AMA Chicago Shines Light on Marketing Excellence: The 2025 Palmer Marketing Award Winners
Celebrating Marketing Brilliance at the House of Blues
The highly anticipated Palmer Marketing Awards Ceremony unfolded at the iconic House of Blues in Chicago, with the charismatic Chris McGuire, the incoming President of AMA Chicago, taking the reins as emcee. This event showcased the crème de la crème of the marketing world, honoring campaigns that not only celebrate creativity but also deliver measurable results.
Spotlighting Innovative Campaigns
Every year, the American Marketing Association Chicago—the largest chapter within the AMA’s North American network—hosts the Palmer Marketing Awards to recognize exceptional marketing campaigns from across the nation. The theme for this year, “Recognizing Brilliance and Illuminating Innovation,” encapsulated the essence of the evening, as finalists and honorees convened on June 12 to celebrate their achievements.
At this year’s ceremony, winners in eight unique categories received the prestigious gold-panel Palmer trophies, while the coveted Grand Champion award was bestowed upon none other than Choose Chicago.
Insights from Leadership
“This year’s entries set a new bar for excellence,” remarked Josh Blacksmith, President of AMA Chicago. “From engaging community campaigns to innovative B2B strategies, the winners exemplify the significant impact strong marketing can have on businesses and organizations across the nation.”
A Tribute to James L. Palmer
The Palmer Awards pay homage to James L. Palmer, a distinguished marketing professor at the University of Chicago and the founding president of AMA’s Chicago chapter in 1937. With each passing year, the awards program infuses a renewed focus on innovation and inclusivity, spotlighting campaigns that inspire, resonate, and drive outcomes.
The 2025 Palmer Award Winners
Here are the shining stars of this year’s awards, each representing excellence in diverse categories:
Not-for-Profit Marketing:
- The 77: A City of Neighborhoods – Choose Chicago
Integrated Marketing:
- The 77: A City of Neighborhoods – Choose Chicago
Momentum:
- Cicada Symphony Orkinstra – DDB Chicago
Influencer Collaboration:
- #OCedarCleanSquad Ambassador Program – 3rd Coast PR
Engagement:
- Cicada Symphony Orkinstra – DDB Chicago
Best Use of Generative AI:
- Spinning Up Some Holiday Cheer – BrandAction Agency
Product or Service Launch:
- Mission94 Firearms Education Center: Launch of a Revolutionary Experience – TAWANI Enterprises, Inc.
B2B:
- Own Your Growth Women’s Leadership Series – Gallagher
The pinnacle of the event, the Grand Champion award, was also presented—the esteemed Black Panel Trophy for the best overall campaign across all categories was awarded to Choose Chicago.
Join the Circle of Marketing Excellence
If you’re passionate about marketing and want to be part of an engaging community, consider joining the American Marketing Association Chicago. Explore more about the Palmer Marketing Awards and how to get involved by visiting amachicago.org.
In celebrating the 2025 Palmer Marketing Awards, we not only recognize outstanding achievements but also champion the future of marketing—where innovation and creativity lead the way.
