San Diego’s top marketing minds are invited to submit their most impactful work — from branding and creative to storytelling and social — for a chance to earn peer-recognized distinction at the industry’s premier awards event in the region.
SAN DIEGO — February 26, 2026 —The American Marketing Association (AMA) San Diego Chapter has opened calls for entries for the 2026 Sandie Awards (Sandies), the prestigious annual marketing awards recognizing outstanding marketing produced throughout 2025 in San Diego County. Now in its fourth year, the 2026 Sandies spotlights “details that deliver”, a theme designed by Bobby Buchanan of Buchanan Brand + Design. The awards bring together leading marketing professionals, agencies, in-house teams, nonprofits, and students to celebrate creativity, strategy, and measurable impact. Award categories range from branding, design, digital marketing, integrated campaigns, social media, experiential, PR, video, and more.
The Sandies are also accepting submissions for Agency of the Year, Marketer of the Year, and Trailblazer of the Year, to recognize exceptional individual and organizational leadership in San Diego marketing.
Entries for work produced for or by a San Diego-based organization in the 2025 calendar year are being accepted here through March 22. For complete submission details, category information, and entry guidelines, visit sandieawards.sdama.org/enter.
AMA San Diego VP of Special Events Summer Haines says, “Over the last four years, we’ve seen not only the number of awards grow, but the diversity of participants, from in-house teams and agencies to nonprofits and universities. The Sandies spotlight the exceptional marketing talent in San Diego County and recognize the professionals behind the innovative, results-driven marketing work being created in our region.”
AMA San Diego President Nick Hofer says, “The Sandie Awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talent driving San Diego’s marketing community. And beyond recognizing excellence, the Sandies create an opportunity for marketing professionals to connect, celebrate innovation, and be inspired by the creativity and measurable impact of this year’s award winners.”
Sandie Awards winners will be recognized on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the iconic Town & Country Resort in Mission Valley for an unforgettable evening of networking, inspiration, and recognition. Attendees will enjoy:
- An elegant outdoor cocktail reception with appetizers and multiple activations
- Live music and networking with 250+ marketing leaders and peers
- A plated three-course dinner with wine, and DJ during the awards presentation
- Celebration of winning campaigns and teams with Sandie trophies and recognition moments on stage
- Opportunities for connections and future collaborations
Tickets go on sale on March 30, 2026 – sign up for early access to tickets. Early ticket purchases are encouraged as seats are expected to sell out.
AMA San Diego Sandie Awards sponsors include:
- Buchanan Brand + Design – Branding
- Clearpoint Agency – Public Relations
- Kanbar Digital – DJ
- Max Lux Media – Podcast, Videographer
- Media Now Interactive at People, Inc – Wine
- Nexxen – Bar
- Neyenesch Printers – Printing
- Noble Intent – Website
- Outfront Media – Centerpieces
- SpeedPro Mission Valley – Printing
- StackAdapt – Grand Entrance
- Town & Country Resort – Venue
Sponsorship opportunities available here.
About American Marketing Association San Diego
San Diego AMA is a 501(c)3 organization comprising mid- to senior-level marketers invested in advancing the art of marketing and creating unique growth and learning opportunities for marketers. San Diego AMA provides education, networking, information, resources, and valuable connections in a fun and approachable environment where personal development goals can be achieved. Visit www.sdama.org.