The 2026 CMX Community Industry Awards are here, and it’s time to celebrate the people and programs driving our industry forward! After an inspiring wave of nominations showcasing community professionals and initiatives from around the world, it’s now your turn to make your voice heard.

Voting is open from December 8 - January 9, and we’ll be announcing the finalists on January 20, 2026.

This year marks our eighth annual awards, honoring excellence across nine categories. To make sure every nomination gets a fair and thoughtful review, we’ve brought together a panel of expert community leaders to serve as judges.

So without further ado—let’s meet the incredible judging panel for the 2026 CMX Community Industry Awards. Cue the drumroll…

Community Awards

Customer Support Community

Awarded to a community that enhances customer support and success by fostering engagement, reducing support tickets, and improving customer retention through peer-to-peer assistance and knowledge sharing.

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Growth Marketing Community

Recognizes a community that drives sales, acquisition, and brand growth through advocacy programs, ambassador networks, and engagement strategies that contribute to measurable business success.

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User Group Program

Celebrates a community-led user group or chapter program that connects members, shares knowledge, and fosters engagement through local or virtual events. It is not designed for recognizing individual chapters but rather the overall structure and strategy behind a distributed user group program.

Most Engaged Community - New Category in 2026!

Awarded to the community that demonstrates exceptional member participation. This community stands out for high-quality interactions, meaningful conversations, and activities that keep members consistently active, connected, and invested.

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Professional Awards

B2B Community Professional

Given to an individual building a thriving B2B community that fosters engagement, customer advocacy, and business impact.

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Executive Leader of a Community Team

Recognizes a community executive managing a team and aligning community strategy with business goals to drive growth and engagement. (nominees must have 1 or more direct report to be considered for this award).

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Nonprofit Community Professional

Awarded to an individual managing a nonprofit community, mobilizing members, increasing engagement, and supporting a cause-driven mission.

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Developer Relations (DevRel)

Celebrates a leader fostering developer engagement, advocacy, and innovation while strengthening connections between developers and technology.