4. Original Music Composition

Out-of-Home

  1. Outdoor Billboard
  2. Outdoor Poster
  3. Transit – Bus/Car (Internal & External)
  4. Transit – Rail
  5. Transit Shelter
  6. Kiosk
  7. Banners
  8. Vehicle Wrap
  9. Inventive Use of Out-of-Home
  10. Environmental Design – Interior or Exterior (Tradeshow/P-O-P/Experiential)
  11. Out-of-Home Campaign (3+ Elements)

Print / Published Media

  1. Print Advertising Magazine/Newspaper – Single Execution
  2. Print Insert Magazine/Newspaper Special Section
  3. Print Magazine/Newspaper Campaign (3+ Elements)
  4. Advertising for the Arts

Print & Direct Marketing

  1. Print – Long-Form / Editorial Design (Brochure, Catalog, Book)
  2. Annual & Corporate Report
  3. Poster
  4. Invitations / Announcements
  5. Holiday Card
  6. Promotional / Dimensional Piece
  7. Calendar
  8. Product Launch / Relaunch
  9. Magazine Design
  10. Direct Marketing – Self-Mailer
  11. Direct Marketing – Package Design
  12. Direct Marketing Campaign (3+ Elements)

Multimedia Campaigns

  1. Multimedia Campaign – Under $25,000
  2. Multimedia Campaign – $25,001–$75,000
  3. Multimedia Campaign – Over $75,000

Identity, Branding & Self-Promotion

  1. Logo Design – Consumer
  2. Logo Design – B2B
  3. Brand Identity System
  4. Newsletter (Print)
  5. Self-Promotion – Agency or Client
  6. Advertising Specialties 

Photography & Illustration

  1. Advertising Photography – Lifestyle / People
  2. Advertising Photography – Still Life / Miscellaneous
  3. Photography & Illustration Campaign (3+ Elements)

Design for Good: Pro Bono / Not-for-Profit

  1. Pro Bono / Not-for-Profit – Digital Media
  2. Pro Bono / Not-for-Profit – Video
  3. Pro Bono / Not-for-Profit – Out-of-Home
  4. Pro Bono / Not-for-Profit – Print & Direct Marketing
  5. Pro Bono / Not-for-Profit – Campaign (3+ Elements)

Student Excellence Awards

  1. Student Design & Visual Communication
  2. Student Digital, Multimedia & Emerging Media
  3. Student Advertising, Marketing & Campaign Strategy

JERSEY AWARDS
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The NJ Ad Club Jersey Awards honor the best in advertising, design, marketing, and communications across New Jersey. Sponsoring the 2026 awards places your brand at the center of the state’s creative and business community—alongside the agencies, in-house teams, and leaders shaping what’s next.

From February through September 2026, sponsors receive sustained visibility leading up to the event, reaching 2,200+ professionals through targeted email and 3,000+ design and communications leaders with each social post.

More than exposure, sponsorship builds credibility and connection—aligning your brand with excellence and providing access to key decision-makers, influencers, and emerging talent. It’s a powerful way to build awareness, strengthen authority, and engage clients before, during, and after the awards.

Click here to review pre-event and event-night opportunities.

MEMBERSHIP

Join the NJ Ad Club – Empowering Creatives. Inspiring the Future.

The NJ Ad Club is for everyone who uses creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking to inspire action. Our mission? To shine a light on the outstanding work happening across New Jersey’s advertising, marketing, and communications world.

Who We Bring Together:

  • Agencies of all kinds
  • Media organizations
  • Corporate marketing teams
  • PR firms
  • Printers and online service providers
  • Event and promotional companies
  • Educators and students

Whether you’re part of an agency, looking for one, or providing services to creative professionals, the NJ Ad Club is the perfect place to grow your network, boost your career, and connect with like-minded innovators.

Membership Options:
Choose from Student, Individual, or Silver, Gold, and Platinum Corporate memberships – all designed to be affordable and flexible for you and your team.

Step in. Get inspired. Make your mark.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I begin?
Review the information on the seven tabs above (58th Jersey Awards, How to Enter, Categories, Event Sponsorships, Membership, FAQs).
Then click REGISTER (top right) to setup your account and begin the submission process.

Do I have to be a NJ Ad Club member to enter?
No. You do not have to be a member of the NJ Ad Club to enter.

Do I get a discount on entries if I join the NJ Ad Club?
Yes. One of the benefits of membership is discounts on entries and all other activities produced by the NJ Ad Club.

How do I join the NJ Ad Club?
It’s simple. Click on the MEMBERSHIP tab and choose the type of membership you desire. Then click PAY NOW to complete payment. You will be returned to the entry system. Go to your DASHBOARD to enter your work.

