What is the Brands That Matter Award and how is it different from Fast Company’s existing awards?
For more than a decade, Fast Company has been recognizing outstanding achievement with three different awards programs. Most Innovative Companies (March/April issue) celebrates organizations that are transforming industries and shaping society through paradigm-shifting products, insights, or services. Innovation by Design (October issue) focuses on individuals and firms that are addressing some of the world’s most intractable challenges through design solutions. And World-Changing Ideas (May issue) highlights initiatives (products, concepts, policies, designs, and services) that aim to enhance life on the planet. The common theme among all three existing programs is innovation, a core Fast Company value.
Fast Company’s Brands That Matter is the premier showcase for brands that excel in making emotional connections, communicating purpose, and maintaining cultural relevance. These brands stand out for their ability to resonate, transcending mere social engagement to establish genuine bonds. Brands That Matter honorees authentically reflect not just a mission, but a heart and soul that aligns with their customer values and aspirations.
What are the award categories?
Every application will automatically be considered for the Brands That Matter list, which will recognize 100+ brands by industry. You may also choose to apply to any of these additional new categories for an additional fee, increasing your odds of being recognized by Fast Company. Multiple honorees will be named in each category. The additional categories are: General Excellence, Years in Business, Heritage Brands, Family of Brands, and CMOs of the Year. You can learn more about the additional categories here.
Why Apply?
Brand Exposure - Be seen and evaluated by Fast Company editors and reporters.
Recognition - Speaking opportunities at Fast Company events and exclusive invitations to influencer-only events
Publicity - Appear in the Winter 2024 issue of Fast Company and on FastCompany.com
Exclusivity - Gain entry into this bold community of creative thinkers and professionals
What is the entry fee?
The entry fee will vary by date. Please see below for the prices.
Early Rate Deadline: May 3 $795/ $1295
Final Deadline: June 7 $995/ $1595
Refund Policy: If you need to cancel your application, just get in touch with us by replying to your confirmation email or emailing us at BTMawards@fastcompany.com. All sales are final. Refunds are not available but you can receive an application credit if canceled before the final deadline.
When is the deadline to apply?
The early rate application deadline is on May 3, 2024 and the final deadline rate is June 7, 2024. Please note that you can submit your application now and go back and edit your submission before the final deadline on June 7th.
When will the finalists be announced?
The finalists will be announced in the Winter issue of Fast Company, as well as on fastcompany.com.
Our applications are currently closed. We’d love to keep you updated! Sign up here, and we’ll let you know as soon as they reopen.
Have any questions or concerns? Email the Brands That Matter Team at BTMawards@fastcompany.com