Elevate Your Brand. Showcase Your Innovation

Denis Nikolaev is a lead project manager at Headhunter Co. Ltd. (hh.ru), the largest recruitment platform in Eastern Europe. With over 8 years of experience in digital communications and HR technology, he specializes in building scalable solutions across high-impact product environments. In 2024, Denis led the launch of browser-based voice calls on hh.ru — a first in the regional market — enabling real-time employer-candidate communication with integrated analytics. His work has set new industry standards and is now being adapted for platforms across Central Asia. Denis is also a certified Agile trainer, mentor, and speaker in the PM community.

Dmytro Balan has emerged as a leader in marketing automation through the creation and successful scaling of ThinkAd — an AI-powered Amazon advertising optimization platform built specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. With years of hands-on experience in Amazon PPC management and a career that spans agencies like Profit Whales and Disqover, Dmytro identified a critical need in the market: affordable, high-impact automation for sellers lacking the expertise or resources to manage complex ad campaigns.

Launched in 2022, ThinkAd addresses this gap by offering an intelligent, user-friendly solution that automates bid adjustments, keyword harvesting, budget allocation, and ad scheduling. It empowers businesses to achieve enterprise-level ad performance without the overhead of large teams or external consultants. Under Dmytro’s leadership, the platform has delivered impressive results: a 25–30% reduction in ACoS, 206% increase in ad-driven revenue, and over 50% improvement in organic rankings for clients such as Handcraft Blends, Brooklyn Botany, and New York Biology.

Dmytro’s strategic approach combines data-driven precision with real-world seller pain points. ThinkAd doesn’t just automate tasks — it creates a seamless feedback loop between ad performance, product visibility, and business growth. His commitment to continuous improvement is evident in ThinkAd’s weekly client reporting system, which includes ad performance analytics, keyword tracking, and stock-to-sales ratios — tools that transform tactical decisions into scalable strategies.

Recognized by the Amazon Ads Partner Network and trusted by over 100 SMBs, Dmytro’s vision has redefined what automation can achieve for e-commerce entrepreneurs. His work stands as a testament to how thoughtful technology can democratize success, helping smaller players thrive in one of the world’s most competitive marketplaces. This nomination acknowledges his innovation, execution, and real-world business impact in the field of marketing automation.

Semen Semochkin is a seasoned content marketing leader with a strong editorial background shaped at top-tier digital agencies. He honed his craft at the prestigious Bureau Gorbunov, a renowned digital design and editorial studio, where he led innovative publishing projects and upheld high standards of content excellence. Building on this foundation, he transitioned to the marketing technology sector, taking on the role of Editor-in-Chief at Mindbox in 2019. In this capacity, Semochkin transformed a modest corporate blog into a powerhouse content platform that became integral to Mindbox’s business strategy. This context of blending editorial rigor with marketing objectives set the stage for his achievements: by the end of his Mindbox tenure in 2023, the company’s online journal was not just a communications channel, but a key revenue driver and community hub. Now, as a content leader at Maestra (a marketing platform for e-commerce), he continues to apply his content marketing expertise to drive engagement and showcase the value of technology through storytelling. This nomination recognizes the unique circumstances of his career trajectory – from editorial innovation to content marketing excellence – and the way Semochkin has leveraged content to achieve outstanding business outcomes in recent years.

The nomination of Alisa Aidarova reflects a transformative shift in marketing, where artificial intelligence moves from novelty to necessity. As an independent strategist, she developed AI-MOS, a full-scale marketing operating system that empowers small and mid-sized businesses with predictive analytics, dynamic pricing, multimodal creative generation, and real-time personalization.

Her innovations replaced fragmented tools with intelligent, self-optimizing systems that drive measurable results—raising ROMI, lowering acquisition costs, and strengthening brand consistency. Adopted across industries in North America and Eastern Europe, her model has become a blueprint for accessible, enterprise-grade AI in marketing. Alisa’s work stands as a benchmark for resilient, efficient, and future-ready digital growth.

Predictive Inventory Profitability System for Auto Parts. This custom-built inventory and data analytics platform was created to transform how auto parts businesses make purchasing and operational decisions. Developed in-house by our team at Straight Six, the system integrates and analyzes data from over 80,000 sales transactions across online and offline platforms, covering every dismantled vehicle since 2021. It offers real-time insights into break-even periods, return on time invested, and forecasted profits over customizable timeframes—monthly, quarterly, annually, or lifetime.

