CIVIC is on a winning streak. For the second consecutive year, Ad Age has crowned the agency “Experiential Agency of the Year” in its Small Agency Awards—no small feat in a space crowded with creative contenders. While trophies are nice, it’s the reason behind the recognition that’s worth paying attention to: CIVIC is redefining what it means to build brand loyalty through live, immersive, and often culture-shifting experiences.
This back-to-back honor isn’t just about flashy activations or Instagram-worthy stunts. It reflects CIVIC’s growing influence in experience-led marketing, where the real ROI is found in authentic connections between brands and communities.
“Going back-to-back is particularly meaningful,” said Co-CEO Nate Schreiber. “It speaks to the depth of our client partnerships and the heart our team puts into every project.”
Turning Moments Into Movements
CIVIC’s past year reads more like a cultural highlights reel than a marketing report. The reopening of Ford’s Michigan Central wasn’t just a relaunch—it became the top branded entertainment program on NBC, helping Ford capture attention and drive results: direct vehicle sales, an influx of first-time buyers, over $1 billion in venture funding, and economic revitalization for the surrounding area.
Other activations also made headlines and earned hardware—from Clio Music and D&AD to PRWeek, REGGIE, and Webby Awards.
But here’s the kicker: these weren’t just buzzworthy; they were business-worthy.
According to Renee Austin, Head of Growth at CIVIC, over 90% of consumers are more likely to buy after a brand experience. “That’s not hype—it’s strategy,” she said. “The C-suite is responding with real investment in experiences that change behavior and build trust.”
Entertainment That Resonates
CIVIC also doubled down on entertainment, crafting immersive experiences that pulled fans into the stories they love. Highlights include:
- A 25th anniversary event for The Sopranos, featuring Tony’s Escalade parked “illegally” out front.
- Experiential rollouts like Peacock’s Traitors Castle, SNL 50, and ION’s Fan ConnectION.
- An Audible activation at Sundance that stole the show and press attention.
- “The Wonder of Stevie,” an Audible Original launch event with Janelle Monáe, Questlove, DJ Spinna—and a surprise drop-in from Michelle Obama.
CIVIC’s Verizon Business Innovation Sessions didn’t just impress audiences—they took home a Silver ANA B2 Award for Multi-Year Impact and a Bronze for Event Marketing.
Community as a Strategy
In a fragmented digital landscape, CIVIC leans into one simple truth: people crave connection.
“Brands that authentically bring people together have a powerful opportunity to strengthen reputation, drive growth, and deepen loyalty,” said Stuart Ruderfer, Co-Founder and Co-CEO.
That thinking now extends deeply into sports, where CIVIC has upped its game. They’ve staffed up with sports marketing talent and expanded their offerings to help brands harness the identity and community that come with shared fandom.
The agency now works with sponsors, leagues, and media partners around marquee events—NBA Finals, Olympics, NYC Marathon, and the NWSL. CIVIC also serves as the PR Agency of Record for Major League Soccer as it celebrates its 30th year and gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On the media front, CIVIC helped Peacock amplify its Olympic coverage through storytelling campaigns that extended the platform’s reach far beyond the Games.
Why It Matters
CIVIC’s repeat win signals more than industry recognition—it points to a larger trend: experience is no longer an add-on; it’s a central pillar of modern marketing strategy. Brands investing in cultural relevance, community building, and real-world moments are increasingly the ones winning attention—and market share.
With momentum building, a growing client roster, and a team scaling to meet demand, CIVIC looks well-positioned to stay at the forefront of experiential marketing.
