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reed awards 2026 finalist

EOK Consults Named Finalist for the 2026 Reed Awards

EOK Consults is proud to announce that we have been named a finalist in multiple categories at the Reed Awards 2026, one of the most prestigious global honours in political campaigning, public affairs, and advocacy communications. This recognition reflects a year of record-breaking campaigns, innovative digital strategy, and measurable results delivered for candidates, causes, and organizations across Canada. After also being recognized as finalists in 2024, this latest honour reinforces a consistent track record of excellence and positions EOK among the top political consulting firms operating today. What the Reed Awards Represent The Reed Awards are widely regarded as the gold standard in political campaigning. Named after campaign pioneer Stanley F. Reed, the awards recognize excellence across: Political advertising Campaign strategy Digital innovation Public affairs communications Advocacy campaigns Finalists are selected through a rigorous evaluation process judged by leading strategists, consultants, academics, and media professionals. Being shortlisted signals that a firm’s work ranks among the most effective and innovative in the industry. EOK’s Momentum Heading Into 2026 The past year has been a defining one for EOK Consults. Across federal, provincial, and municipal campaigns, our team delivered results that demonstrate the power of modern political digital strategy: Helped deliver historic victories, including major upsets and first-time candidate wins across all levels of government Achieved an 86% provincial win rate in Ontario Ran successful federal campaigns across five provinces Expanded our work portfolio and supported new advocacy and nonprofit causes Our approach blends data, storytelling, cultural insight, and compliance expertise – ensuring campaigns don’t just reach voters, but genuinely connect with them. Reed Awards 2026 Event Details The Reed Awards 2026 ceremony will take place: 📍 Location: Charleston Gaillard Center 🌎 City: Charleston 📅 Dates: March 11–12, 2026 The event brings together top political consultants, campaign professionals, public affairs leaders, and strategists from around the world to celebrate excellence and exchange insights shaping the future of campaigning. EOK Consults is honoured to be attending alongside some of the most respected firms and strategists in the field. Why This Recognition Matters Industry awards are not just symbolic – they signal credibility, trust, and proven performance. For campaigns and organizations choosing a consulting partner, recognition at this level demonstrates: Verified results Strategic sophistication Creative innovation Industry leadership Being named a finalist confirms that EOK’s work stands alongside the most effective political campaigns internationally. A Testament to Clients and Campaign Teams This recognition belongs not only to our team but also to the candidates, organizations, and partners who trust us with their campaigns. From local municipal races to national advocacy initiatives, the success of our work is built on collaboration, shared vision, and a commitment to ethical, impactful communication. Looking Ahead As we head into a busy election cycle year, including major municipal contests across Canada and ongoing advocacy campaigns, the political communications landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Being named a Reed Awards 2026 finalist is both a celebration of past results and motivation for what comes next. We’re excited to connect with peers, learn from global leaders, and continue pushing the boundaries of what modern political campaigning can achieve.

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political digital advertising

Political Digital Advertising: Key Insights from The Ad Wars Panel at Next Campaign Summit 2026

