The National Media Awards Foundation (NMAF) is pleased to announce the nominees for the 6th annual National Magazine Awards: B2B. With sincere thanks to our judges, who dedicated their time and expertise to evaluate hundreds of submissions, more than 100 exceptional finalists have been selected. These finalists highlight the outstanding work and accomplishments of Canadian trade, professional, and alumni association publications in 2023.
Awards Luncheon 🎉
This year’s winners will be announced at the NMA: B2B Awards Luncheon on June 7, 2024 at Arcadian Court in Toronto. This highly anticipated event will be a wonderful opportunity to network with publishing professionals and celebrate the outstanding achievements of B2B publishers, editors, and creators. Tickets are on sale now, so secure your spot today.
The National Media Awards Foundation congratulates this year’s recipient of the B2B Leadership Award, Elsa Lam. This award recognizes outstanding career achievement in B2B media and is the highest individual honour the National Magazine Awards: B2B can bestow. Learn more
Credit Changes
To request any changes, corrections, or additions, please send details to our team at staff@magazine-awards.com with “NMA: B2B Credit Change” in the subject line. The deadline for credit changes is May 6, 2024.
Top Nominees
Pivot leads the pack with an impressive 20 nominations in various categories, followed by Queen’s Alumni Review with 17 nominations and Director Journal and University Affairs, with eight nominations each. Other top nominees include Precedent and University of Toronto Magazine, with four nominations each.
Nomination Highlights
- Alex Correa’s “Matinee Idol, The Story of Cineplex,” published in Pivot, is nominated for Best Profile of a Company and Best Profile of a Person.
- Brian Banks’ “How to Build a Better Playground,” published in Smith Magazine, is nominated for Best Profile of a Company and Best Profile of a Person.
- Jean-François Venne is nominated twice, with “Pour un cadre plus favorable au maintien des actifs” in Best Feature Article: Professional and “Architectes de l’étranger : la course à obstacles” in Best Special Report. Both articles are published by Esquisses.
- Prasanthi Vasanthakumar is nominated twice, with “In search of a better deal” in Best Feature Article: Professional and “Getting back to nature” in Best Topical Feature: Climate Change. Both articles are published in Director Journal.
- Virginia Galt is nominated twice, with “Your board is now diverse. What happens next?” in Best DEI Reporting and “Fraud busters” in Best Feature Article: Professional. Both articles are published in Director Journal.
Awards Presented to the Creator / Catégories Individuelles
Best Column or Regularly Featured Department / Meilleur chronique ou rubrique
Teaching Moment
Canadian Family Physician
Writers: Dr. Eric Dionne; Dr. Kristy Penner, Dr. Sonja Wicklum, Dr. Aaron Johnston, and Dr. Martina Ann Kelly; Mina Huang, Dr. Nitasha Puri, and Dr. Sharon Vipler
Contributor: Dr. Viola Antao, contributing editor
PEOPLE, who you need to know
Canadian Grocer
Writer: Andrea Yu
Contributors: Shellee Fitzgerald, editor-in-chief; Kristin Laird, managing editor
Purpose Driver Column
Pivot
Writers: Anya Levykh, Ali Amad, Alex Correa
Contributors: Paul Ferriss, editor; Alex Correa, editor
Chronique À cœur ouvert
Profession Santé
Auteurs : Justine Montminy, Geoffrey Dirat
Collaborateurs : Anne Hébert, rédactrice en chef adjointe; Christian Leduc, rédacteur en chef; Dino Peressini, directeur artistique
Dr. Ted Jablonski’s columns
The Medical Post
Writer: Dr. Ted Jablonski
Contributor: Colin Leslie, editor-in-chief
Best Profile of a Company / Meilleur profil d’une entreprise
Feeding Generations
Greenhouse Canada
Writer: Andrew Snook
Energy Star
Pivot
Writer: Janet Gyenes
Contributor: Paul Ferriss, editor
Matinee Idol, The Story of Cineplex
Pivot
Writer: Alex Correa
Contributor: Paul Ferriss, editor
How to Build a Better Playground
Smith Magazine
Writer: Brian Banks
Best Profile of a Person / Meilleur portrait
Matinee Idol, The Story of Cineplex
Pivot
Writer: Alex Correa
Contributor: Paul Ferriss, editor
The Rabble Rouser
Queen’s Alumni Review
Writer: Peter Simpson
Building Ways to Be There
Smith Magazine
Writer: Deborah Aarts
How to Build a Better Playground
Smith Magazine
Writer: Brian Banks
Best Feature Article: Trade / Meilleur article de fond : commercial
Baby On Site
Alberta Heavy
Writer: Lisa Gordon
Contributor: Scott Carmichael, illustrator
A Tailored Approach
Benefits Canada
Writer: Blake Wolfe
Two industries at a crossroads
CIM Magazine
Writer: Kelsey Rolfe
Contributors: Ailbhe Goodbody, Ryan Bergen
Changing the Narrative
Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine
Writer: Amy Bostock
Changing with the Times
Landscape Trades
Writer: Karina Sinclair
Can beaten-up junior miners fight illegal short-selling?
