The Australian Influencer Marketing Council (AiMCO) has unveiled the finalists for its 2023 Awards, a celebration of successful collaborations between brands and creators.

This year's awards received over 220 entries across 26 categories, evaluated by a panel of 70 judges. The awards have drawn sponsorship from industry heavyweights such as Hello Social, Meltwater, Social Soup, Talentpay Australia, and Tagger by Sprout Social. The awardsfocus on the Power of Connection through Creativity, Community, Culture, and Collaboration.

Among the finalists are well-known brands such as Domino's Pizza, Krispy Kreme, L'Oréal Paris, Afterpay, Uber, Archie Rose Distilling Co., and Paramount+.

Agencies behind their work include BornBred Talent, Sling and Stone, Two Palms Media, Havas Red, Wavemaker, Hello Social, Earnest Agency, Hypetap, Leapfrogger and Social Soup.

The 'Influence for Good Campaign' category features campaigns by Butterfly Foundation #bodyprice by Edelman Australia, Sound of a Smile by Wavemaker and Uber Redcross by Hello Social.

The 'Best Boutique Agency/Business' category includes Day Mgmt, Hoozu, and Mumpower Marketing, while the 'Best Large Agency/Business' category features Hello Social, Social Soup, and Wavemaker.

The 'Best Influencer Marketing Technology Service' category sees nominations for Fabulate, Goat, Hypetap, and Tagger by Sprout Social. The 'AiMCO Trailblazer' category recognises individuals such as Ash Jackson, Emma Woods, Ruby Henshaw, and Steph Recking.

For Best Use of Data, finalists include Pepsico Simply Chips By Social Soup and Uber x Young Earner by Hello Social. Most Effective Campaign for ROI finalists meanwhile include Babybee Leapfrogger, Jansz Seasonal Release by Ernest Agency Pepsico Simply Chips by Social Soup, Uber Carshare by Hello Social, and Uber Young Earner by Hello Social

The 'Creator Awards' category spans a wide range of fields, including Food & Beverage, Beauty, Fashion & Style, Comedy & Entertainment, Family, Parenting, Pets, Gaming, Streamer, Health, Fitness, Sport, Home, Lifestyle, Travel, Auto, Up & Coming, and Influence for Good.

"The creator industry continues to thrive, and our awards embody this; this year is the biggest and best yet," said Patrick Whitnall, AiMCO’s Managing Director. "The positive and passionate reaction from the judges, especially marketers, has been a real marker of how the work and impact influencer marketing is having across the industry. Congratulations to all of our shortlisted finalists. I look forward to celebrating with everyone on our awards night."

The awards ceremony is set to take place at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf on Thursday, February 29, 2024.