Q: When is the Top Consultants survey open?

A: The nomination platform will open Dec. 5, 2025 and remain open until Feb. 5, 2026.
 

Q: What is the Top Consultants of the Profession award?

A: Since 2000, Consulting Magazine’s Top Consultants awards—formerly The Top 25—spotlights the consulting profession’s most influential senior leaders whose work produces measurable client impact, advances firm capabilities, and shapes the industry; honorees are chosen for demonstrated client outcomes, innovation and thought leadership, practice-building and mentorship, and contributions to their firms and the broader profession.

Honorees are celebrated each year at a marquee awards dinner that acknowledges individual achievement and amplifies those voices as trusted advisors and industry shapers.


Categories include individual excellence categories and a dedicated international track recognizing:

Individual Excellence in –
  • Strategy & Transformation
  • Technology & Digital Consulting
  • Analytics & AI Innovation
  • Operational & Process Consulting
  • Talent & Workforce Transformation 
  • Pro Bono & Social Impact 
  • ESG & Sustainability
  • Thought Leadership & Intellectual Capital 
  • Industry-Specialization 
  • Cybersecurity & Risk Technology
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Data Ethics & Responsible AI
  • Lifetime Achievement
     
International Excellence in –
  • Global & Cross-Border Advisory
  • Asia-Pacific Advisory 
  • EMEA Advisory 
  • Latin America Advisory 
  • Emerging Market Advisory  
  • International Project Leadership 
 

Q: Who is eligible to be a Top Consultant?

A: Any consultant who has a reputable and established practice and portfolio of work to substantiate demonstrated excellence in the award category.
 

Q: What does the editorial judging committee look for in a nomination?

A: Judges are looking for full and complete descriptions that adequately address each of the creiteria noted for the category, as well as measurable metrics and quantifiable results. Specifics are important. That means, for example, that a description of “cost savings and revenue generation” isn’t nearly as impactful as “generated $25 million in revenue for a client” or “saved the client or firm $5 million.”
 

Q: How strict are the word limits found in the nomination form?

A: Pretty strict, although slightly over is OK. However, the limits are there for a reason and going far over the limits won’t help your nominee’s chances. Be concise and to the point as much as possible. There are typically between 200 and 300 nominations that are culled to fit a limited number of honorees, so make your nomination stand out.
 

Q: Is it for U.S-based consultants only?

A: No, the Top Consultants program is unrestricted. However, we do expect honorees to attend the awards ceremony in America if selected as an honoree.
 

Q: Is there a cost to participate?

A: There is no fee to submit a nomination. However, there are fees associated with tables and sponsorships, as well as expanded bio features. Honorees are expected to attend the event to accept their award.
 

Q: What's the best way for me to receive alerts and stay on top of all Consulting Magazine awards?

A: Subscribe to receive updates about Consulting Magazine awards here.
 

Q: Can we submit more than one person from the firm?

A: Yes, but please limit it to 3-4 of your best candidates. Also, multiple candidates from the same firm, submitted in the same category is not recommended. Note: Entries in the non-international categories may include international work but will not be considered for any international honors. It is recommended that you select one or the other. Duplicate entries submitted for a standard AND international category will not be considered for either.

Q: Can one person be submitted in multiple categories?

A: Yes, but each, submission’s content must be specific to the category. Exact matching submissions in multiple categories will be disqualified. (See information in previous question as well.)

Q: Can we nominate the same person from multiple accounts?

A: No, only one submission will be read per nominee. In other words, the number of submissions has NO IMPACT on candidate scoring.

Q: When will the honoree list be released?

A:  The winner’s list will be announced on or about Apr. 3, 2026.

Q: How are the Top Consultants recognized?

A: The Top Consultants are recognized in a few ways: one, with an editorial feature highlighting the submitted bio of each honoree. All honorees receive a basic bio published on Consulting Magazine’s website. Expanded biography features can be purchased with sponsorship packages and include a Q&A segment.

Honorees are recognized at a celebratory awards gala and dinner June 11, 2026. Various package options are available to help publicize their success. Winners are announced and highlighted on Consulting Magazine's LinkedIn page.

Q: How can I make the most of being listed as an honoree?

A:  Should you or your honoree or firm be listed for an award, there is an expectation that a representative will attend the awards ceremony to accept a trophy as part of the proceedings. Note that these events are pay-to-attend and various promotional packages are available. We also encourage you to share your achievement on social media, be sure to tag Consulting Magazine on LinkedIn @consulting magazine and on Twitter @Consulting_Mag. For information on sponsorships and event packages contact Eric Gordon at eric.gordon@arc-network.com.