Paper + Spark adds seven new clients as it’s named agency of the year at 2026 AMI Awards

Independent marketing and communications agency Paper + Spark has been named Agency of the Year (Under 50 Employees) at the 2026 Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) Marketing Excellence Awards, capping a year in which the agency added seven new clients and grew its team.

The award marks the fourth time Paper + Spark has taken the Agency of the Year title, following previous wins in 2020, 2022 and 2024.

Over the past year the agency has been appointed by Asthma Australia, Boehringer Ingelheim, Jemena, Community Housing NSW, Nido Early School, Levoit and PMG, a run of new business spanning healthcare, government, energy, not-for-profit and consumer brands. The breadth reflects a deliberate move into the not-for-profit and advocacy space, where the agency is keen to do more.

This AMI award recognises boutique agencies that combine forward-thinking, creativity and agility with strong client service and ethical practice. Paper + Spark was named a finalist in all 10 categories it entered, across client work in health, utilities, financial services and B2B marketing.

The AMI head judge stated: “Paper + Spark was recognised for bringing together great people, great ideas and work that makes a real difference. The agency turns complex challenges into clear, human and impactful communications, combining strategic thinking and creativity with genuine care for clients and audiences. Its success is built on strong relationships, meaningful work and a culture where people thrive.”

A key part of the agency’s recent work has been its leadership in applying artificial intelligence to marketing and communications, integrating AI thoughtfully into how it develops strategy, content and client campaigns while keeping human judgement and creativity at the centre. It’s an approach the agency sees as central to staying ahead of a fast-moving landscape on behalf of its clients.

The past year has also been one of growth for the team itself, with three staff promoted in the last six months. Two team members were recognised individually at this year’s awards: Rhianna Lieu, Integrated Media Manager, was a finalist for The Lisa Ronson Emerging Marketer of the Year, and Margot Alais, Head of Creative + Production, was a finalist for Future Leader of the Year.

Zeina Khodr, Founder and Managing Director of Paper + Spark, said the win and the year behind it reflected the strength of the team and the trust clients place in the agency: “Being named Agency of the Year for a fourth time is something we’re incredibly proud of. It reflects the talent, commitment and curiosity of our Sparks, and the trust our clients place in us to help solve multifaceted challenges and deliver work that gets results.

“What makes this year particularly special is the range of clients who’ve come on board, and the way our team has grown alongside them. Bringing strategy, creative, communications and digital together, and using new tools like AI intelligently, is resonating with organisations navigating real complexity.

“Awards are never the reason we do what we do, but they’re a good moment to recognise the people behind the work and everything we’ve built together.”

The breadth of both the new client wins and the finalist work reflects the agency’s multidisciplinary approach, bringing together strategy, communications, creative, PR, digital, media and customer experience, with a particular strength in regulated industries.

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