The organization focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in advertising has unveiled an expanded slate of programming for 2026 that addresses the shifting landscape and evolving needs of its community.
Since its launch two decades ago, Adcolor has built its community around an annual flagship conference and awards hosted in LA. Now, the organization is shifting to year-long event programming and making changes to its awards and mentorship initiatives.
“It can’t just be another year that we celebrate, particularly during these times when we have to remind not only our community, but the world how important and how beautiful it is to build and support a diverse community,” Warren said.
The activities will kick off at Adcolor’s annual networking event at Cannes Lions in June, followed by gatherings in New York in August and LA in October. The program will culminate with the Adcolor Awards and conference in LA in early 2027, pushed out from its usual early November date.
The format of the annual Adcolor Awards has also been updated. Instead of a traditional nomination process, winners will be selected by a jury of alumni. Warren positioned the shift as both a way to thank the community that has supported it over the past 20 years and to spotlight its own alumni.
The nomination process will return in 2027.
“We’re turning 20, and for a good 19 of the 20 years we have been going, going, going, and I’ve not realized how much of a milestone 20 years is,” Warren said. “We needed to take a step back and look at what we created and celebrate that in the way that it deserves.”
There will also be changes to the Adcolor Futures (early career) and Leaders (mid to senior-level career) programs. Instead of running within the main conference, both will have dedicated, immersive programming in LA in 2026. Applications for both are already open.
The goal is to create a more focused environment for mentorship, professional development, and community-building among the industry’s next generation of diverse leaders, Warren said.
Changing winds
When ADCOLOR was established in 2006, DEI conversations were “nascent,” Warren told ADWEEK. “Multiculturalism was growing, but it was still very unique, and you didn’t see it in various places within the industry. It was very much marginalized and siloed,” she said.
Reflecting on the current pull back on corporate DEI initiatives, Warren said the past two years have been “tough” but that her “dream” back in 2006 of a more diverse creative industry, particularly at senior level, has surpassed her expectations.
