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The Digital Alberta Awards, now in its second year, is a program designed to recognize leaders in innovation, creativity and the evolving digital sector in Alberta. This year’s categories include companies, individual entrepreneurs, student and education leaders, organizations in both the government and not for profit sector, and those whose industry sectors may not traditionally be considered in the realm of ‘digital media’, but are pioneering and raising the bar as they converge with technology.

Commenting on the awards, Digital Alberta President Michelle Sklar said, “Once again we have worked hard to expand our reach of categories allowing us to include companies that may not traditionally be considered in the realm of digital media, but have pioneered much advancement in the space both nationally and globally. As well we are excited about the two new categories we’ve announced this week. The board and judges look forward to showcasing another class of amazing companies and individuals living, working and playing in digital in Alberta.”

The awards program is designed to recognize leaders in innovation, creativity and the evolving digital media sector in Alberta and includes 16 categories (listed below).

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Two new awards have been added this week. They are:

Best Campaign by Media Outlet

This category recognizes excellence in an interactive, innovative website or online campaign by a traditional media outlet (Newspapers, Broadcast Television, Radio and/or Magazines) on digital platforms, including mobile. Eligible projects could include websites, social media tools and/or mobile applications associated with the media outlet. Entrants should demonstrate a successful overall campaign through convergence (with ROI), as well as increased connections between outlet and consumer. The content should be of a high standard, originality and innovation. The design and usability of the website or campaign needs to be of a high standard and examples of user feedback or results generated must be included in submission.

People’s Choice Award – Most Inspirational Digital Leader

Do you know an outstanding leader who’s working tirelessly to benefit and shine a light on the diverse and amazing digital industry in Alberta?

Someone who’s an advocate, a visionary, a creative, a teacher, a technologist, an entrepreneur… and whose efforts in Alberta’s digital space deserve recognition? We, at Digital Alberta, believe (as we know you all do) that these digital community leaders deserve to be showcased. So this year we are excited to announce a new people’s choice award for the Most Inspirational Digital Leader.

Here’s the low-down for this award. It’s an online award that will voted on by the people for the people in Alberta’s digital world. Please submit the name of the person you want to recognize below (only one name per person) by the 24th of May. The winner will be announced live at the 2012 Digital Alberta Awards on June 4th.

Award Categories:

Community and Education

• Best in Student Interactive Digital Media and Creative Design
• Best in E-learning
• Best Digital Media Leader – Community Leader, Educator, Program Leader, or Department Head

Philanthropy

• Best Digital Philanthropy Innovation

Film, Television and Gaming

• Best in Cross-platform Content
• Best Use of Film, Animation or Special FX
• Best in Gaming

Software, Mobile and StartUps

• Combined Hardware & Software Experience
• Mobile Entertainment
• Mobile Applications
• Best In E-Commerce Solutions
• Best Digital Startup

Design and Creative

• Best Digital Design

Marketing and Social Media

• Best In Social Media
• B2C Innovation
• Best Digital Advertising/Marketing Campaign