B&T’s 30 Under 30 Awards, presented by Vevo, is back in 2026 and it’s swaggier than ever.
This isn’t just another night of clinking glasses and shiny trophies (though there’ll be plenty of that, too). It’s your moment to be recognised among the next generation of industry trailblazers—the ones rewriting the rules, setting the trends, and shaping what comes next in advertising, marketing and media.
On the hunt for the next young-leaders to crown, B&T has crossed paths with the 2025 alumni. Over the past two months we have sat down with the pocket-rockets who are shaping the industry, to found out the various reasons to why the industry’s best of the next entered these prestigious awards.
Want to be part of the 2026 alumni? Enter B&T’s 30 Under 30 Awards, presented by Vevo, now!
Creative Champion Lachlan Rotherham
I was lucky enough to have close friends and colleagues who encouraged me to enter. Plus, my creative partner at the time, Georgie Parchert, actually won the year before which was super inspiring. Seeing your mates achieve awesome things definitely lights a fire in your belly.
PR Legend Matthew Evans
Evans: I am incredibly grateful to work alongside some of the best in the business at Ogilvy PR who push me to be better every day and when my MD and line manager encouraged me to apply, I was all in.
So, for me, entering was about backing myself. I have always pushed to be involved in standout work, but I never really stopped to reflect on my own journey. I started my career because of a chance encounter in a lecture theatre, graduated into lockdown, worked my way up chasing projects I am passionate about, and now get to lead work for brands I grew up admiring.
I also wanted to be part of the community that 30 Under 30 builds. Some of the most inspiring people in our industry are recognised by B&T with different awards and being able to connect with peers who care deeply about where the industry is headed was a big motivator. I feel grateful to be a part of it.
Agency Sales /Account Management Pathforger Arielle Selva
It was actually a goal that was set right at the start of my journey. When I first began this role in 2023, my boss asked me what my career goal was. I told her simply: “A 30 under 30 award”. I didn’t even know how, what, when, where back then! After a while, it became a really clear, challenging target to work towards. It wasn’t just about the title; it was about the standard of excellence and the level of impact required to even be considered. To be able to hit that goal just two years later felt incredibly rewarding. It was a great way to mark a significant milestone in my career and validate the direction I was heading.
Media Planner / Buyer Trailblazer Rahma El Sayed
Besides the fact that I was about to turn 30 and it was my last year to enter.. it was something I really wanted to accomplish for myself.
I was really proud of where I had gotten to in my career, and everything I had accomplished to date; both personally and professionally—so I really wanted to put myself out there and celebrate my achievements, and I don’t think there’s any shame in wanting to do that!
I’ll also note that it was actually my 2nd or 3rd time entering too! I was determined to keep trying for as long as I could (and luckily I did).
Marketing Wiz Luke Elzerman
Mainly to see if I had what it takes.
I don’t find it easy to take a microscopic lens of self-reflection (and self-promotion) to my work, let along broadcast your findings for an award entry. So as trivial as it may seem, I wanted to embrace that challenge. In the end it came down to the questions “are you comfortable enough to put yourself out there?” And “what have you got to lose?”
Given the journey its taken me on, I’d recommend anyone who’s on the fence about entering to avoid the splinters and jump in head first.
Any of these reasons sound like you? Enter B&T’s 30 Under 30 Awards now!
