Boston’s creative agencies came together last night once again for the 64th Francis W. Hatch Awards hosted by The Ad Club, the largest creative awards show in the country and the longest-running nationally. More than just a celebration of outstanding work and campaigns, the Hatch Awards reflect Boston’s creative identity: bold, independent, and constantly pushing boundaries.

Over the past decade, Boston’s marketing scene has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once known primarily for its strength in healthcare, biotech and technology, the city is now gaining national recognition for producing breakthrough campaigns for major consumer brands. From global holding companies to startups, independents, and in-house agencies, Boston has become an unexpected but undeniable force in the creative industry.

“The Hatch Awards embody both prestige and progress,” said Barb Reilly, President & CEO of The Ad Club. “Its mission is to serve, convene, and elevate the entire marketing community and to shine a national spotlight on the bold, original thinking born in Boston. They’ve become a mirror for the city’s creative identity and a stage for the people and agencies shaping the next generation of marketing.”

Each year, The Hatch Awards bring together the region’s brightest creatives to recognize their work and highlight the fresh vision of independents, the disruptive ideas of startups, and the growing influence of in-house agencies that are rewriting the rules of the business. With 554 entries from across sectors and disciplines, the awards celebrate the best of Boston’s evolving advertising ecosystem.

BEST OF SHOW

This year’s prestigious “Best of Show” award was determined through a rigorous judging process and was awarded to Hill Holliday for it's incredible program, Celtics Victory Cigars' cultural impact. The team took real cigars, like Celtics of old and added quotes from naysayers like Shaq and Charles Barkley then mailed them to them once the Celtics won the Championship. Many were read on air and the social media program really took off.

IN-HOUSE AGENCY AWARD

Evolved by Nature Creative Lab won the coveted “In-House Agency of the Year” Award, an honor that has evolved, reflecting the increasing caliber and versatility of in-house teams.“ Originally based on nominations and judge reviews, the award now recognizes the in-house agency with the highest-scoring creative piece, factoring in the total number of additional medals earned across the competition,” said Reilly.

JACK CONNORS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Now in its second year, the Jack Connors Lifetime Achievement Award is presented at the Ad Club’s Hatch Awards to honor an individual whose career has profoundly shaped the advertising industry in the Boston region. The award recognizes a champion of innovation and inspiration: someone whose work, leadership, and generosity have elevated both brands and the broader creative community. Named in honor of the late Jack Connors—legendary co-founder of Hill Holliday, a tireless philanthropist, and one of Boston’s most iconic business leaders, this award serves not only as a tribute to his enduring influence, but as a beacon for the next generation. This year’s Jack Connors Lifetime Achievement Award honors Pete Favat, a visionary creative leader whose work has shaped some of the most impactful campaigns in advertising. With leadership roles at Arnold Worldwide and Deutsch LA, Pete has earned numerous accolades including Emmys and United Nations Awards, while championing causes from public health to climate change. A passionate advocate for social good, Pete’s legacy reflects both creative brilliance and a deep commitment to community, making him a fitting recipient of this honor.

The Hatch Awards also have a lasting impact: every dollar invested in The Ad Club stays local, fueling the Boston creative economy. That means supporting not only agencies and brands, but also production partners, freelance talent, and the next generation of innovators graduating from Boston’s world-class colleges and universities.

See all the winning work at https://winning.work/event/hatch64