Where the Work Becomes Worth It: Inside the 2026 ThinkLA IDEA Awards Gala

06-17-2026 6:00 PM - 06-18-2026 12:00 AM

On June 17, the Los Angeles advertising, marketing, and media community recognized and honored the outstanding people, campaigns, and companies in our industry. The 16th Annual IDEA Awards Gala presented 15 awards and inducted four Hall of Fame honorees at a sold-out event in the International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton. This year's theme, "Where the Work Becomes Worth It," was reflected in every aspect of the evening.

"The IDEA Awards are where we bring the community together to recognize the endlessly creative work across agencies, verticals, and brands,” said Don Lupo, Executive Director, ThinkLA. “It’s a perfect way to celebrate our twentieth year of serving the Los Angeles community."

Creative partner Innocean USA designed a cutting-edge, fashion-forward atmosphere reflected in every aspect of the event and onstage, showcasing interviews and footage illustrating “the work behind the work.” Sponsor activations surprised and delighted guests from registration through the after party, including specialty cocktails from Teads, a Glambot and living flower wall from presenting sponsor VIZIO Ads, relax and revive lounge from after party sponsor Nexxen, an Ogury Winners Circle photo op, LG Ad Solutions' champagne wall, glamorous photos courtesy of Cadent, and Atmosphere TV's popcorn and hangover kit stations.

A Hall of Fame Worthy of the Occasion

Four industry champions were inducted into the ThinkLA Hall of Fame to mark ThinkLA's 20th anniversary. Each was recognized for their transformative impact on advertising and on the organization.

David Angelo founded D&G as a unique agency driven by a challenger spirit that takes on the toughest marketing Goliaths, no matter the size or scale, inspiring people and brands alike. A driving force in advertising for more than three decades, David has garnered more than 500 of the industry’s most prestigious awards.
Kim Getty, President of Deutsch, leads a team of world-class creative thinkers who help businesses and brands thrive. Recognized as a ‘Trailblazer’ by Adweek, one of Business Insider’s ‘Most Powerful Women in Advertising,’ and a recipient of the AAF’s Mosaic Award for Career Achievement, Kim is a champion of change and a staunch advocate for equality in the industry.
Eric Johnson founded Ignited in 1999. He served as co-President of ThinkLA, and spearheaded the launch of the M-School with ThinkLA at LMU. Prior to founding Ignited, Eric ran marketing at Activision for 10 years. He remains a valued advisor to the ThinkLA Board of Directors.
Aaron Walton, CEO and co-founder of Walton Isaacson,has transformed the definition of the agency model by prioritizing diversity of thinking and encouraging strategic solutions that defy tradition. Among his many accolades, Aaron was inducted into the AAF Advertising Hall of Fame, named Agency Executive of the Year by Ad Age, and recognized by the 4A’s as one of the 100 People Who Make Advertising Great.

2026 IDEA Award Winners

Fifteen outstanding campaigns, companies, and individuals earned IDEA Awards this year, representing the remarkable talent in the LA market. This year's winners were selected through a rigorous judging process and represent work across audio, auto, branded content, cause marketing, entertainment, out of home, short form video, social media, and more. Experts in their fields, judges spanned agencies, ad tech, brands, vendors, and digital companies.

Best Audio Campaign: Hyundai Motor America
Best Auto Campaign: INNOCEAN USA
Best Branded Content Campaign: David&Goliath
Best Cause Marketing Campaign: Wonderful Agency
Best Entertainment Campaign: Liquid Advertising
Best Out of Home Campaign: INNOCEAN USA
Best Short Form Video: Party Land
Best Social Media Campaign: Saatchi & Saatchi
ThinkLA Innovator: Saatchi & Saatchi
Campaign of the Year, Partner: LG Ad Solutions + Intertrend Communications
Campaign of the Year, Agency: Deutsch
DIG Award: Orci
Partner of the Year: KARGO
Salesperson of the Year: Dmytri Johnson, KARGO
Agency Leader of the Year: Joelle Krakower, Canvas Worldwide

Congratulations to every winner, and to the more than 70 finalists who submitted their outstanding work.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners

The IDEA Awards would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors and partners.

Thank you to presenting sponsor VIZIO Ads, after party sponsor Nexxen, award presenters Zeta Global, LG Ad Solutions, and Atmosphere TV, cocktail party sponsor Teads, photo experience sponsor Cadent, Winners’ Circle sponsor Ogury, welcome sponsor MiQ,, and secret garden sponsor Life360 Ads.

Thank you to creative partner Innocean, production partner TH-Studios, printing partner National Graphics, PR partner YD Media, and rideshare partner Lyft.

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