Oktopost names the Rising 30 Class of 2026

Oktopost has announced the 30 recipients of B2B Social's Rising 30 Class of 2026, chosen from 264 community nominations across 14 industries and four continents. The program highlights a broader shift as B2B social media becomes a strategic function well beyond technology.

Why it matters: - The Rising 30 highlights how B2B social media has moved from a niche marketing skill to a strategic business function. - The 2026 class spans energy, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and professional services, showing how widely the role has expanded. - The recognition can boost visibility, credibility, and career mobility for practitioners working behind the scenes.

What happened: - Oktopost named the 30 recipients of B2B Social's Rising 30 Class of 2026 on June 30, 2026. - The program is in its second year and recognizes emerging leaders in B2B social. - Organizers selected the class from 264 community nominations. - The finalists came from 14 industries, four continents, and organizations ranging from startups to global enterprises. - Fran Riley of Baker Hughes, who leads global employee and executive advocacy programs, is among the honorees.

The details: - A panel of B2B social practitioners evaluated nominees using a published framework. - The criteria included content quality, community engagement, personal brand development, and measurable impact on an organization's social presence. - The 2026 class was also judged on an actively engaged LinkedIn presence, consistently valuable or original content, meaningful participation in comment-driven conversations, a demonstrable personal brand, and a role inside a B2B organization. - The final 30 were selected by a panel drawn from the program's alumni network. - The full Class of 2026 is published at the complete list. - Oktopost describes itself as a B2B social media management platform for marketing and revenue teams, with tools for publishing, business intelligence, social listening, and employee advocacy. - The company says it is trusted by thousands of marketing professionals at B2B technology and financial services companies.

Between the lines: - The mix of winners suggests B2B social is becoming a core communications channel across more industries, not just tech. - The selection criteria favor practitioners who combine audience building with measurable business impact, not just personal visibility. - The program's peer-nomination model signals that influence in B2B social is being recognized as a craft built through consistency and results. - Colin Day, Oktopost's chief marketing officer, said the record nomination count shows B2B social has matured into a global strategic imperative.

What's next: - Oktopost will continue the annual Rising 30 program, with nominations again open to the broader B2B social community. - The 2026 honorees are likely to use the recognition to expand professional networks, collaboration opportunities, and job prospects. - The broader B2B social field is likely to keep growing as more sectors treat social media as a business function tied to revenue and corporate narrative.

The bottom line: - B2B social is no longer just about posting content; the Rising 30 class shows it is becoming a measurable discipline with cross-industry influence and career value.