Political digital advertising has become the backbone of modern political and advocacy campaigns; but as spending increases and tools evolve, the real question in 2026 isn’t where to advertise. It’s how. That tension, between innovation and fundamentals, was at the heart of “The Ad Wars: Digital Advertising in 2026,” a featured panel at the Next Campaign Summit 2026, moderated by Harneet Singh, Managing Principal at EOK Consults and one of the founders of the event. Harneet Singh is a veteran of 100+ political and advocacy campaigns across Canada and has advised senior Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, provincial representatives, municipal leaders, and national advocacy organizations.  The panel brought together three of Canada’s most experienced political and advocacy advertisers: Megan Buttle, President, Data, Digital & Design at Earnscliffe Strategies Nat Wilson, CEO of Point Blank and strategist for labour and progressive campaigns Dennis Matthews, President of Creative Currency and former advertising manager for Prime Minister Stephen Harper Together, they offered a candid look at what is shaping political digital advertising in 2026, and what campaigns need to rethink fast. From Megaphone to Strategy: The Real Shift in Political Digital Advertising A recurring theme across the discussion was that the biggest change in recent election cycles hasn’t been platforms or tools: it’s mindset. As Singh noted during the panel, campaigns increasingly succeed or fail based on whether digital is treated as a core strategic function, or merely a distribution channel for content created elsewhere. Megan Buttle echoed this shift, highlighting how serious campaigns are now integrating research, data, creative, and media buying into a single, coherent digital strategy. Digital is no longer a subset of communications. It’s a discipline in its own right, one that demands speed, testing, and alignment across paid, owned, and earned channels. Platform Strategy in 2026: One Size Does Not Fit All One of the most practical insights came from Dennis Matthews, who emphasized that campaigns still underestimate how differently content performs across platforms. A common mistake, he noted, is assuming that once an ad has been produced and paid for, it should be used everywhere. In reality: A landscape video built for YouTube rarely performs the same way on Instagram TikTok requires pacing, tone, and authenticity that Meta does not Connected TV (CTV) rewards clarity and emotional resonance, not rapid-fire messaging Effective political digital advertising in 2026 requires platform-specific creative, not just resized assets. Each channel has its own audience expectations, formats, and behavioural cues; campaigns that ignore those differences waste both attention and budget. Authenticity Still Wins, Especially for Advocacy and Labour Campaigns Nat Wilson brought the conversation back to a principle that consistently proves true in both electoral and advocacy work: authenticity matters more than polish. In her experience running high-impact labour, progressive, and issue-based campaigns, the most effective digital ads are often the ones that are unapologetically clear about who they are and what they stand for. Rather than smoothing out edges or trying to appeal to everyone, successful campaigns: Lead with values Speak in a human voice Embrace their identity and audience In a crowded digital environment, clarity cuts through. Authenticity isn’t just a tone choice, it’s a strategic advantage. AI in Political Digital Advertising: Accelerate Strategy, Don’t Replace Judgment Artificial intelligence was a major focus of the discussion, but the panelists offered a notably grounded perspective. Megan Buttle highlighted AI’s growing role in ad variation, testing, and speed, particularly when paired with strong research and audience insights. Nat Wilson added an important distinction: while her team uses AI for efficiency and workflow, they intentionally do not rely on AI for creative assets. Emotion, judgment, and cultural understanding, she argued, still require human leadership — especially in political and advocacy advertising, where trust and tone are fragile. Dennis Matthews reinforced this caution, noting that while AI can enhance execution, campaigns must remain vigilant about message flattening and unintended risk. The consensus was clear: AI works best when it accelerates good strategy, not when it replaces it. First-Party Data and the Trust Equation in Political Digital Advertising Across the panel, there was strong agreement that first-party data is now one of the most valuable assets a campaign can own. Email lists, SMS subscribers, website traffic, and engaged social followers allow campaigns to: Segment audiences more precisely Deliver relevant, timely messaging Reduce reliance on broad, inefficient ad buys But with that power comes responsibility. Trust, as multiple panellists emphasized, is fragile. Consistency of narrative, frequency of presence, and alignment across paid, earned, and owned channels matter more than ever. Campaigns must assume that everything is public, searchable, and shareable, and be prepared to respond and correct misinformation quickly. Storytelling in 2026: Human Still Beats Perfect When the conversation turned to storytelling, the panel agreed on a key point: the best-performing digital ads are often not the most technically sophisticated. As Singh noted from EOK’s experience running campaigns across multiple provinces, some of the strongest results came from: Real voices Imperfect footage Clear stakes and values Megan Buttle reinforced that research-informed storytelling, grounded in audience insight, remains essential, regardless of platform or format. Technology may evolve, but persuasion is still human. Final Takeaways for Political Digital Advertising in 2026 As Canada heads into a busy cycle with municipal elections across multiple provinces and the possibility of future federal contests, the panel’s insights point to a clear set of priorities: Treat digital as strategy, not just amplification Build platform-specific creative, not generic content Use AI to enhance speed and testing, rather than replace human judgment Invest early in first-party data and trust Lead with authenticity and clarity Political digital advertising in 2026 is more complex, more powerful, and more consequential than ever. Campaigns that get digital advertising right will shape the conversation. Those who don’t will struggle to be heard. “The Ad Wars: Digital Advertising in 2026” was presented at the Next Campaign Summit 2026, bringing together campaign professionals, advocates, non-profits, and public-sector leaders from across Canada to examine what’s next in campaigning and advocacy.

