The recognition that became Trailblazers.

In 2018, DMAasia introduced the Marketing Influencer Citation to recognise marketers by industry. The original framework gave equal weight to professional impact and contribution to the marketing community. Nominees were screened for identity, role and evidence before a senior practitioner jury reviewed the record.

The inaugural process began with about 100 prospective names. Fifty-five were invited to provide detailed nominations, around 40 progressed to submission, and 23 eligible submissions reached the shortlist. The archive records 12 citations in the inaugural May edition and 12 in a second 2018 edition.

The programme name was later retired as the recognition evolved into Trailblazers. The scope widened—from individual marketers to people and organisations whose work moved the industry beyond the expected. The lineage is carried by the standard, not the old label: evidence of impact, contribution beyond self and a route others can use.

Historical roles, employers and procedures are shown as recorded in 2018. They are not claims about current employment or current Trailblazers rules.