The system automates 99% of data processing tasks, reducing manual labor to near zero. It is structured as an intelligent spreadsheet-based platform that continuously consolidates financial and operational metrics—including cost of goods sold, sales performance, and cash flow—from all available channels. This has enabled the business to scale rapidly, with no added personnel, while increasing strategic accuracy in procurement.

What sets this solution apart is its adaptability: it can be reconfigured to fit different industries, languages, and company sizes, from single-operator businesses to enterprises with 1,000+ employees. The platform has become the foundation of our company’s exponential growth and is now being prepared for patenting, with interest already expressed by multiple external companies eager to implement it in their operations.

By turning raw transactional data into clear, actionable strategy, this system empowers data-driven decision-making at every level of the business. It not only reveals which investments generate the highest returns in the shortest time but also helps predict future profitability, enabling smarter, faster decisions. It is a living model of operational intelligence built from the ground up—by a business, for businesses.

With over 10 years of experience in the market, Kazarian Marketing provides a full range of services tailored specifically for businesses. Our primary clientele comprises 80% organizations involved in the auctioning of real estate, including one-bedroom apartments, houses, historical buildings, deposits, manufacturing sites, and land plots. We primarily serve real estate agents and auctioneers from Russia, Armenia, Cyprus, and Kazakhstan. Our expertise lies in delivering a complete online marketing cycle, focusing mainly on paid advertising across all possible platforms, with the selection being project-dependent. Our dedicated team consists of skilled professionals, including designers, copywriters, content marketers, web developers, photographers, and videographers, ensuring that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients and help them achieve their marketing goals effectively.

Alena Astravukh is a transformative leader in digital marketing, recognized for redefining what’s possible at the intersection of technology, growth, and strategy. With over a decade of high-impact experience across SaaS, B2B, and eCommerce, she’s built a reputation for bold execution, systems-level thinking, and a relentless focus on results.

She leads complex transformations with clarity and conviction — from scaling SEO ecosystems and CRO frameworks to launching AI-powered content architectures that push the boundaries of what marketing can do. Her work doesn’t follow trends — it sets them.

Alena’s track record includes award-winning initiatives across global markets. She has built and led cross-functional teams of up to 25 people, consistently delivering measurable growth in highly competitive sectors. She’s the kind of leader who makes complexity feel navigable — and inspires teams to move fast, think sharp, and build what matters.

Sergey Kurazhev and his achievements in HR PR and HRM Marketing Over the past three years, the technology market has been characterized by significant changes and challenges, but Sergey Kurazhev’s work at DataArt Armenia has been proof that it is possible to achieve impressive results even in conditions of instability. His achievements are not only large-scale but also qualitative, and we are happy to share their details. Sergey has developed a unique scientific sociological approach, which, thanks to the application of a completely new methodology, has been successfully integrated into the company’s business cases. Unlike traditional methods, this approach allows to rely on scientific data and sound research, which is a highly effective solution in the context of HRM marketing. This innovation has opened new horizons for DataArt Armenia, allowing the company to more consciously and purposefully implement changes that are reflected in measurable business performance. Sergey strives to ensure that all changes recommended within HRM are based on facts and analytical data, which minimizes risks and makes the process of people management more transparent and predictable. This not only improves team performance, but also creates a sustainable foundation for a corporate culture based on respect and trust. Understanding and applying science-based methodologies in HRM marketing allows Sergey to promote changes that affect not only the internal atmosphere in the company, but also its positioning in the labor market. He actively contributes to DataArt’s positive image, thus strengthening the company’s reputation as an employer that values and develops its employees. Despite external challenges and market instability, Sergey’s work is hard to overestimate. His approach to HR management to the DataArt Armenia team has become a role model and best practice in HR PR and HRM marketing. He applied principles that help not only to solve current problems, but also lay the foundation for the future sustainable growth of the company. Taking into account all the above-mentioned factors, we can confidently state that Sergey Kurazhev is the strongest professional on the market. His achievements based on deep understanding and scientific approach to HRM make him a candidate eligible for nomination to the ECDMA Global Awards. We are confident that his successes will not go unnoticed and he will become an example for future HR and marketing professionals around the world.

The nominee demonstrated exceptional PR leadership during an annual partner conference attended by 500 top executives. A severe storm caused multiple power outages, plunging the event into darkness. Instead of disruption, the nominee kept the event running, ensuring speakers continued, using flashlights, and maintaining engagement. This crisis management not only preserved the conference’s success but also reinforced trust, leading to new business deals signed on-site.

