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2026
2026
Frequently asked questions
REFRESHED CATEGORIES
Download PDFFor 18 years, the Bookmarks have celebrated excellence in digital media, marketing and publishing. As the awards have matured, we’ve reimagined the Categories & Criteria to reflect the realities of a digital-first world.
Digital is no longer a niche discipline — it sits at the centre of how brands are built, experienced, and measured. The Bookmarks is at the forefront of how creativity and innovation is conceived, executed, and judged across today’s digital ecosystem.
The refreshed Categories & Criteria are structured according to the role digital plays within a brand or business — from building strong digital foundations to driving communication, connection, innovation, and measurable impact.
We’ve retained the existing category codes, with only one or two new additions, so you’ll still find familiar references on the entry portal.
NB: Results documents are required for all entries, except selected EME categories (as indicated) and results documents are not required for Craft entries.
This new clustered approach reflects a holistic view of how digital operates across the full customer journey. We hope you enjoy it.
Please reach out to us if you need assistance navigating the refreshed categories: thebookmarks@iabsa.net
Digital is no longer a niche discipline — it sits at the centre of how brands are built, experienced, and measured. The Bookmarks is at the forefront of how creativity and innovation is conceived, executed, and judged across today’s digital ecosystem.
The refreshed Categories & Criteria are structured according to the role digital plays within a brand or business — from building strong digital foundations to driving communication, connection, innovation, and measurable impact.
We’ve retained the existing category codes, with only one or two new additions, so you’ll still find familiar references on the entry portal.
NB: Results documents are required for all entries, except selected EME categories (as indicated) and results documents are not required for Craft entries.
This new clustered approach reflects a holistic view of how digital operates across the full customer journey. We hope you enjoy it.
Please reach out to us if you need assistance navigating the refreshed categories: thebookmarks@iabsa.net
THE BOOKMARK AWARDS
13 August 2026
The Forum, The Campus, Bryanston
TICKETS AVAILABLE ON HOWLER SOONThe Forum, The Campus, Bryanston
Pandemic is the remote world
The Bookmark Awards is an IAB South Africa initiative that celebrates innovation, creativity and effectiveness in the digital media and marketing industry.The Bookmarks has been rewarding high-impact digital work from South African agencies, publishers and brands for 18 years, and by doing so, it sets the benchmark for tech, digital and leading edge innovation. Celebrating work that works, to drive digital change.Join us for a welcome drink and a light cocktail dinner from 18h00 before you grab your seats for the awards show which will start at 19h00.We anticipate a running time of 120 minutes. Please stay for a celebratory drink afterwards but note the bar will close at 22h30.The 2026 Bookmark Awards are proudly brought to you by Bmedia.
Time:
18h00 for 19h00 start
18h00 for 19h00 start
Seating:
The auditorium has has unreserved cinema style seating where agencies and clients will be able to find space to sit next to each other. Grouped seating will be available on a first come, first served basis. Auditorium doors will open 30 minutes before the show starts.
The auditorium has has unreserved cinema style seating where agencies and clients will be able to find space to sit next to each other. Grouped seating will be available on a first come, first served basis. Auditorium doors will open 30 minutes before the show starts.
Dress code:
Smart - think polished and stylish with a celebratory flair.
Smart - think polished and stylish with a celebratory flair.
Parking:
There is sufficient parking available at the venue but guests are encouraged to use an e-hailing service, especially if you will be enjoying a drink or two.
There is sufficient parking available at the venue but guests are encouraged to use an e-hailing service, especially if you will be enjoying a drink or two.
Catering:
Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival. Canapés and cocktail style dinner will be served. Vegetarian, halaal friendly and kosher friendly dietaries will be accommodated.
Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival. Canapés and cocktail style dinner will be served. Vegetarian, halaal friendly and kosher friendly dietaries will be accommodated.
No children allowed.
INTERNAL PLATFORMS
PLT09: Employee Experience Programme
PLT10: Internal Business Platforms
PLT09: Employee Experience Programme
PLT10: Internal Business Platforms
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE DESIGN
PLT11: Customer Experience Design
PLT11: Customer Experience Design
BUILD CRAFT
CRF03: Excellence in Craft: Interface Design
CRF06: Excellence in Craft: UX
CRF11: Excellence in Craft: Interactive Design
CRF03: Excellence in Craft: Interface Design
CRF06: Excellence in Craft: UX
CRF11: Excellence in Craft: Interactive Design
Invite your friends
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