The Northern Miner
Writer: Alisha Hiyate
Best Feature Article: Professional / Meilleur article de fond : professionel
Fraud busters
Director Journal
Writer: Virginia Galt
Contributors: Simon Avery, editor; Lionel Bebbington, art director
In search of a better deal
Director Journal
Writer: Prasanthi Vasanthakumar
Contributors: Simon Avery, editor; Lionel Bebbington, art director; Cajsa Holgersson, illustrator
Downtown’s Dilemma
Douglas Magazine
Writer: Andrew Findlay
Contributors: Ken Winchester, editor; Joanne Sasvari, editor-in-chief
Pour un cadre plus favorable au maintien des actifs
Esquisses
Auteur : Jean-François Venne
In Deep: The ultimate cost of all our debt
Pivot
Writer: John Lorinc
Contributor: Alex Correa, editor
Trickle Down
Pivot
Writer: Liza Agrba
Contributor: Paul Ferriss, editor
Legacy: “The only Black girl on campus”
Queen’s Alumni Review
Writer: Tka Pinnock
Contributor: Ruth Dunley, editor
Twist of Fate
Queen’s Alumni Review
Writer: Carly Weeks
Who are you?
University Affairs
Writer: Sharon Oosthoek
Research re-imagined
University Affairs
Writer: Cailynn Klingbeil
Best News Coverage / Meilleure couverture de l’actualité
Chatting with GPT
National Magazine
Writer: Julie Sobowale
Trust the System: The remarkable resilience of Canada’s banks
Pivot
Writer: Jeff Buckstein
Contributor: Paul Ferriss, editor
The truth about targets
Precedent
Writer: Daniel Fish
Obésité — Le nouveau paradigme
Profession Santé
Auteur : Geoffrey Dirat
Collaborateurs : Anne Hébert, rédactrice en chef adjointe; Christian Leduc, rédacteur en chef; Dino Peressini, directeur artistique
Failing Grade
University Affairs
Writer: Sparrow McGowan
The rise of public scholarship
University Affairs
Writer: Hannah Liddle
How to catch a wave
Up Here Business
Writer: Cooper Langford
Best How-To Article or Series of Articles / Meilleur article ou meilleure série d’articles de conseils pratiques
Beacon in the Fog
Advocis’ FORUM Magazine
Writer: Diane Peters
How to make your mark with marketing (Part 1 and Part 2)
Pharmacy Practice + Business
Writer: Anne Bokma
Contributors: Vicki Wood, editor; Nancy Peterman, art director
Chasing the future of audit
Pivot
Writer: Ali Amad
Contributor: Paul Ferriss, editor
Tracking the tricksters
Pivot
Writer: Rita Simonetta
Contributors: Paul Ferriss, editor; Alex Correa, editor
Laying the Foundation: Treaty Education for Young Students
TEACH Magazine
Writer: Carolyn Gruske
Best Series of Articles / Meilleure série d’articles
The Future of Circular Design
Azure
Writers: Giovanna Dunmall, Elizabeth Pagliacolo, Andrew Braithwaite, Sydney Shilling, Stefan Novakovic, Simon Lewsen
Contributor: Elizabeth Pagliacolo, Editor
Generation Next Thinking series
Canadian Grocer
Writers: Rebecca Harris, Rosalind Stefanac
Contributors: Shellee Fitzgerald, editor-in-chief; Kristin Laird, managing editor
Recommended Reading
Director Journal
Writer: Shirley Won
Contributors: Simon Avery, editor; Lionel Bebbington, art director
Day One: The world is facing wicked problems. What if we could stop everything and start over?