Over the past two years, the nominee has consistently demonstrated excellence in PR and strategic communications, achieving measurable results:

Enhanced brand recognition by strengthening the company’s reputation among key industry players.
Secured new business opportunities, turning high-stakes events into platforms for successful deal-making.
Mastered crisis communication, transforming unforeseen challenges into moments that reinforced trust and reliability.
Through innovative PR strategies, adaptability, and bold leadership, the nominee has elevated the company’s public perception, built long-term partnerships, and showcased PR as a driving force for business success.

The 5S Strategy Framework: Success Factors in Domestic Business
The effectiveness of the 5S Strategy Framework in domestic business is driven by several key factors:

Deep Market Segmentation (Segment)
The Russian market is highly diverse, and the 5S methodology helps businesses precisely identify target segments. This enables the development of more effective marketing strategies, considering regional differences, cultural characteristics, and consumer preferences—crucial for business success.
Personalized Strategies (Strategize)
In a highly competitive market, businesses must stand out. The 5S Framework enables the creation of unique, innovative strategies tailored to each segment, fostering higher engagement and conversion rates.
Process & Resource Optimization (Streamline)
Many Russian companies require process optimization for increased profitability. 5S helps eliminate inefficiencies, automate operations, and improve resource management, which is vital for medium and large businesses.
Departmental Synchronization (Synchronize)
A common challenge in domestic businesses is lack of coordination. 5S focuses on synchronizing marketing, sales, and customer support, enhancing communication, accelerating decision-making, and boosting customer satisfaction.
Sustainable Development (Sustain)
Long-term sustainability is essential, especially amid economic instability. 5S helps businesses build customer loyalty, embrace corporate responsibility, and strengthen their market position.
Path to Successful Implementation
For optimal results, businesses should:
✅ Conduct detailed market segmentation for tailored offerings.
✅ Develop flexible, innovative strategies for each segment.
✅ Automate processes to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
✅ Foster seamless departmental collaboration with feedback systems.
✅ Invest in loyalty programs and sustainability initiatives for long-term growth.

Additional Recommendations:
Train employees in the 5S methodology and conduct regular evaluations.
Ensure active communication for smooth implementation and adaptation.
By following these principles, companies can enhance efficiency, optimize resources, and secure sustainable growth. The 5S Framework integrates innovation, strategic planning, and process optimization, helping Russian businesses adapt to market conditions and achieve long-term success.

Over the past three years, I have made a significant impact in digital marketing, personal branding, and content creation, helping creators and business owners build strong digital presences. My expertise has been recognized internationally, leading to jury positions at prestigious awards, including ECDMA Global Awards and Armenia Digital Awards.

I have worked with many successful creators and entrepreneurs, including Angela Pearl, a well-known international celebrity, global awards winner “WIBA AWARDS”^ frequent guest at events like the Cannes Film Festival. I contributed to the development of her personal brand on the international market, enhancing her visibility and positioning.

Beyond individual collaborations, I am a member of professional marketing associations and guilds in Russia (“Guild of Marketers” and “RASO”), where experts are selected based on their industry contributions. My work spans across personal branding, social media marketing, and content strategy, impacting thousands of professionals and businesses.

My book, “How to Become a Content Creator and Build a Personal Brand”, became a #1 Amazon bestseller in Global Marketing and E-Commerce, further solidifying my authority in the field. Through my blog, I have built an engaged audience of over 11,000 followers, sharing insights on branding, content marketing, and social media strategies. My marketing campaigns have reached millions, driving engagement and business growth for my clients and collaborations.

Before this project, VTB clients could only check and update their personal data in person at a bank branch. Remote modifications were impossible due to high fraud risks, internal security concerns, and the lack of secure digital interfaces for customer interactions. However, the growth of digital services and the rise of fraud schemes involving identity theft required a secure and reliable solution for remote data management. The primary goal of the project was to create a system that would allow clients to verify and update their personal data remotely while minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and manipulation by fraudsters. To achieve this, the bank integrated its systems with the national digital profile via state services such as ESIA and SMEV. The use of National ID ensures secure identity verification through official government sources, preventing fraudsters from making unauthorized changes. Now, any update to personal data requires additional authentication through state services, significantly enhancing security. The project not only improved client access to their personal data but also significantly reduced fraud risks. When applying for a loan, mortgage, account, or bank card, the system automatically verifies client data against government records. Additionally, built-in regulatory compliance checks and interdepartmental data exchange detect suspicious activity and prevent fraudulent data modifications. The key innovation of this project is the ability to securely update personal data remotely without compromising security. By leveraging National ID, the bank ensures that it always works with accurate and verified client information, protecting customers from fraud and financial crimes. This initiative has strengthened cybersecurity and set a new standard for secure digital identity management in banking.