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Next Campaign Summit 2026

Next Campaign Summit 2026: Canada’s Biggest Political Campaign Event Returns

After two sold-out editions, the Next Campaign Summit is back — bigger, smarter, and more connected than ever. On Thursday, January 15, 2026, campaign professionals, elected officials, strategists, advocacy groups, non-profits, and public-sector professionals will gather at The Carlu in Toronto for what’s set to be Canada’s premier campaign and advocacy event of the year – the Next Campaign Summit 2026. EOK Consults is a proud presenting sponsor of the Next Campaign Summit 2026. The Summit brings together those who run and support successful campaigns and civic causes — from municipal races to national advocacy movements. The Origin of the Next Campaign Summit The idea for the Summit began with Harneet Singh, Managing Principal of EOK Consults, who saw a gap: Canada needed a practical, campaign-facing forum where practitioners could share tactics and tools. Harneet and his two amazing co-founders turned that idea into a working event — one built by campaigners, for campaigners and advocates. The first Summit in 2024 established a practical, outcomes-driven tone. By 2025, the Next Campaign Tech Showcase expanded that model into a sold-out event focused on tech and innovation. Both the 2024 and 2025 events drew record attendance and included campaign managers, agency leaders, non-profits, public-sector professionals, issue groups, and advocates. How It Became Canada’s Must-Attend Campaign & Advocacy Event In a short time, the Next Campaign Summit grew from a meetup into a national forum where practitioners share what’s actually working. Past events have attracted strategists and communicators from across the country, as well as non-profits and cause organizations that rely on digital strategy to mobilize supporters. Speakers and panels have focused on hands-on campaign techniques, from data-driven targeting to creative storytelling. Attendees consistently tell us the Summit stands out for its practical workshops, real-world case studies, and networking with people who run campaigns and movements — not just talk about them. Check out what iPolitics and the Hill Times wrote about the Next Campaign Summit. What to Expect in 2026 — Focus Themes The Next Campaign Summit 2026 will feature multiple sessions on a variety of topics including: AI & Campaigning Innovation U.S. – Canada Relations & Elections 2025 Federal Election Recap Ontario Politics & Leadership Fundraising Strategies Municipal Elections 2026 — Ontario, BC, Quebec Digital Advertising & Social Media Influencers & New Media Advocacy, Non-Profits, and Movements Expect mainstage talks, breakout workshops, and product demos across these themes. The format is deliberately hands-on: panels with tactical takeaways, breakouts where teams workshop real problems, and networking sessions for cross-sector collaboration. Why Every Candidate, Campaigner, Advocate and Public-Sector Professional Should Attend Next Campaign Summit 2026 offers something for everyone involved in campaigning or advocacy: Practical toolkits for digital advertising, fundraising, and GOTV. Case studies from recent federal and municipal races. Sessions on ethical AI, data privacy, and compliance. Panels with non-profit leaders showing how issue campaigns build influence. Cross-border perspectives on U.S. and Canadian electoral dynamics. Whether you manage campaigns, run a non-profit, work in the public sector, or build campaign tech, the Summit helps you translate strategy into action. About the Presenting Sponsor — EOK Consults EOK Consults is a proud presenting sponsor of the Next Campaign Summit. The firm is a digital-first agency focused on campaigning and advocacy across Canada. EOK’s record includes: 100+ campaigns managed nationally. $4M+ in political advertising budgets overseen. Successful federal campaigns in 2025 across five provinces. 86% win rate in recent Ontario provincial contests, including flipped ridings and surprising upsets. Municipal wins including high-profile races in Toronto, Brampton, the GTA, and St. John’s (historic Councillor-at-Large result). Long-term advocacy work that identified and mobilized 100,000+ supporters for provincial initiatives. EOK’s involvement in the Summit reflects its investment in the Canadian campaigning and advocacy community — bringing practitioners together to learn, collaborate, and innovate. How to Join the Next Campaign Summit 2026 📅 Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026📍 Location: The Carlu, Toronto🎟️ Registration: Details and ticketing are available at the Summit site — updates and speaker announcements will be shared by EOK Consults and event channels. Frequently Asked Questions About the Next Campaign Summit 2026 Q: Who should attend the Next Campaign Summit 2026?A: Campaign managers, candidates, political staff, agency strategists, non-profit leaders, movement organizers, public-sector professionals, and civic tech builders — anyone working on campaigning or advocacy. Q: Will the Summit address advocacy and non-profit strategies?A: Yes. One of the event’s core strengths is its cross-sector focus. Expect sessions dedicated to issue campaigning, movement building, and nonprofit digital strategy. Q: Does the Summit cover municipal issues, specifically Ontario 2026?A: Yes. There will be a dedicated track for Municipal Elections 2026 covering Ontario, BC, and Quebec, with tactical sessions for ward races, fundraising, and GOTV. Q: Are there sessions on AI and campaign tech?A: Absolutely. AI & Campaigning Innovation is a central track for 2026. Panels will examine practical uses of AI while addressing ethical considerations and compliance. Q: Is the event partisan?A: The Summit is non-partisan and focused on practice. Panels include a mix of campaigners, technologists, and civic leaders from across the political spectrum and advocacy space.

