Marketing Diversification and Global Focus Draw Record Number of Entries for Festival of Media Global Awards

The Festival of Media Global today announces the biggest ever number of entries into its awards, with over 870 submissions across 14 categories, a massive 20% increase on the previous year and more than a 30% rise since the awards began four years ago.

With awards including 'Best Social Strategy', 'Best Use of Mobile' and 'Best Use of Emerging Technology' generating more entries than ever before, the increasingly technical diversification of global advertising businesses has been cited as one key reason for the awards success.

Event founder, C Squared, has also highlighted the increasingly international outlook of chief executives and chief marketing officers from all corners of the globe, ensuring that global awards carry significant importance. A total of 58 countries entered the awards this year, including countries who have never previously entered, from Vietnam to Venezuela.  Additional new entrants include Kuwait, Finland, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan.

The world's fastest growing markets including Brazil, India and China all increased their number of entries by at least 25%. In fact, the BRIC nations represented 12% of the overall entry totals.

Again, reflecting the vast number of different countries now entering the awards and their truly global diversity, European countries represented less than 50% of the overall total. However major European powers France and Germany dramatically increased their entries as did the US, whose award total shot up by 68%.

The top five countries in terms of award entries are (in order):

1. UK
2. US
3. Australia
4. Spain
5. Germany

Entries from global media agencies including Mindshare and PHD rank alongside the smaller regional outfits, including MediaCom Norway and OMD Dominican Republic. Brands entering the foray range from Nestlé to Puma and Vodafone.

Chief executive of C Squared and founder of The Festival of Media, Charlie Crowe, says:

It's fantastic to be able to announce more entries to the Festival of Media Awards than ever before. Not just that, but a significant leap in terms of the number received. Competition will be particularly fierce this year and I know all the judges are looking forward to reviewing the submissions. Creativity and innovation will of course be paramount.  We look forward to announcing the shortlist in due course.

The shortlist is due to be announced 15 March. Campaign entries will be available on www.creamglobal.com and award winners will be announced at The Festival of Media Global, which takes place in Montreux, Switzerland, 15-17 April.

ENDS

For press information, please contact Jessie Winston (+44 7977 118186) or Elizabeth Jones (+44 7825 077686) at firstname.surname@withpr.co.uk

Or visit for all award entry and event booking information.

Check out videos of previous festivals and key presentations at www.YouTube.com/thefestivalofmedia

Contacts

For information on the awards:
email Nisha Ashra nisha@csquared.cc or call +44 (0) 207 367 6986

For information on delegate booking rates:
email RachelBarber Rachel.barber@csquared.cc or call +44 (0)20 7367 6978

For information on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities:
email Caroline Holmes caroline@csquared.cc or call +44 (0)20 7367 6980

For information on the agenda:
email Greg Brooks greg@csquared.cc or call +44 (0)20 7367 6974