The case study details the collaboration between 4ocean – a mission-driven company dedicated to ending the ocean plastic crisis – and Maestra – a marketing platform for e-commerce.

4ocean is a sustainable brand with a unique model (removing 5 pounds of trash from oceans for every product sold, with over 36 million pounds removed since 2017)​. To engage its community of contributors, 4ocean wanted to provide personalized “impact reports” showing each supporter the tangible environmental impact of their contributions. However, their previous marketing tool (Klaviyo) could not support the real-time personalization and complex calculations required for this initiative​. The case study in question, “4ocean’s Personal Impact Report Now Possible after Switching to Maestra from Klaviyo,” serves as an example of how innovative marketing technology can drive engagement for a sustainable cause. It provides rich context on the challenges faced and the solutions implemented, making it a strong contender for Best Digital Marketing Case Study Publication.”,”Innovative Personalization Campaign: The case study documents the successful launch of a real-time personalized email campaign for 4ocean. This campaign enabled individualized impact reports emailed to each contributor, a feat not previously possible with standard tools. Achieving this level of one-to-one personalization in marketing communications is a notable innovation.

Measurable Engagement Results: The publication highlights outstanding results – 49.3% of active contributors read the new impact report emails, which is double the engagement rate of 4ocean’s regular email campaigns​. This high open/read rate, uncommon in email marketing, evidences the excellence of the strategy and is clearly attributed to the Maestra-powered personalization.

Mission-Driven Impact: By tying marketing metrics to mission metrics, the case shows that digital marketing can directly support a social cause. Contributors receiving their personal impact data were more motivated, effectively increasing their participation in 4ocean’s mission. This alignment of business goals (engagement) with social impact (ocean trash removal) stands out as a breakthrough approach for sustainable brands.

Comprehensive Case Study Publication: From a publication standpoint, the case study is thorough and educational. It not only reports on the results but also transparently walks through the challenges, solutions, and technical implementation. It serves as a model case study for the industry, illustrating how challenges were overcome by strategic use of technology. The clarity and depth of this write-up under my editorial guidance have been praised within both Maestra’s team and by external readers (the case has been shared by marketing professionals on platforms like LinkedIn as an example of effective storytelling in martech).

Establishing Thought Leadership for Maestra: As one of the flagship “Success Stories” on Maestra’s blog, the 4ocean case bolstered Maestra’s reputation in the past year. It has become a reference point for prospects in the sustainable e-commerce space, showing real-world proof of Maestra’s capabilities. This elevates Maestra’s content marketing portfolio and demonstrates my role in delivering content that drives brand credibility.”,”Challenges-Led Narrative: The strategy began with a clear identification of 4ocean’s challenges. Traditional marketing metrics didn’t suit 4ocean’s needs, since success is measured in pounds of trash collected rather than just dollars or conversion rates. The case study outlines these unique challenges (e.g. calculating impact in pounds, setting personalized goals for each contributor, tracking “Plastic Neutrality” status)​. By framing the narrative around solving these challenges, the publication immediately connects with readers interested in advanced personalization and purpose-driven marketing.

Metro 2.0 is a strategic initiative by METRO to transform its offline retail strengths—such as personalized recommendations, volume-based discounts (BMPL), and social proof—into a successful online business model. This digital transformation enhances the data-driven approach with AL/ML learning & AB testing improves customer experience, increases sales, and strengthens brand loyalty.

Results:
-A 4.17% increase in purchases and 3.02% higher revenue among new users exposed to private label brands recommendations.

BMPL Impact:
-1.65% increase in average order size;
-3.81% growth in purchase volume.

2.5% more purchases and 3.58% higher ARPU (average revenue per user) with social proof tactics.
10% less churn.

First-Impression Advantage: New users unfamiliar with METRO’s assortment discovered own brands organically, reducing reliance on external marketing.
Higher Margins: Private label & BMPL products typically yield better profitability than third-party brands.
Trust Over Information: Prioritized peer validation (reviews) over technical details, aligning with how users make decision.

Metro 2.0 is a digital transformation initiative that bridges METRO’s offline strengths—private label appeal, bulk discounts (BMPL), and trust-building—into online retail:
+4.17% Metro brand sales lift among new users
+1.65% larger baskets via BMPL
+3.58% ARPU growth
Key innovations include cross-category discovery, volume-based discounts, and social proofs. The results highlight METRO’s ability to digitize wholesale advantages while enhancing margins and loyalty.

