Program Overview
IBM celebrates top IBM advocates and community leaders
The IBM Champions programs are represented by a global community of the most passionate, loyal, and talented IBM customers and partners: they are advocates, experts, and thought leaders.
Who are IBM Champions?
IBM Champions are at the pinnacle of expertise and advocacy: these individuals are exceptional in their commitment to paying forward their knowledge and experiences. They are sharing with the larger technical community in the hopes of guiding buying decisions, inspiring innovation, shaping IBM product development, educating new generations of users, and deepening community growth.
More than 1100 IBM Champions in 60 countries combine deep knowledge across IBM products and technologies with the drive to help and support others. Connect with them to see how you fit in their ranks.
What does it take to become an IBM Champion?
Expertise in IBM technology and the drive to share your knowledge to help others. That’s what it takes to join.
Demonstrate your technical talent and your enthusiasm to share knowledge with others in one or more of these activities: speaking at conferences and events; supporting user groups and community; creating articles, videos, and other spotlights; providing product feedback to IBM development teams; mentoring and teaching upcoming technologists; or supporting IBM with references and reviews.
Then tell us about both your expertise and how you’ve applied it in a self-nomination form. Or, an IBMer, current IBM Champion, or other colleague may share those details on your behalf.
IBM TechXchange Champions (00:40)
How the program works
Advocacy
You (or someone you know) are already doing the work: creating content, speaking at conferences, starting and running user groups, and much more.
Submit
You submit a nomination (or a referral) that gives us the details and evidence about your expertise and all the great advocacy work you’re doing.
Review
The program reviews submissions year-round to issue advocacy badges. During nomination season, we also review candidates for IBM Champion status.
Select
The committees review and select eligible candidates for badges. Top advocates may earn Champion status based on their ongoing and exceptional contributions.
Announce
The new class of IBM Champions is named each new year. Advocacy badges are issued monthly and may be earned annually.
All Year
No matter your status, we want to brag about your advocacy work. Report your contributions to earn additional badges, gain eminence, and stay active in the program.
Earn your advocacy badges
IBM Champion programs support advocacy and advocates across IBM.
IBM Rising Champions Advocacy Badge program
To catch clients and partners doing something great as they progress along the pathway to IBM Champion status – right when they do it – we issue IBM Rising Champion advocacy badges to recognize contributions throughout the year and as individuals progress.
Benefits of the programs
Most members of our programs say that the best part is being engaged with this prestigious group, the connection to both their peers and IBMers.
Membership in the program also means other important benefits, designed to enhance professional development and eminence.
Conferences and EventsIBM Champions are the VIP guests at our flagship conferences, with complimentary passes, special gifts (have you seen the jackets?!), and exclusive experiences. Of course, you’ll also receive invitations and discounts to other IBM and industry events worldwide.
Learning and CertificationKeep your skills and expertise in good shape with discounts and complimentary access to IBM Learning and certifications.
Gifts and gearShow off your status and get recognized at industry and IBM conferences, user group meet-ups (and sometimes in airports), with our unique logo gear.
Digital BadgesThe IBM Champions programs come with verified digital credentials issued through the Digital Badge program and Credly.
Your next steps
Join us: Nominations are now open!
Take your place in the IBM Champions program by submitting your application today. Nominations are open through November 2024. The committee will issue badges for all advocacy and name the 2025 IBM Champions in January.