The Channel Marketing Association (CMA) is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the third annual Channel Marketing Excellence Awards, recognizing the individuals and teams shaping the future of channel marketing.

Marketers, channel leaders, and collaborators from across the telecom, IT, and SaaS ecosystems are invited to apply or nominate their peers now through Friday, October 3, 2025. 

Award recipients will be revealed during the CMA Virtual Summit on October 29, 2025, and honored in person at the CMA Marketing Summit in Houston, Texas, on March 25, 2026, held at the Westin Galleria.

The 2025 award categories include:

• Icon Award
• Visionary Marketer Award
• Rising Star Award
• Connector Award
• CMA Excellence List

Each award honors professionals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and impact in the channel marketing space.

“Channel marketers are the unsung heroes of the channel,” said Amy Bailey, co-founder of the Channel Marketing Association. “They’re the ones working tirelessly behind the scenes to help partners succeed—creating programs, building content, driving engagement, and making sure everything runs smoothly. The CMA Awards are our way of celebrating them and shining a spotlight on the impact they make every single day.”

Celebrating Past Winners

In 2024, the CMA presented the inaugural Founders Award to Dalyn Wertz, a foundational figure in channel marketing and co-creator of the original Cable Marketing Summit. “Being part of the evolution of this industry has been a privilege,” said Wertz. “To receive this award from an organization built on that same spirit of community and collaboration is an incredible honor.”

Also recognized was Jamina Muller, recipient of the Connector Award, celebrating those who, while not always in traditional marketing roles, create the cross-functional momentum that makes partner success possible. “I’ve always believed that connection is at the heart of every successful channel strategy,” said Muller. “This award is meaningful because it recognizes the behind-the-scenes effort that makes everything click.”

Nicole Steele was honored with the Visionary Award, which celebrates marketers who bring bold, forward-thinking strategies to life. “Being recognized as a visionary in this community means so much,” said Steele. “It’s a reflection not only of the work I’ve done but of the support and inspiration I’ve received from peers across the channel.”

How to Apply or Nominate

Visit www.channelmarketingassociation.com/awards to apply or nominate a colleague. You may suggest the award that best fits, but final award placements will be determined by the CMA based on impact, visibility, and contribution to the channel.

All applications must include a high-resolution headshot and complete responses to the application questions. Incomplete submissions may be disqualified.