OPM/Agency of the Year

The winner will represent an OPM or Agency that demonstrates an outstanding job managing Affiliate Marketing programs. They will demonstrate both industry knowledge and analytical skills while mastering the tools and technology available in Rakuten Advertising Affiliate. 

Advertiser and Publisher Collaboration

The Best Advertiser and Publisher Collaboration Award will showcase a thriving partnership within Rakuten Advertising's Affiliate Network. Judges will be looking for examples of ongoing optimization and great success for both parties. 

Best Multi-channel Performance

The winner will represent an Advertiser that uses Rakuten Advertising for more than affiliate marketing. They can use Search, Display and/or Attribution in addition to their Rakuten Advertising Affiliate service.

Best Influencer Strategy

The winner will represent an Advertiser who has crafted an effective strategy to monetize their partnerships through participation in influencer-facing initiatives. Can demonstrate use of micro-influencers, an always-on influencer campaign, or innovative ways influencers were used within a campaign. 

Best Global Strategy

The winner will represent an advertiser or publisher demonstrating and successfully executing a global strategy. This award signifies constant improvement and dedication to the expansion of affiliate partnerships and the overall affiliate program beyond the US borders. 

Best Use of Data-Driven Marketing

The winner will represent an Advertiser or Publisher that is successfully utilizing the data available to them through the network to optimize their campaigns and implement strategies that deliver a more personalized message to their audience. 

Best Caused Based Campaign

The winner will have delivered on set objectives that aim to make the world a better place. These campaigns can be focused on sustainability, mental and physical health, social good, and/or multicultural campaigns that strive to create inclusivity within the industry.  

Lifetime Achievement Award

The winner will represent a person, either on the Advertiser or Publisher side, that has been working with our network for 5 or more years and has worked tirelessly to see continued growth and expansion within the network.

Advertiser of the Year

The winner will represent an Advertiser program that is growing rapidly in the network and exceeding expectations. Advertisers nominated for this category are also doing everything right when it comes to managing an affiliate program, including great consumer offers, well-designed Publisher communications, and overall engagement in the channel. This award will be bestowed on the Advertiser with the most votes from the Rakuten Affiliate Network Publisher community. The final voting link will be shared on April 3rd, 2023.

Publisher of the Year

The winner will represent a new or existing Publisher that has achieved tremendous growth in the network. This Publisher is successful when delivering quality traffic, new customers, and any other objectives an Advertiser partner desires. They are a great negotiator and understand how to create “win-win” relationships. This award will be bestowed on the Publisher with the most votes from the Rakuten Affiliate Network Advertiser community. The final voting link will be shared on April 3rd, 2023.

Affiliate Manager/Team of the Year (Advertiser)

The winner will represent the Affiliate Marketing Manager for an Advertiser that continually outperforms and exceeds targets. They will consistently find ways to go above and beyond to create strong partnerships while optimizing every aspect of their program setting the gold standard for all-around program management. 

Affiliate Manager/Team of the Year (Publisher)

The winner will represent the Affiliate Marketing Manager at a Publisher site who continually outperforms and exceeds targets. They will consistently find ways to go above and beyond to optimize every relationship and truly understands the needs of Advertisers and the value of creating “win-win” relationships. 

Account Team/Manager of the Year (Advertiser)

This category aims to recognize great individuals and teams within Rakuten Advertising that have gone above and beyond for their clients, providing the utmost level of service and knowledge. Must be a current Rakuten Advertising employee to qualify.  

Account Team/Manager of the Year (Publisher)

This category aims to recognize great individuals and teams within Rakuten Advertising that have gone above and beyond for their publisher teams, providing the utmost level of service and knowledge. Must be a current Rakuten Advertising employee to qualify.