afaqs! Digital Evangelists’ League 2026 invites nominations for the next class of digital leaders
Digital marketing has never stood still. Every technological shift, every new platform, every change in consumer behaviour has demanded marketers willing to experiment before the playbook existed.
Behind that progress are professionals who backed digital before it became the default. Media planners who redirected budgets. Buyers who championed emerging platforms. Brand marketers who proved that digital could drive measurable business growth.
The second edition of the afaqs! Digital Evangelists’ League celebrates exactly these professionals.
Scheduled for August 21, 2026, in Mumbai, the League is a recognition platform dedicated to individuals who have played a meaningful role in advancing digital advertising and marketing in India. More than an accolade, it is a community of practitioners whose work continues to influence how brands, agencies, and platforms approach digital transformation.
Recognising people behind digital’s biggest shifts
Campaigns may capture headlines, but industries are shaped by people.
The afaqs! Digital Evangelists’ League was created to recognise professionals whose careers reflect sustained contribution rather than isolated success. It acknowledges those who have consistently pushed digital marketing forward through strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership.
A maximum of 50 professionals will be inducted into the League this year.
Applications are open until July 17, 2026, and candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues or peers. Members of the Class of 2024 are not eligible this year, while applicants who narrowly missed selection previously are encouraged to apply again.
Eligibility is open to digital media planners and buyers, digital brand marketers, and professionals who will be under 40 years of age on June 30, 2026.
For more details, click here.
How future League members are selected
Selection goes well beyond a single campaign or business result.
Entries will be reviewed by a Grand Jury comprising senior industry leaders, with evaluation based on career milestones, campaign successes, innovation at work, and contributions towards building brands, agencies, or platforms.
The emphasis is on sustained influence and professional impact, recognising individuals whose work has helped shape the evolution of digital marketing in India.
The jury for this year’s edition will be announced shortly.
More than recognition
Membership of the League extends beyond the induction ceremony.
League members become part of the exclusive afaqs! Digital Evangelists’ League Class of 2026 community, connecting with peers who continue to influence India’s digital ecosystem.
Members also receive opportunities to serve as jury members or speakers at future afaqs! events, attend industry gatherings as invited delegates, and contribute guest articles sharing their expertise. Editorial coverage through afaqs!’ People Spotting column, a dedicated League badge for professional profiles, and permanent recognition as a League member further distinguish those selected.
These opportunities ensure the League remains an active professional network rather than a one-time honour.
Why apply
Recognition is valuable, but peer recognition carries a different weight.
The Digital Evangelists’ League offers professionals an opportunity to benchmark their careers alongside some of the industry’s most respected practitioners while becoming part of a community committed to advancing digital marketing in India.
Past editions have attracted over 150 participants, supported by a Grand Jury of more than 15 senior leaders, demonstrating the industry’s growing interest in recognising individual excellence.
If your work has helped expand the possibilities of digital marketing, or you know someone whose contributions deserve wider recognition, this is the time to step forward.
Applications close on July 17, 2026. The next class of digital evangelists is waiting to be recognised.
