Ready to submit your entry? Enter Now

2026 MCA Program Key Dates to Remember

*Tentative dates; based on program status

Important steps to ensure your entry is complete.

1.    Review Category Definitions to determine which category (ies) you would like to enter.
2.    Read the Judging Criteria and Awards to see the scoring criteria.
3.    Submit your entry and payment online at smps.org/mcaentry

This competition is open to SMPS members and nonmembers employed in the US and international professional services firms. Please note that failure to comply with submittal requirements can result in entry disqualification.

Questions? Contact awards@smps.org 

Entry Fees

MCA Entry Discounts

Early Discount: Entries entered and paid for by February 16, 2026, receive $75 off the first entry; and $75 off per additional entry.

First Timers Discount: For firms that have never entered the SMPS MCA program, we are offering a 10% discount on entry fees. Not sure if your firm has entered before, contact awards@smps.org. Entrants must specify certification on the entry form to receive the discount.

Multiple Entry Discount: $75 off per additional entry

Small Firm Entry Rate*: $100 discount from regular entry fee rate 
*Firms that are certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) qualify for the discounted small firm entry rate. Agencies or consultants submitting work on behalf of their clients must calculate the entry fee based on the client's firm size, not the size of the agency or consultant firm.

For more information on SBA Certification, visit the SBA website.

Discount offer for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) firms
MBE-certified businesses (MBE, WBE/WOSB, DBE, EDBE, VOSB, SDVOSB) will receive a 10% discount on entry fees.  Entrants must specify certification on the entry form to receive the discount.

*All entries and fees must be submitted online by February 16, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. EST to get the early discount entry rate. Early-discount entrants will be allowed to modify their entry until March 27, 2026, 11:59 pm ET. Any entry submitted after February 16, 2026, will pay the regular entry rate. The deadline for all entries and payments is March 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. No refunds for any reason after February 16, 2026.

Need guidance getting your MCA entry together?

Need a little guidance getting your MCA entry together? We’re here to help! The recent instructional webinar "How to Prepare Your Marketing Communications Awards Entry" will walk you through the important steps to preparing an MCA entry.

Be sure to check out the 2025 MCA Finalist entries and read the creative briefs and view the entries in the Awards Gallery for inspiration.

Interested in sponsoring the MCA program?

Contact growth@smps.org for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

About the SMPS Marketing Communications Awards Program

Started in 1977, the SMPS Marketing Communications Awards (MCA) Program is the longest-standing, most prestigious awards competition that recognizes excellence in marketing communications produced by professional services firms in the design and building industries. The program provides an unparalleled opportunity for professionals to showcase their best marketing practices and to educate the industry about the critical role of marketing in a successful firm.

This competition is open to SMPS members and nonmembers employed in the US and international professional services firms.