Quick question: Why aren’t you an Adobe Champion yet?

At Adobe Summit 2026, our CRO Youri Koper, spoke with Bradley Bedford, Advocacy & Events Marketing Manager at Adobe, about what separates strong applicants from those who actually get selected as Champions.

They unpacked the expectations, the real value behind the program, and how leading practitioners are using it to build visibility and influence across and beyond.

📹 Watch the full interview here to learn more:

Applications are open. Don’t overthink it. Apply!

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to step into a more visible, influential role within the Adobe ecosystem, this is it. Applications for the 2026–2027 Adobe Champion Program are now open, and competition will be strong.

Each year, Adobe selects a small group of top practitioners across its Experience Cloud products, roughly 40 Champions per product, to form an elite, year-long cohort.

These aren’t just power users. They’re the people shaping how the tools evolve.

The Adobe Champion Program recognizes experienced professionals across the Adobe Experience Cloud ecosystem who go beyond execution.

Champions are:

• Deep product experts
• Active contributors to the community
• Trusted voices influencing product directi

💡 Remember: This isn’t a passive badge. It’s a working relationship with Adobe.

As a Champion, you’ll collaborate directly with product teams, test features before they go live, and represent the practitioner’s perspective in real decisions.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about recognition.

Becoming a Champion puts you in a position where:

• You see what’s coming before the market does
• You influence how products evolve, not just how they’re used
• You build credibility that compounds across your career

If you’re serious about marketing operations, customer experience, or digital transformation, this is one of the few programs that genuinely moves the needle.

The program is designed to accelerate both your expertise and your visibility:

Direct access to Adobe

• Collaborate with product teams
• Influence roadmaps
• Participate in beta testing and certifications

A global network of top practitioners

• Exchange knowledge with other advanced users
• Build relationships across industries and regions

Thought leadership opportunities

• Speak at events like Adobe Summit
• Contribute to webinars, articles, and community sessions
• Increase your industry presence

Recognition that actually travels

• Official Champion badge
• Social assets and exclusive merchandise
• Industry credibility that recruiters and clients notice

Exclusive experiences

• Invitation to the Champion Forum at Adobe headquarters
• Access to private discussions and insider sessions

You can apply if your expertise sits within any of the following:

• Adobe Analytics
• Adobe Commerce
• Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
• Adobe Experience Platform (AEP)
• Adobe Marketo Engage
• Adobe Workfront

If you’re deeply embedded in one of these, you’re already closer than you think!

Adobe is looking for professionals who combine technical depth with community impact.

You’ll need:

• 3–5+ years of hands-on experience with at least one Adobe product
• To be a current Adobe customer or partner
• A track record of sharing knowledge (User Groups, content, speaking, etc.)
• Active involvement in communities like Experience League

💡Remember: This isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about contributing consistently and pushing the ecosystem forward.

Applications are open now and will close on June 5.