Western Alumni Magazine
Writers: Patchen Barss, Keri Ferguson, Kurt Kleiner, Siddhartha Sarma, Alice Taylor
Contributors: Paul Fraumeni, senior editor; Marcia Steyaert; editor-in-chief; Raj Grainger, art direction
Best Photograph / Meilleure photographe
A Natural Advocate — Amy Lamb, Innovator Profile
Pharmacy Practice + Business
Photographer: Genelle Amber Studios (Genelle Mazurak)
Contributor: Nancy Peterman, art director
Ellis Jacob and the story of Cineplex
Pivot
Photographer: Daniel Ehrenworth
Contributors: Rachel Wine, director of photography; Adam Cholewa, art director
Black Studies: In Our Own Words
Queen’s Alumni Review
Photographer: Wade Hudson
Peace on Two Wheels
Queen’s Alumni Review
Photographer: Johnny C.Y. Lam
The Work of Art
Queen’s Alumni Review
Photographer: Hélène Cyr
Piece by Piece
The York University Magazine
Photographer: Chris Nicholls
Contributors: James Nixon, art director; Deirdre Kelly, editor
Game Changers
Toronto Met University magazine
Photographer: Kate Dockeray
Contributors: Vanessa Wyse, creative director, Studio Wyse; Della Rollins, photo editor, Studio Wyse
Best Illustration / Meilleure illustration
Getting a grip on artificial intelligence
Director Journal
Illustrator: Sébastien Thibault
Contributors: Lionel Bebbington, art director; Simon Avery, editor
In Deep on Canadian Debt
Pivot
Illustrator: Dan Parsons
Contributor: Adam Cholewa, art director
The home office
Pivot
Illustrator: Dan Parsons
Contributor: Adam Cholewa, art director
Awards Presented to the Magazine / Catégories Éditoriales
Best Editorial / Meilleur éditorial
It’s now or never
Director Journal
Contributor: Simon Avery
L’architecture, c’est aussi le maintien d’actifs
Esquisses
Collaborateur : Pierre Corriveau
The bottom line on mental health
Pivot
Contributors: Pamela Steer and Douglas Dunlop
Best Special Report / Meilleur reportage spécial
Benchmark Report 2023: The State of Canadian Architectural Practice
Canadian Architect
Writers: Elsa Lam, Rick Linley, Phyllis Crawford, Russell Pollard, Vered Klein, Rhys Phillips, Terri Peters, Ted Kesik, Elaine Pantel
Contributors: Elsa Lam, editor; Roy Gaiot, art director
C-store IQ National Shopper Study
Convenience Store News Canada
Writer: Michelle Warren
Contributor: Beth Brickel, VP, Research, EnsembleIQ; Jackie Shipley, art director
Architectes de l’étranger : la course à obstacles
Esquisses
Auteur : Jean-François Venne
Collaborateur : Christine Lanthier, rédactrice en chef
The Competitive Spirit
Pivot
Writers: Rita Simonetta and Ahsan Mohgul
Contributor: Paul Ferris, editor
Births & Deaths special report
The Medical Post
Writers: Kylie Taggart, Abigail Cukier, Louise Leger
Contributor: Colin Leslie, editor in chief
The State of the Economies
Up Here Business
Writers: Graeme Clinton, Keith Halliday
Contributor: Cooper Langford, editor
Best Art Direction of a Single Article or Opening Spread / Meilleure direction artistique : article ou double-page d’ouverture
All the World’s A Stage
Queen’s Alumni Review
Contributor: Wendy Treverton, graphic designer
Black Studies: In Our Own Words
Queen’s Alumni Review
Contributor: Wendy Treverton, graphic designer
Peace on Two Wheels
Queen’s Alumni Review
Contributor: Wendy Treverton, graphic designer
The Rabble Rouser
Queen’s Alumni Review
Contributor: Wendy Treverton, graphic designer
Game Changers
Toronto Met University magazine
Contributors: Vanessa Wyse, creative director, Studio Wyse; Della Rollins, photo editor, Studio Wyse; Colleen Mellor, editor; Kate Dockeray, photographer
The race to net zero
University Affairs
Contributors: Judith Lacerte, graphic design; Underline Studio, art direction
Journey to Freedom
University of Toronto Magazine
Contributors: Vanessa Wyse, creative director, Studio Wyse; Della Rollins, photo editor, Studio Wyse; Hannah Browne, senior designer, Studio Wyse; Scott Anderson, editor; Luis Mora, photographer
Building Blocks
Voyageur
Contributors: Vanessa Wyse, creative director; Lucinda Wallace, associate creative director; Della Rollins, photo editor; Johnny C.Y. Lam, photographer; Liz Gorman and Kris Ward, editors
Best Topical Feature: Climate Change / Meilleur reportage thématique : changement climatique
Getting back to nature
Director Journal
Writer: Prasanthi Vasanthakumar
Contributors: Simon Avery, editor; Lionel Bebbington, art director
Nature’s Call
Pivot
Writer: Andrew Raven
Contributor: Paul Ferriss, editor
The race to net zero
University Affairs
Writer: Moira MacDonald
In from the cold
Up Here Business
Writer: Tim Falconer
Best DEI Reporting / Meilleur reportage DÉI
Your board is now diverse. What happens next?
