The Brand Hall of Fame

Past Inductees

Recognition of Excellence

Dedicated to honoring the architects of brands that have not only endured but thrived, making a significant mark on the industry.

The Brand Hall of Fame Charter

In October 2023, an extraordinary initiative was unveiled to recognize the paragons of marketing: the architects of brands that have stood the test of time and left an indelible mark on society.

A person speaking on a stage in front of a crowd of people at The Gathering event

For Those Who Set The Standard

The Brand Hall of Fame℠ exists to prestigiously honor achievement, excellence and fame in building North America’s most notable brands.

Our Purpose

Recognition of Excellence

We must acknowledge and celebrate organizations that have consistently demonstrated courage, creativity, and innovation in the field of branding and marketing.

Preservation of Legacy

The Hall of Fame immortalizes the contribution and impact of these brands by documenting and preserving their achievements.

Education of Future Leaders

We aspire to inform future generations of business and marketing professionals by showcasing exemplary strategies that led to Hall of Fame-worthy success

Our Vision

Education

Through events, mentorship, and scholarships, we support the growth of future marketing leaders.

Connection

Exclusive networking opportunities connect inductees with peers and industry leaders.

Artifacts

We collect and archive memorable artifacts to celebrate and remember the achievements of inductees.

Permanence

Inductees are honored with the Brand Hall of Fame℠ Lifetime Achievement Award, receiving lasting recognition.

Selection Committee

Our evaluation criteria is stringent and robust, ensuring only the most deserving nominees grace our hallowed halls. We seek out companies that have achieved enviable levels of emotional attachment and social significance. We've assembled a distinguished panel of relevant experts capable of assessing the blend of art and science that businesses use to increase revenue and relevance. Our selection committee oversees the entire nomination and induction process.

Jennifer Rooney

Chief Experience Officer

ADWEEK

Michael Smith

Head of Brand Marketing

Starry

Mandy Balak

President

The Gathering

Jo Cronk

Co-CEO

Whalar

Joanna Faries

President

Blizzard Entertainment

Jason White

President

Wieden + Kennedy

Monica Austin

CMO

Blizzard Entertainment

Colin Chow

Global Managing Partner

TwentyFirstCenturyBrand

Brett Channer

CEO

BAM Analytix

Brent Baldwin

Vice President, Marketing Transformation

MediaLink

Jim Lecinski

Associate Professor of Marketing

Northwestern University

Nathan Oliver

Chief Growth Officer

Plus Company

Scott Moffitt

CEO

Fortune 500 President & Executive

Chris Kneeland

Brand Builder, Advisor & Co-Founder

CULT + The Gathering

Ryan Gill

Founder & Chairman

Brand Hall of Fame

"Very few businesses will achieve cult-like status, that's why we honour them."

—Chris Kneeland, Advisor & Brand Builder

The Brand Hall of Fame℠ is not a one-time accolade, it's a ongoing testament to the enduring legacy of those who have shaped the world of marketing and business.It's a beacon of inspiration for us all, urging us to reach new heights of achievement and reimagine what is possible.

Selection Criteria

Nominees don’t need to be category leaders, but they do need to be unquestionably successful for a prolonged period of time.

The selection criteria for honorees is comprehensive and reflective of the multifaceted qualities that define marketing mastery and business achievement, including these ten proof points.

Longevity

More than regional relevance, honored brands must have evidence of successfully navigating and influencing diverse markets on an national scale.

Pervasiveness

More than regional relevance, honored brands must have evidence of successfully navigating and influencing diverse markets on an national scale.

Vision

Develop visionary marketing strategies that have not only driven business success but have also set new standards for the industry.

Courage

Demonstrated innovation and creativity in branding, marketing campaigns, and business practices, showcasing a willingness to push boundaries and explore new frontiers.

Resilience

Proven ability to adapt to changing market dynamics, navigate challenges, and showcase resilience in the face of adversity.

Ethical

Demonstrated commitment to ethical business practices, integrity, and social responsibility in both marketing strategies and overall business operations.

Cultural Impact

Clear evidence of the positive impact of their brand(s) on the lives of consumers, communities, and society at large.

Financial Performance

Evidence of sustained financial success and growth, demonstrating the efficacy of marketing strategies in achieving business objectives.

Customer Engagement

Enviable levels of customer advocacy, including word of mouth, willingness to forgive, and defending the brand to others.

Employee Engagement

Above average levels of employee satisfaction, indicating a holistic approach to brand management that considers internal stakeholders and culture.

Nominate a Brand

Submit a nomination for the 2026 Brand Hall of Fame℠

Contact Us

Have questions? We’ve got answers. Get in touch with our team here and we’ll get back to you soon.

Send Us a Message

Sponsorships

As a sponsor, you’ll benefit from the prestige and recognition that comes with The Brand Hall of Fame℠.

Become a Sponsor

Attend the Brand Hall of Fame Awards

The induction ceremony happens annually in Banff, Alberta, at The Gathering Festival. The 2026 awards ceremony is on Friday, October 23rd.

Get Tickets to the Gathering 2026