Evgeniia Sonts is a seasoned PR expert, entrepreneur, and consultant with over 25 years of experience in strategic communications and personal branding. She is the founder of the PR agency ApPRove, which specializes in international promotion and personal brand development for business owners and creative professionals.

Eugeniia Sonts exemplifies a professional who combines deep expertise in PR with personal charisma and an active life stance. Her approach to building personal brands and international promotion makes her a sought-after expert in her field.

Articles about her clients have been published in leading international media such as Forbes, Yahoo Finance, and others. Throughout her career, Evgeniia has helped more than 500 entrepreneurs develop their personal brands, win prestigious awards, and build strong international reputations.

In this case, we provided a promo code with a discount coupon to customers identified by our AI/ML system as high-risk for churn. Our goal was to use deep learning and ML algorithms to pinpoint customers who were likely to discontinue purchases with us and offer them an exclusive discount to incentivize them to stay with Metro.
We conducted an A/B test, which demonstrated with 99.83% probability of being the best variant that offering a discount coupon increases purchases by 7.2% and helps reduce customer churn by up to 10%.
We developed and implemented a specialized AI/ML churn prediction model, trained on real-world data from Metro’s e-commerce CRM system. This model identified users with a 70% probability of churn. We then conducted an A/B test, offering a 15% discount promo code to half of these users while withholding it from the other half. The results confirmed that users who received the promo code were significantly more motivated to make a purchase.
To combat e-commerce churn, we built an AI model analyzing CRM data to predict at-risk customers (70%+ accuracy). Through A/B testing, high-risk users receiving 15% discount codes showed: -Significant conversion lift; -Improved long-term engagement; -Validated predictive model. Proving ML-driven retention works, future optimizations will personalize offers by customer value.

As the SEO Expert for Solomia Home, a luxury furniture brand based in the UAE, I spearheaded a digital marketing campaign that transformed the brand’s online presence from nonexistent to globally recognized within one year, starting in December 2023. Initially, the website had no traffic, no rankings, and zero visibility in the highly competitive luxury furniture market. Facing challenges like frequent Google algorithm updates in 2024, I drove exponential growth in organic traffic by targeting a discerning luxury audience searching for premium furniture brands and interior design solutions. My SEO strategies not only generated clicks and users but delivered a highly targeted audience, boosting Solomia Home’s visibility—including in AI-powered search answers—and establishing it as a trusted name for affluent customers worldwide. This nomination reflects my ability to achieve exceptional results, building a luxury brand from scratch and securing global reach through innovative SEO.

Make it Real! is a unique community that brings together leaders and professionals from the digital and marketing industries.

In an era oversaturated with formal events, we have created a space for genuine connections — where ideas turn into projects and acquaintances grow into real partnerships.
We unite participants from leading advertising agencies, banks, FMCG companies, tech startups, and major manufacturers.
We are not bound by contracts or shared employers — we are united by values: a drive for growth, a willingness to support one another, and a passion for moving the industry forward together.
Make it Real! is more than just a meetup

Make it Real! is proof that the future of the industry belongs to real human connections.”,”Since 2022, Make it Real! has hosted over 50 events in Armenia, becoming one of the most recognized platforms for networking and professional development in the digital community.
All events are held in Russian, creating a welcoming space for professionals from different countries to connect and grow.
We originally started as a community for expat marketers — and today, Make it Real! unites not only expatriates but also a growing number of local Armenian professionals and international participants from across the region.

Our lineup includes:
⏺ the first Russian-language marketing hackathon in Armenia,
⏺ 18 meetups on current digital topics,
⏺ 8 large-scale lectures by industry speakers,
⏺ a Digital StandUp show,
⏺ and 20 networking brunches.

Each Make it Real! event is not just about speaker sessions. Every gathering has its own theme and a unique networking format:
🎴 card games for structured introductions,
💬 dynamic chat discussions,
🧠 team quizzes during session breaks,
🤖 interactive engagement through a Telegram bot,
🤝 and dedicated business networking sessions.

We actively develop partnerships, having organized events together with leading IT companies and collaborated with Armenia’s largest HR event — Career City Fest.

Our events have attracted speakers and participants not only from Armenia but also from Georgia, various Asian countries, and Europe, giving Make it Real! an increasingly international reach.