Director Journal
Writer: Virginia Galt
Contributors: Simon Avery, Editor; Lionel Bebbington, Art Director; Judith Rudd, Illustrator
Breaking Through
Pivot
Writer: Anya Levykh
Contributors: Paul Ferriss, editor; Douglas Dunlop, editor
Over the Rainbow
Pivot
Emily Latimer
Contributors: Paul Ferriss, editor; Ena D’Altroy, adviser
Ableism in the academy
University Affairs
Writer: John Loeppky
Best Cover / Meilleure page couverture
All Fired Up: Cannabis and Convenience, in conversation with Stephane Trudel, CEO of Fire & Flower
Convenience Store News Canada
Contributors: Jackie Shipley, art director; Daniel Alexander Skwarna, photographer; Michelle Warren, editor
Intelligence Quotient: As AI changes everything, can boards keep up?
Director Journal
Contributors: Simon Avery, editor; Lionel Bebbington, art director; Sébastien Thibault, illustrator
Risk and Reward
Pivot
Contributors: Adam Cholewa, art director; Daniel Neuhaus, director of photography; Katherine Holland, photographer; Paul Ferriss, editor; Douglas Dunlop, publisher
Fall 2023: Partner*
Precedent
Contributors: Nicola Hamilton, art director; Vicky Lam, photographer
Couverture de Profession Santé, numéro de mars 2023
Profession Santé
Collaborateur : Dino Peressini
Spring 2023: Gatefold
Queen’s Alumni Review
Contributors: Alex Beshara, director, marketing and publications; Ruth Dunley, editor; Wade Hudson, photographer; Wendy Treverton, graphic designer
Sprott Surgery Magazine Cover
Sprott Surgery Magazine
Contributors: Bryan Borzykowski, Mark Brown, Glynis Ratcliffe, Erik Mohr, Joshua Duchesne, Megan Drummond, Marikha Saira
Let it flow — March–April 2023
University Affairs
Contributors: Natalie Samson, interim editor; Tara Siebarth, deputy editor; Hannah Liddle, digital journalist; Pascale Castonguay, chef du bureau francophone; Judith Lacerte, graphic design; Underline Studio, art direction
Best Art Direction of a Complete Issue / Meilleure direction artistique d’un numéro
Fall 2023
Precedent
Contributor: Nicola Hamilton, art director
Spring 2023
Queen’s Alumni Review
Contributors: Alex Beshara, director of marketing and publications; Ruth Dunley, editor; Wendy Treverton, graphic designer
Summer 2023
Queen’s Alumni Review
Contributors: Alex Beshara, director of marketing and publications; Ruth Dunley, editor; Wendy Treverton, graphic designer
Winter 2023
Toronto Met University magazine
Contributors: Vanessa Wyse, creative director, Studio Wyse; Hannah Browne, senior designer, Studio Wyse; Della Rollins, photo editor, Studio Wyse; Colleen Mellor, editor
Spring 2023
University of Toronto Magazine
Contributors: Studio Wyse, art direction; Scott Anderson, editor
Best Podcast / Meilleur balado
CFP Podcast
Canadian Family Physician
Contributors: Dr. Sarah Fraser, Dr. Nicholas Pimlott
Franchise Canada Chats
Franchise Canada
Contributors: Daniel McIntosh
Retirement Rewired
Contributor: Bryan Borzykowski
Best Editorial Package / Meilleur dossier thématique
Bright Futures
Azure
Contributors: Elizabeth Pagliacolo, Cristian Ordóñez, Kendra Jackson, Eric Mutrie, Stefan Novakovic, Sydney Shilling, Kari Silver, Brian Wong, Conner Palomba, Tori Rapp, David Dick-Agnew
Technology, transformation and health care
Healthy Debate
Contributors: Maddi Dellplain, journalist; Emma Arkell, journalist; Angela Artrero, illustrator; Jack Romanelli, editor
Black Studies: In Our Own Words
Queen’s Alumni Review
Contributors: Alex Beshara, director, marketing and publications; Juliane Okot Bitek, writer; Taylor Cenac, administrative assistant, Black Studies; Emelie Chhangur, writer; Ruth Dunley, editor; Kesha Fevrier, writer; Wade Hudson, photographer; Joseph Kangmennaang, writer; Jennifer Leath, writer; Qanita Lilla, writer; Katherine McKittrick, writer; Daniel McNeil, writer; Kristin Moriah, writer; Dalitso Ruwe, writer; Vanessa Thompson, writer; Wendy Treverton, graphic designer; Barrington Walker, writer
Best Issue / Meilleur numéro
The City Remakes Itself
Azure