You can also become a member on the DASHBOARD - widget on the right once you register and log in.

As a student, can I enter my work into the NJ Ad Club Jersey Awards?
Yes. Full-time students are encouraged to enter the competition via Sub-Category 82-84. Upload a sampling of your best work.

ENTERING


Do I mail in samples of my work to the NJ Ad Club Office?
No. All entries must be uploaded digitally. For certain sub-categories, you may provide a URL, which must remain live through December 31, 2026.

What is the deadline for entries?
The NJ Ad Club Jersey Awards has different submission periods. To view the different pricing deadlines, please see the Pricing Schedule on the right side of this page.

What are the categories?
The categories vary by sixteen disciplines. View the Categories tab to see the full list.

Do I need to complete all my entries in one session?
No. All work that you "SAVE AS DRAFT" will remain in your folder so you can sign back in and continue the submission process.

Can I edit or add new uploads after I have submitted my materials as Final and completed checkout?
No. Once a submission is finalized, it can no longer be changed. If there are any questions regarding a finalized entry, please contact JerseyAwards@njadclub.org.

Can I delete my entries after completing checkout?
No. Entries cannot be deleted once checkout is completed. All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. For questions regarding a finalized entry, contact JerseyAwards@njadclub.org.

How can I add new work after completing checkout?
To add new work to your existing submission, log back into your account then go to the DASHBOARD to CREATE a new entry.

What if I cannot find my exact category?
For all other cases, select the closest matching option. For questions regarding a finalized entry, contact JerseyAwards@njadclub.org.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS


What media is accepted?
Each category requires specific media, which must be uploaded into the Online Entry Platform. For online-hosted submission materials, you can provide URLs for access.

What information is needed to create an entry?
All entries require the following information:

  • Entry Title: Name of your entry (required)
  • Agency/Entrant: Agency or individual involved (required)
  • Advertiser: Advertiser involved (required)
  • Media Links / URLs: Optional for online-hosted materials
  • Uploaded Submission Materials: Specific to each category

Some categories require additional written context.

ENTRY FEES


How much does it cost to enter?

Pricing is tiered and located on the right-hand sidebar: Early Bird, Standard, and Final Week. Prices vary depending on submission timing and membership status. All fees are in U.S. Dollars (USD).

Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee to enter.

How do I pay for my entries?
Payments can be made with a major debit/credit card after submitting entries as Final. Entries and payments received between April 19 and April 29th are subject to a one-time $50 late fee.

ELIGIBILITY


Is my entry eligible to be entered?

Your work must have been published, displayed, or aired between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, and meet at least one of the following:

  • Produced for a company or client headquartered in New Jersey
  • Produced by a New Jersey-based agency, production company, or media property
  • Produced by an NJ Ad Club member residing in New Jersey
  • Produced by a full-time student at an accredited NJ institution (limited to Sub-Category 82-84)

PAYMENT

Do you accept payment in foreign currency?
No. All payments must be made in U.S. Dollars (USD).

Can I receive a refund for my entry fees?
No. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. By submitting, entrants commit to paying all fees in full. For payment questions, contact JerseyAwards@njadclub.org.

SPONSORSHIPS


What are NJ Ad Club Jersey Awards sponsorships?

Sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your brand at the 58th Annual Jersey Awards Exhibition + Ceremony on September 16, 2026, at The Grove, Cedar Grove, NJ. See the SPONSORSHIP tab for details.

How do I become a Jersey Awards Sponsor?
Download the provided PDF, fill out the form, and follow the payment instructions.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Contact JerseyAwards@njadclub.org.

Pricing

Note: All Pricing and All Deadlines are Firm – No Exceptions


Early Bird Pricing
(February 16 - March 8)

Member:
$120 for Single Entry
$155 for Campaign Entry Categories

Non-Member:
$155 for Single Entry
$185 for Campaign Entry Categories

Student: $15

Standard Pricing
(March 9 - April 12)

Member:
$140 for Single Entry
$175 for Campaign Entry Categories

Non-Member:
$185 for Single Entry
$215 for Campaign Entry Categories

Student: $15

Final Week
(April 13 - April 19)

Member:
$160 for Single Entry
$195 for Campaign Entry Categories

Non-Member:
$215 for Single Entry
$245 for Campaign Entry Categories

Student: $15


*Please Note: Late fee charge of $50 will be charged for all entries received after April 19th and thru April 29th, along with The Final Week Pricing Fee.

*JOIN the Ad Club and Save Money. Non-members should consider joining the Club to take advantage of both lower fees on submissions and dinner tickets to the Awards ceremony.

Contact Us

New Jersey Advertising Club 
PO Box 7250
North Arlington, NJ 07031
Phone: (201) 998-5133
Email: JerseyAwards@njadclub.org
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