Within our community, we’ve also launched special interest clubs:
🎾 squash,
🎲 board games,
📚 and a bilingual book club focused on cultural diversity (in Russian and English).

Today, Make it Real! brings together over 500 engaged community members.
We help participants discover new career paths, launch collaborative projects, and build meaningful professional relationships that truly transform their lives and careers.
With a growing organizing committee, we continue to expand and strengthen our impact on the professional landscape.
Our meetups are often informally called “”the trendiest events in Yerevan’s digital scene.”,”Strategies we employed:

а) A clear focus on core values:
From the very beginning, we built the community around support, knowledge sharing, and real networking — not around formal speeches or status.

b) A customized approach to every event:
Each event has a unique theme and a dedicated networking mechanic: from card games and dynamic chats to team quizzes, interactive Telegram bots, and structured business networking sessions. This keeps every gathering engaging and fresh.

c) Building a high-quality audience:
We attracted participants through personal recommendations, partnerships with IT companies, and collaborations with major events such as Career City Fest.

d) Integrating international expertise:
We welcomed speakers and participants not only from Armenia but also from Russia, Georgia, various Asian countries, and Europe, expanding the community’s global reach.

e) Maintaining strong community engagement:
We created internal clubs for squash, board games, and a bilingual book club, ensuring that the community thrives not only during events but between them.

Why our achievements stand out:

1. Every event is built around genuine engagement, not passive listening.

2. Each gathering has its own unique concept and networking experience.

3. We have created a space where participants feel part of a vibrant, supportive community.

4. In just a short time, we evolved from a small expat-focused group into one of the most dynamic international digital communities in Armenia.

5. Our participants naturally become ambassadors for the community, fueling organic growth and long-term impact.”,”Make it Real! is a community and event series for digital and marketing professionals, created to foster real professional connections through open and engaging communication.

What we do:
We organize regular events in Armenia, held in Russian, attracting participants and speakers from Armenia, Russia, Georgia, Asia, and Europe.
Our program includes meetups on trending digital topics, expert lectures, networking brunches, thematic quizzes, a Digital StandUp show, and a signature marketing hackathon.
Each event is enhanced with unique networking formats to help every participant build valuable connections and feel truly part of the community.

How we work:
Each event has a specific theme and a carefully designed engagement mechanic.
We use elements like card games, dynamic chat activities, team quizzes, interactive Telegram bots, and structured business networking to break barriers and create an atmosphere of openness and energy.

Who it’s for:
Initially, Make it Real! was created for expat marketers who had relocated to Armenia. Over time, the community grew into an international and open platform for all digital and marketing professionals — welcoming both local specialists and international participants.

Our approach:
At the core of Make it Real! is the belief that networking should be genuine and human.
We believe in the power of real human connections and create conditions where people can meet, exchange ideas, support each other, and grow together.
We don’t just host events — we build an environment for personal and professional growth.

The result:
Since its launch in 2022, Make it Real! has united over 500 members, hosted more than 50 events, formed a growing organizing committee, and become one of the most recognizable networking platforms in Armenia’s digital scene.

The Eurasian Beauty Guild (EBG) demonstrated that an email campaign doesn’t need a massive list to make a powerful impact. Targeting a niche but highly engaged audience of beauty professionals, EBG launched a personalized member email series designed to drive participation, renewals, and professional involvement — achieving exceptional engagement rates and real-world results.

Rather than relying on generic newsletters, EBG’s campaign focused on creating a sense of personal relevance and professional belonging. The emails were segmented by member status and involvement history (e.g., new member, inactive, or previously nominated), and crafted with a direct, friendly tone that reflected the Guild’s supportive values. Each message included tailored content such as member spotlights, upcoming awards deadlines, invitations to join the jury panel, and curated opportunities for public recognition.

What made the campaign stand out was its format: concise, visually clean, and action-driven, each email featured one clear call to action — whether to submit a nomination, update a profile, or book a member consultation. Personal touches, like addressing members by name and referencing past interactions, helped boost open and click-through rates well above industry averages.

Despite the relatively small database, the campaign achieved:

• Over 75% average open rate
• 40% response or click-through rate on key calls to action

The EBG’s success proves that highly focused, emotionally intelligent email marketing — even to a select group — can outperform mass campaigns when it speaks to the right people in the right way. This nomination celebrates an elegant, effective approach to community engagement through smart, human-centric email communication.