Contributors: Elizabeth Pagliacolo, Cristian Ordóñez, Kendra Jackson, Eric Mutrie, Stefan Novakovic, Sydney Shilling, Brian Wong, Conner Palomba, Tori Rapp, David Dick-Agnew
Uncharted Waters
Pivot
Contributors: Douglas Dunlop, publisher; Paul Ferriss, editor; Alex Correa, Anya Levykh and Mathieu de LaJartre, editors; Adam Cholewa, senior art director; Dan Parsons, associate art director; Daniel Neuhaus, director of photography
Spring 2023
Queen’s Alumni Review
Contributors: Alex Beshara, director, marketing and publications; Ruth Dunley, editor; Wendy Treverton, graphic designer
Summer 2023
Queen’s Alumni Review
Contributors: Alex Beshara, director, marketing and publications; Ruth Dunley, editor; Wendy Treverton, graphic designer
The Patient Relationship Issue
The Medical Post
Contributors: Colin Leslie, editor-in-chief; Nancy Peterman, creative director; Louise Leger, contributing editor; Kylie Taggart, writer; Abigail Cukier, writer
Spring 2023 issue: Journey to Freedom
University of Toronto Magazine
Contributors: Scott Anderson, editor-in-chief; Don Campbell, campus editor, Scarborough, Patricia Lonergan, campus editor, Mississauga; Vanessa Wyse, art director
Fall 2023
Western Alumni Magazine
Contributors: Paul Fraumeni, senior editor; Marcia Steyaert; editor-in-chief; Raj Grainger, art direction; Althea Blackburn-Evans, publisher
Best Website / Meilleur site Web
Advisor.ca
Contributors: Mike Thomas, Melissa Shin, Hannah Trumper, Anna-Christina Di Liberto, Gil Martinez, John Ryan, Jacob Sharrard
The York University Magazine Fall 2023
The York University Magazine
Contributors: Deirdre Kelly, editor; James Nixon, art director
Wealth Professional Canada
Contributors: James Burton, David Kitai, Leo Almazora, Steve Randall
Best Brand / Meilleure marque
Best Magazine / Meilleur magazine
By striking the perfect balance between the practical matters of working at a law firm and the lifestyles of those who are called to the bar, Precedent is a publication without precedent. The lively writing and vibrant design reminded us why we love magazines. It is thoughtful, exceptionally well-crafted, and sure to engage readers at every turn.
— NMA: B2B Jury
From its focus on Black Studies, to the personal story of a genetic counsellor, and the Class Notes that reconnect readers with university alumni, Queen’s Alumni Review clearly dedicates itself to building and maintaining a sense of community. The magazine is so beautifully layered, rich in content with design and bold visuals to back it up. Let us offer a tip of the tri-coloured beanie to it.
— NMA: B2B Jury
Given the many interesting people who pass through the doors of a globally recognized university, it would be easy for University of Toronto Magazine editors to focus on profiles alone. But they do much more than that. The magazine is a smart, cohesive package that does a wonderful job shining a light on life within the university community and its global impact. The diverse mix of photography and conceptual illustration is so interesting, supporting the content and bringing every aspect of the institution to life.
— NMA: B2B Jury
Acknowledgements
The NMAF gratefully acknowledges its government funders: the Government of Canada, the Ontario Arts Council, and Ontario Creates.
A special thank you to Creative Director Erik Mohr, Graphic Designer Christina Kim, and their team at Made by Emblem, who created this year’s stunning visuals.
Support Us
As a charitable organization, the National Media Awards Foundation is dedicated to acknowledging, fostering, and championing excellence in Canadian print and digital content creation. The Foundation produces three distinct, bilingual award programs: the National Magazine Awards, the Digital Publishing Awards, and the National Magazine Awards: B2B.
You can help support our important work by donating today through Canada Helps. Donations have a direct impact on our ability to serve the magazine publishing sector through award programs and professional development activities. You’ll receive a tax receipt for any donation of $25 or more. Thank you for your support!