NYFHealth names 2026 shortlist jury from 19 countries

New York Festivals Health Awards has named its 2026 Shortlist Jury, bringing together health, wellness and pharma leaders from 19 countries to judge work across the program. The panel feeds into the awards’ final deadline on Oct. 22 and underscores the competition’s push to reward health communications that “see health differently.”

Why it matters: - The 2026 Shortlist Jury brings global industry experience into judging health, wellness and pharmaceutical communications. - New York Festivals Health Awards is using the panel to identify work with fresh thinking, meaningful impact and stronger people-centered messaging. - The jury composition signals what the competition values: diverse perspective, creative strategy and work that challenges convention.

What happened: - New York Festivals Health Awards announced its 2026 Shortlist Jury on Sept. 24, 2026. - The jury includes creative and healthcare marketing leaders from 19 countries across six continents. - The countries named in the announcement include Australia, Brazil, the United States, the UAE, the Philippines, Canada, Singapore, Spain and Japan. - Jennifer Vizina, executive director of NYFHealth Awards, said the jury’s caliber reflects the breadth and depth of the health, wellness and pharmaceutical industries.

The details: - The shortlist panel spans global agency networks, independent agencies, healthcare specialists and brands. - Named organizations include VML, Klick Health, Area23, Medulla Communications, EVERSANA INTOUCH, Grey NY, Neon, 21Grams, Accenture Song, Delta Mullenlowe, Havas Life Milan, The Considered, Digitas Health, Ogilvy Brasil, Biolumina, Ward6, Remedy Edge UK, Olixer NY, Wildtype Health, Horizon FCB, The Bloc, BBDO Spain, Asterisco Healthcare Communications, Publicis Brasil, The Health Army, Havas Lynx, MRM, Omnicom Health Canada and Wellmark. - The jury’s expertise covers healthcare, wellness, pharmaceuticals, creativity and strategy. - New York Festivals says the panel will look for work that puts people and communities at the center of health communications. - The jury is also meant to support the awards’ “See Health Differently” theme. - The 2026 NYF Health Executive Juries include Health & Wellness, Pharma, Human Lens Specialty Jury and Shortlist Juries. - New York Festivals says the broader judging structure adds depth of experience and global perspective.

Between the lines: - The jury list shows an awards program leaning heavily on international and cross-discipline judging. - That approach can help broaden what counts as strong health marketing beyond traditional category norms. - The focus on people and communities suggests a preference for work with cultural relevance, not just technical polish.

What's next: - The final deadline to enter the 2026 NYF Health Awards is Oct. 22. - More information on rules, categories and entry details is available at the competition site. - New York Festivals also points entrants to NYF Health Pulse, a series on leading New York health agencies and the people shaping future health campaigns.

The bottom line: - NYFHealth is building a globally diverse jury to decide which health communications stand out in a crowded field.