Citizen Experiential Triumphs at the 2026 Canadian Event Awards

Earlier this week, the Canadian events industry gathered at the Canadian Event Awards to celebrate the visionaries and creators shaping the country’s experiential marketing landscape. It was a milestone night for Citizen Relations as they took home two prestigious wins: Best Pop-Up and the Founders ICON Award – the industry’s highest individual honour. 

In a definitive ‘Hall of Fame’ moment for the industry, Kevin Wagman, Managing Director, Experiential at Citizen, received the ICON Award. This prestigious accolade is the Canadian events industry’s equivalent of a lifetime achievement award, marking the pinnacle of professional recognition.

Unlike category-specific awards, the ICON Award is peer-nominated and merit-based. Reserved for individuals with over 20 years of leadership, the award celebrates those who have shaped the profession through mentorship, innovation, and industry advancement. 

Over a career spanning 20+ years, Kevin has cemented himself as an industry leader by designing and implementing marketing campaigns & experiential events for tier-one clients throughout North America and Europe. Last year, Kevin was included on Canadian Special Events’ list of 2024’s Top 25 Most Fascinating People. 

“Having Kevin recognized with the ICON Award is an incredible moment for all of us at Citizen,” said Stephanie Hurst, Citizen’s newly appointed President, Canada. “While this honour celebrates his incredible personal legacy, the true magic lies in how he has mentored and shaped our Experiential team into the powerhouse it is today.”

An annual winner at the Canadian Event Awards, the celebration continued as the Citizen took the stage again, winning Best Pop-Up Experience for their work on the Santa’s Workshop, brought to you by Shoppers Drug Mart.

To establish Shoppers Drug Mart as the ultimate holiday gifting destination, Citizen transformed The Well in Toronto into the North Pole. This wasn’t a traditional retail space; it was a fully immersive Santa’s Workshop that featured a stunning Beauty Gift Gallery, a Self-Care Chalet, and a complimentary photo experience with Santa Claus himself.

This recognition comes at a time of increased momentum for Citizen. Earlier in the year, the agency was shortlisted at both Campaign’s Global and Canadian Agency of Year Awards and last year, they took the podium for a consecutive third time at Strategy’s AOY Awards.