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Next Campaign Tech Showcase 2025

Next Campaign Tech Showcase 2025: Shaping the Future of Political Campaigning

At EOK Consults, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of political marketing and campaign innovation. The Next Campaign Tech Showcase was a powerful reflection of this vision, bringing together campaign professionals, strategists, and technology experts to explore the latest advancements in digital political engagement. As a co-founder and presenting sponsor of Next Campaign, our team played an integral role in shaping this event. The tech showcase was built on the success of our first summit last year, providing a focused opportunity to explore campaign technology in greater detail. While the Next Campaign Summit brings together policy minds, advocacy groups, and big-picture ideas, this event placed technology at the forefront, demonstrating how campaigns can leverage cutting-edge solutions to win.  A Cutting-Edge Political Tech Experience With over 200 attendees joining us in person, the event featured more than 30 speakers and experts sharing their insights from the stage. In addition, we welcomed over 15 technology solution providers, each showcasing tools designed to transform modern campaigning.   From Door-Knocking to Data-Driven Campaigns The event highlighted how technology is reshaping voter outreach. While traditional grassroots tactics remain crucial, digital strategies have become indispensable. Sessions explored cutting-edge topics such as: AI in Political Advertising – Leveraging machine learning to optimize messaging and audience engagement. Digital Advertising & Data-Driven Targeting – Harnessing precision targeting for maximum impact. Social Media Trends & Best Practices – Navigating the evolving landscape of political communication. Strategies for the 2025 Federal Election – Preparing campaigns for the next big political showdown. Learnings from Recent Provincial Elections – Key takeaways from recent campaign successes and challenges. Engaging Diverse & Multicultural Audiences – Reaching voters in meaningful and culturally relevant ways.   Showcasing Innovation in Political Tech Attendees were able to engage with live demos of the latest campaign tech, including data analytics platforms, AI-driven ad tools, and voter engagement software. The showcase provided a hands-on look at the game-changing innovations defining the next election cycle.   Why This Matters for Political Campaigns In today’s fast-paced digital world, campaigns that fail to adapt risk falling behind. The Next Campaign Tech Showcase provided invaluable insights for campaign managers, political strategists, and digital marketers looking to stay ahead of the curve. The discussions and demonstrations reinforced that the future of political engagement is data-driven, AI-enhanced, and deeply digital.   Looking Ahead The whole idea behind Next Campaign is to be at the forefront of innovation and campaigning. It’s a platform where we bring together diverse ideas and technologies, enabling professionals to learn from each other and push the world of campaigning forward. With the federal election approaching, political campaigns must integrate the right mix of technology, strategy, and execution to be competitive. At EOK Consults, we remain at the forefront of this transformation, helping candidates and organizations leverage the most effective digital tools to connect with voters and drive results. We are proud to have built Next Campaign into a leading event where innovation meets political strategy. Stay tuned for more insights from the Next Campaign Tech Showcase, and check out the event photos below!  

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Next campaign summit

Next Campaign Summit 2024: Paving the Future of Political Campaigning and Innovation