Development of fast growing travel tech mobile application with multimillion audience, which has several dynamic content systems for user inspiration and support with journey planning. Within the past 2.5 years: – Developed a solution for integration of external modules with backend-driven UI, allowing for effective scaling of mobile applications. – Developed instagram like stories module with dynamic content system, which greatly increases users retention and engagement. – Designed a new extensible system and reorganised the existing deeplink system, simplifying the integration of various application modules. – Developed and implemented code review standards, introduced innovative practices for code quality assessment, adopted by other teams.
The Tutu.ru app underwent significant redesigns to improve usability. The development team focused on creating a flexible architecture that supports easy updates and maintenance. The app’s design includes 120 screens and 80 user scenarios, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the booking process while minimizing complexity. Users can compare and purchase tickets from various transportation modes, including airlines (e.g., Aeroflot, UTair), trains (e.g., Sapsan), and buses across Russia and Europe. The app provides real-time schedules and allows users to book tickets without long queues. The app boasts a streamlined interface with intuitive navigation, allowing users to complete their bookings in under four minutes. It incorporates user feedback to continuously enhance the experience. In-app customer support is available 24/7, ensuring travelers receive assistance whenever needed.

The development of the program “Snapshot Testing for UI Consistency in SwiftUI and UIKit” is officially protected by patent No. 2025610028, registered with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent). It was created in response to the increasing demand for high-quality user interfaces in mobile applications and is designed for free use. This tool ensures high accuracy and automation of the UI testing process, minimizing display errors across various devices. My goal is to make a significant contribution to the industry by providing iOS developers with an accessible and efficient tool that meets modern quality standards and helps to raise them even further.
“Snapshot Testing for UI Consistency in SwiftUI and UIKit” Project Objectives: Provide automated and highly accurate testing of user interfaces for iOS applications. Simplify interface development for various devices and screen orientations. Minimize display errors and improve the visual consistency of interfaces. Project Description: The program is designed for automated testing of user interfaces in iOS applications. It leverages the Snapshot Testing approach to compare visual changes in the interface with pre-saved reference images. This helps developers quickly detect unintended changes and maintain the visual quality of their applications. Key components of the program: Core Module – SnapshotTestCase.swift: Defines the required device and OS version for testing. Configures the visual comparison tool (ksdiff) and disables animations for stable testing. Array+Images.swift Module: Extends arrays to work with snapshot testing strategies. Supports precision and subpixel threshold settings for image comparison. SnapshotTesting+Extensions.swift Module: Adds functionality for testing SwiftUI and UIKit components. Includes methods to test across various devices and configurations. UITraitCollection+Extensions.swift Module: Provides predefined configurations for different iPhone models, including screen orientations. Technical Features: Programming Language: Swift. Frameworks: SwiftUI, UIKit. Testing Type: Snapshot Testing. Devices: Supports iPhones (including various models), iPads, and different screen orientations. Flexibility: Customizable precision parameters and device configurations. Key Benefits: Automated Testing: Reduces manual effort and minimizes human errors. Supports cross-platform solutions for interface testing. Flexibility and Precision: Configurable testing parameters, such as pixel precision and screen sizes. Supports multiple device configurations. Accelerated Development: Identifies errors in the early stages, reducing the time to release updates. Simplifies application maintenance through precise change control. Compliance with Modern Standards: Aligns with Apple guidelines. Utilizes modern technologies like SwiftUI. Implementation Results: Reduced development time by 40%. Increased visual consistency of interfaces to 95%. Improved user ratings for applications utilizing the technology. Accelerated update release cycles and enhanced interface stability. Uniqueness: The project is protected by a patent (No. 2025610028) and offers an innovative approach to user interface testing, making it an indispensable tool for iOS developers. Future Goals: Expand the functionality of the program. Integrate with additional CI/CD tools. Promote the project among developers for widespread industry adoption.

Daria Shiian is a strategic brand designer redefining how small and medium businesses leverage branding as a growth engine—not just a visual asset. Her unique contribution to the field lies in developing a data-driven model that quantifies the impact of branding on core business metrics such as revenue growth, customer acquisition, and brand trust. By linking branding investments directly to financial outcomes, Daria has equipped agencies and clients alike with a clear argument for seeing brand development as a strategic investment with measurable ROI.

She also pioneered a system of “premium branding democratization,” enabling local businesses to access high-quality, emotionally rich branding once reserved for large corporations. This approach combines human-centered insight, atmospheric design, multisensory experiences, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to create brands that function as cultural and emotional communities—not just commercial entities.

