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Jimmy Smith named 2026 AICP Next Awards Judging Chair
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The Amusement Park Entertainment Chairman, CEO and CCO will lead the jury for the 2026 competition.
A new appointment at the AICP Next Awards sees Jimmy Smith named Judging Chair for the 2026 edition of the competition.
The announcement was made by Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP, who confirmed that Smith will lead the judging process and has assembled the Jury Presidents for each category. In addition, Smith has selected a group of Curators-at-Large, who will work alongside the Jury Presidents to determine final winners and select the Most Next Award.
Smith, Chairman, CEO and CCO of Amusement Park Entertainment, brings experience across branded content, entertainment, technology and cultural projects. He has previously served as a curator for the AICP Next Awards and has judged across a number of industry competitions.
Commenting on his appointment, Smith says: “I’ve judged a ton of award shows, and I could be wrong about this, but I don’t know of another show where the word ‘next’ is part of the category title, or the name of the show, or where the award gets your work in a museum. It’s not what happened yesterday. It’s not what’s now. It’s always looking forward. It’s what’s next.”
One of Smith’s responsibilities as Judging Chair will be guiding the Curatorial committee towards consensus across categories, reviewing judging outcomes, and shaping the final showcase of winners. Speaking about the process, he adds: “Getting a consensus is the most fun. I’ve chosen a diverse group of judges, and hearing a variety of perspectives is what I encourage every day at Amusement Park Entertainment. That to me is the only way to land somewhere new and truly next.”
Miller says Smith’s appointment reflects the evolving nature of the marketing landscape and the growing role of different platforms and formats. He adds: “Few creatives have a portfolio that reflects such a broad palette of genres, techniques, media platforms, and content formats. His deep fluency in modern brand communications makes him a standout pick for Judging Chair.”
Throughout his career, Smith has worked across roles including entrepreneur, creative director, author and producer, with work recognised by organisations including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, as well as Cannes Lions, D&AD, AICP and the Clios.
The call for entries for the 2026 AICP Next Awards is now open. Full entry information and eligibility details are available via the AICP Awards entry page, with further information on categories and criteria outlined on the AICP Next Awards overview. Eligible work must have first launched between 5 March 2025 and 17 March 2026.