At EOK Consults, we take immense pride in driving innovation and success within the political marketing space, and the recent Next Campaign Summit 2024 is a testament to this vision. As the presenting sponsor, and with our owner & principal, Harneet Singh. as a co-founder of the event, we played an integral role in creating an unparalleled platform that brought together Canada’s top minds in political strategy, innovation, and technology. Held at the prestigious Hotel X in Toronto, the inaugural summit marked a significant milestone in modern political campaigning. The sold-out event attracted over 300 attendees, doubling the original target. From government officials to advocacy groups, campaign strategists, political vendors, and tech experts, the summit united a diverse group, fostering invaluable discussions on how technology and data are reshaping the future of campaigns in Canada and beyond. Key Highlights of the Next Campaign Summit 2024  The summit exceeded expectations with an influential lineup of over 35 expert speakers, including: Gerald Butts, Vice Chairman, Eurasia Group and former Principal Secretary to PM Justin Trudeau Nick Kouvalis, leading Conservative political strategist and consultant Zain Velji, Partner, Northweather, and Co-Director of Naheed Nenshi’s NDP Leadership Campaign Shachi Kurl, President, Angus Reid Institute Fred DeLorey, Partner, NorthStar Public Affairs, and National Campaign Manager, Conservative Party of Canada (2021 General Election) Anne McGrath, Principal Secretary to NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and National Director of the NDP (2018-2024) Jeremy Broadhurst, National Campaign Director, Liberal Party of Canada Josh Matlow, Councillor, City of Toronto Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario and MPP for Guelph Dave Clark, Deputy Chief of Staff to Ontario’s Official Opposition Leader and Ontario NDP Campaign Director Jeff Ballingall, President, Mobilize Media Group and prominent Conservative digital strategist This diverse group of leaders engaged in thought-provoking discussions on the latest innovations in campaigning and the strategic role technology plays in advocacy efforts. Attendees were immersed in sessions that spanned critical areas like Online Advertising, Data-Driven Voter Targeting, AI in Politics, Modern Advocacy, and Social Media in Politics. Each session was designed to offer practical insights into the tools and methods that will shape the future of political campaigning. EOK Consults: Empowering the Future of Campaigning At EOK Consults, we specialize in geo-fenced social media advertising, digital analytics, and cutting-edge political strategy. As a digital and social media marketing agency for political campaigns, we supported the Next Campaign Summit not only as a founding sponsor but also as champions of innovative digital campaigning. We believe that the fusion of data-driven strategies and technology is the future, and we’ve built our services to help organizations and political campaigns succeed in this evolving landscape. Our efforts at the summit went beyond sponsorship—we helped shape discussions on topics like Precision Targeting and AI-driven campaigning. These sessions addressed the importance of modern tools in winning over Canadian voters, sparking important conversations about the ethical use of technology in political campaigning. Unmatched Networking and Collaboration One of the most notable achievements of the Next Campaign Summit was the opportunity for attendees to network with industry leaders, politicians, and technology experts. As a leading digital and social media marketing agency for political campaigns, EOK Consults played a key role in fostering these connections, which will continue to drive political innovation across Canada. The summit was not just a day of learning—it was an incubator for groundbreaking ideas and future partnerships.   A New Era of Political Discourse The Next Campaign Summit 2024 has set a new standard for political discourse in Canada by creating a non-partisan platform that bridges the gap between politics and technology. Our principal, Harneet Singh, envisioned a space where leaders from all sides could come together to discuss, debate, and innovate, and that vision became a reality. As we look ahead, we are already planning the next installment of the summit, building on the overwhelming success of this year’s event. At EOK Consults, we remain committed to empowering political campaigns and organizations with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in this new era of digital campaigning. Whether you’re a campaign looking to leverage cutting-edge digital strategies or an organization ready to amplify your advocacy efforts, EOK Consults is here to help. Connect with us today to learn how we can support your next campaign.

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Reed Awards 2024 Finalist EOK Consults

EOK Consults Named Finalist for 2024 Reed Awards

We are thrilled to share that EOK Consults Inc. has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Reed Awards 2024 in the international category of “Best Canadian Online Ad Campaign.” This esteemed recognition, named after Campaigns & Elections’ founder Stanley Foster Reed, celebrates excellence in political campaigning, campaign management, political consulting, design, grassroots efforts, and advocacy. The Reed Awards are more than just accolades; they symbolize the pinnacle of achievement in the political campaign and advocacy industry. As a Digital and Social Media Marketing Agency for Political Campaigns, we are honored to be recognized for our innovation, creativity, and commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients. EOK Consults stands out among its peers, demonstrating a profound understanding of the evolving landscape of online political advertising in Canada. Our team’s dedication to crafting winning campaigns has not gone unnoticed. Being named a finalist for the Reed Awards is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering results for our clients. At EOK Consults Inc., we believe in the power of effective digital communication, high-precision targeting and unique messaging to engage with voters, constituents and grassroots stakeholders for our political clients and organizations. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Reed Awards for this recognition, as well as to our clients for their trust and partnership. Without their support, this achievement would not have been possible. We’re excited about heading down to Charleston, South Carolina in March to participate in the 2024 Reed Awards ceremony and conference. Billed as the Political Campaigning Industry Event of the Year, we’re looking forward to learning from experts, connecting with our peers and gaining momentum to fuel our growth in the Canadian political advertising world.  As we await the final results, we remain steadfast in our mission to set the standard for excellence in Canadian online advertising. As a leading Digital and Social Media Marketing Agency for Political Campaigns, the acknowledgment as a finalist for the Reed Awards 2024 reaffirms our commitment to pushing the boundaries and delivering unparalleled value to our clients. Stay tuned as we continue to innovate, inspire, and elevate the art of online advertising in Canada and beyond. Together, we can make a difference—one campaign at a time.  

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