The Strategic Mail Performance (SMP) Awards are returning for 2025, with entries now open for what promises to be a celebration of results-driven creativity across the mailing and multichannel marketing sector. Open to mailing houses, printers, print managers and agencies, the awards are free to enter, with winners to be announced on Thursday 25 September at The Steel Yard in London.
The evening event will be hosted by comedian Hal Cruttenden, known for appearances on the BBC’s Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week.
Categories for the 2025 awards include the SMP Performance Award, which rewards campaigns with standout ROI and impact; the Sustainable Campaign Award, focused on environmentally responsible production; and the Bright Futures Award, which highlights emerging talent under 30. Winners of the Bright Futures category will also receive training support from the Data and Marketing Association, with access to online courses or tutor-led masterclasses.
SMP chair and Nutshell Creative managing director Lucy Swanston said: “Last year’s entries stood out for their strategic brilliance and real-world impact – backed by people whose talent and passion truly inspired. I’m looking forward to what this year will bring.”
The awards are judged by a panel of industry professionals, with submissions welcomed from both SMP members and non-members – the latter of whom can join at no cost to qualify.
This year’s headline sponsor is Whistl, the UK’s largest DSA operator. Laura Sanjurgo, Whistl’s commercial director – mail, commented: “We recognise the importance of celebrating the important work of mailing houses, printers, print managers and agencies. We look forward to seeing entries from across the industry demonstrating the power of mail.”
To support high-quality submissions, SMP is hosting a webinar titled ‘How to Write a Winning SMP Award Entry’ on 10 July at 10am. The session will cover all three categories and provide practical guidance on what judges look for, including real-world examples and a live Q&A.
The deadline for entries is 22 August 2025. Entries can include business mail, advertising mail, partially addressed or door drop campaigns, in either B2B or B2C contexts.
