Futureborn has been confirmed as the official sponsor for the Experience category for the inaugural 2025 Mark Awards season. 

"Most brands fight for attention, but the ones that last create something people actually want to be part of," says Simon Spreckley, CEO of Futureborn. "The best experiences don't just stand out — they belong. Whether digital or real-world, the goal is the same: make it personal, immersive and relevant. If it feels made for them, they'll remember it. If it feels like marketing, they'll move on."

The awards says that the Experience category jury features industry leaders in customer engagement, user-centric design and tech-driven innovation. The jury will be co-led by Enzo Scarcella, Chief Consumer Officer at MTN Group, and Anna Noakes Schulze, Head of CX at @TheNTWK, Germany.

According to The Mark Awards, joining them on the judging panel are: 

  • Nthabiseng Hlophe Matshekga (Executive Head: Integrated Marketing and Experience, Nedbank)
  • Lynette Hundermark (Chief UX Officer, Useful & Beautiful)
  • Jacques Shalom (CCO, Clockwork)
  • Charlie Stewart (CEO, Rogerwilco)
  • Nonkululeko Mabena (Head of Strategy, Promise), and 
  • Simon Spreckley (CEO, Futureborn).

The Experience category honours campaigns that create exceptional brand interactions, leaving lasting impressions. Sub-categories include Customer Experience (CX), User Experience (UX), Touchpoints, AR / VR and Urban Design. Entries will be evaluated based on their user-centricity, seamless execution and engagement impact, says the awards.

"CX isn't just part of a brand — it is the brand," Spreckley says. "Great experiences forge emotional connections, drive loyalty and become part of culture. The Mark Awards challenge brands to move beyond advertising and create work that truly matters. Supporting this category isn't just about recognition — it's about pushing the industry forward."

The awards concludes that entries are open until Wednesday, 30 April, with winners revealed at the awards ceremony in Franschhoek on Saturday, 30 August. For submission guidelines and criteria, click here.

For more information, visit www.themarkawards.com. You can also follow MarkLives on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X. 

*Image courtesy of contributor