Among her key innovations is the introduction of multisensory branding and “atmospheric DNA” into visual identity systems, where elements like lighting, music, and spatial design become integral parts of the brand experience. Her “living brand architecture” framework ensures brand identities evolve naturally with changing markets and audience behaviors, minimizing the need for costly rebranding while maintaining cultural relevance.

Furthermore, Daria’s integration of AI-generated mockups into prototyping workflows has cut MVP development time by up to 40%, reduced budgets by 50%, and accelerated time-to-market for startups, helping them secure investment faster. These innovations make her work a reference point for modern brand-building—at once strategic, artistic, and scalable.

With over a decade of experience in international trade marketing, product launches, and marketplace strategy, Katerina Lychak stands out as a visionary e-commerce consultant who combines strategic thinking with hands-on marketplace expertise. Her work bridges global standards with local relevance — a skill that has been especially impactful in Armenia’s rapidly evolving digital commerce sector.

Katerina has played a pivotal role in helping both emerging and established Armenian companies thrive in the online economy. As a business development consultant, she has guided brands like Telcell Market, Elassi, Reyma, and Arcada through every step of their e-commerce journey — from positioning and product range strategy to performance marketing and customer experience enhancement. Her nuanced understanding of marketplace dynamics, particularly on platforms like OZON and OZON Global, enables her to elevate listings and drive measurable growth for her clients.

Beyond technical expertise, Katerina is recognized for her ability to see the full picture. She integrates digital marketing with customer-centric design, optimizing every touchpoint to boost KPIs such as conversion rates, cart value, and repeat purchase frequency. Her multilingual skills and international background make her an ideal connector between cultures, markets, and platforms.

Katerina’s impact goes beyond consulting. She actively supports the development of Armenia’s digital ecosystem by mentoring, speaking, and participating in professional juries, including the Armenia Digital Awards. Her message to entrepreneurs and marketers is clear: “If your project is solving real problems and creating new possibilities, this is your time to shine.”

This nomination honors Katerina Lychak not only for her track record of tangible results but also for her forward-thinking approach and dedication to empowering brands across borders. Her work exemplifies what it means to be a true e-commerce consultant in today’s digital-first economy.

Ruslan Shadenov, founder of RS IMPORT, stands as a trailblazer in the digital transformation of cross-border car trading for private clients in Kazakhstan. In a market historically dominated by opaque processes and intermediaries, Ruslan was among the first to introduce a transparent, client-focused e-commerce model for purchasing vehicles from U.S. auctions. His strategic approach has set new industry standards and created genuine value for thousands of Kazakhstani consumers.

Ruslan’s strategy is built around direct-to-client service, leveraging a proprietary digital platform that simplifies every step—from auction selection and bidding, to logistics, customs clearance, and final delivery. By integrating legal, financial, and operational expertise, RS IMPORT provides end-to-end support with absolute transparency in pricing, documentation, and vehicle condition. This model eliminates hidden costs and risks, empowering private buyers to access the global auto market confidently.

Beyond operational excellence, Ruslan has driven significant advances in digital education and industry literacy. Recognizing a gap in consumer awareness, he launched educational initiatives, including webinars, guides, and expert commentary, demystifying the process of cross-border vehicle purchase. His educational content not only builds trust in the RS IMPORT brand but also elevates the entire market by fostering informed decision-making.

Ruslan’s leadership has helped shape public discussion on regulatory best practices for vehicle importation and digital commerce, positioning him as both an innovator and a responsible industry voice. His dual background in finance and law ensures each transaction is not just efficient, but fully compliant and secure, reflecting a rare blend of entrepreneurship and consumer advocacy.

As RS IMPORT continues to grow its presence both in Kazakhstan and internationally, Ruslan Shadenov’s B2C strategy stands out for its clarity, customer-centricity, and measurable results. By setting new benchmarks for transparency, support, and digital innovation in e-commerce, he has redefined how consumers in Kazakhstan access the U.S. auto market—making global commerce accessible, honest, and secure for all.

KIOSKO is a standout nominee for Best Social Media Agency, renowned for its strategic creativity, measurable results, and deep expertise in digital storytelling. With over a decade of experience, KIOSKO has managed more than 150 social media accounts and successfully implemented over 70 comprehensive strategies, demonstrating a consistent track record of excellence in social media marketing.

Founded in 2014, KIOSKO specializes in developing and executing multichannel social media marketing (SMM) strategies that deliver rapid and quantifiable outcomes. Their services encompass SMM strategy development, tailored content creation—including text, video, and photography—and thorough consulting and audits to evaluate and enhance brand presence across social platforms. ​