If you haven’t heard by now, the Web Marketing Association has begun the 2007 Call for Entries for the 11th annual international WebAward competition. We are expecting a record number of entries from around the world and early indications are right on target.

The Internet Standards Assessment Report, the aggregated results of the WebAwards over the past decade, is having a real impact on the Web Development industry. Internet professional are learning that when they enter the WebAwards, they get a tremendous marketing opportunity for themselves and their Web sites, but they also get valuable feedback that is shared with no one but themselves.

We would like to thank our long term sponsor PRWeb for agreeing to provide a free press release distribution to all Best of Industry winners in the 2007 WebAwards. The Web Marketing Association has used PRWeb to distribute our press releases with great success for several years and highly recommend it for anyone who wants to raise their visibility of their Internet marketing efforts.

Another new feature this year is the addition of “one click entering” for past participants. This new feature allows sites entered into the 2006 WebAwards to be entered into the 2007 award program with a single click. The entry can then be edited as necessary. It makes entering the WebAwards even easier than before!

If you want to learn more about entering the 2007 WebAwards, visit our WebAward Website

Call for WebAward Judges

Each year, we look to add experienced Internet professionals to the ranks of our WebAward Judging Panel. We select new judges based on the number of returning judges, the number of entries and the number of qualified applicants. Being a WebAward judge is a valuable experience that helps the individual better understand overall Web development and of course looks impressive on a resume or corporate bio.

If you or someone some one in your organization would make a good judge, they can learn more and enter their name for consideration on the Judges Nomination Form at http://www.webaward.org/judges.asp.

We need your help

The Web Marketing Association is a volunteer organization that each year produces the WebAward program. We need your help in spreading the news about our call for entry to other Internet Professionals. Our greatest marketing asset is you our newsletter readers.

You can help by:

Emailing other professionals or site owners and ask them to participate in the WebAwards

Blog about the WebAwards. Either on your blog or industry blogs, write about our call for entry or your experiences with the WebAwards. The trackback link to our call for entry blog posting is http://www.webmarketingassociation.org/mt/mt-tb.cgi/124

Tell others within your organization. It is difficult to maintain contact with past participants via email. People change responsibilities, email addresses change and companies get merged. Make sure the correct people within your organization, including offices in other cities know about the WebAwards. The more awards your organization wins, the more recognition you will receive.

Stuff given out by the WMA

We would like to congratulate the following people for receiving free stuff from the Web Marketing Association:

Stephen Kennedy of RiverRadio.net received a full conference pass to ad:tech SF for completing our survey from the last issue of Interactive Briefing.

Tisha Rogers of Worldwide Brands, Inc received a $100 AMEX Gift Card for stopping by our booth at eComXpo.

Jim Stone , Director, Marketing at Seenon received a video iPod for stopping by our booth at the Hollywood OMMA conference.

Stop by our booth at SES NY, ad:tech or Internet World UK for a chance to receive a 30gb Video iPod.

Without the proper recognition, even the most amazing Web sites remain invisible. Enter the 2007 WebAwards and receive the recognition you deserve.
Bill Rice
President
Web Marketing Association
wrice@webaward.org

p.s. Did you know that 47 of the top 50 interactive agencies regularly participate in the WebAwards program? Just for fun, we’ve created an online crossword puzzle with most of these agencies. See how many you can name or just check out some cool software. http://www.webaward.org/crossword_agency.asp


 

WebAward Competition – The 2007 WebAward Call for Entries is now underway. The deadline for entry is May 31st. Any entries received after that date are subject to a late fee, so don’t wait – enter today.

Interactive Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards – The 2007 IAC Awards winners are now posted on the competition Website. Congratulations to all of our winners.

 

Here’s how you can stay in touch with the Web Marketing Association:

White list our email address: news@webmarketingassociation.org
Subscribe to our blog at http://blog.webaward.org .
Subscribe to our RSS feed at http://webmarketingassociation.simplefeed.net/subscription

 


Young Drivers Wanted – VW Belgium wanted the reach news drivers and the award-winning VW EscapeTV created to reach that goal.

 


Conferences and tradeshows are a great way to network with other industry professionals and keep up-to-date with the Internet.  Here is additional information on the conferences you will find the Web Marketing Association supporting this Spring.

Search Engine Strategies New York
April 10-13
Hilton New York, NYC

http://www.searchenginestrategies.com/sew/ny07/

Search Engine Strategies New York is a 4 day, multi-track conference that specifically addresses search engine advertising (SEM/SEO).  This event features presentations and panel discussions from industry experts including representatives from the search engines themselves; interactive and in-depth sessions & workshops; and an exclusive look at the latest search trends & developments.  This is our 8th annual conference and remains the only event dedicated to search and its place within the corporate marketing mix. 

Conference discount: Save an extra 10% off when you use priority code 10WMA. 

 

Net.Finance 2007
April 16th-19th
Camelback Inn, Scottsdale, AZ

http://www.wbresearch.com/netfinanceusa/index.asp?cm_mmc=Affiliate-_-Banner-_-10547.001-_-WMA  

Optimize Your Online Channels To Develop And Drive Customer-Centric Marketing Strategies:

  • Align Your Marketing Strategies To Provide Products & Services Your Customers Truly Need And Want
  • Improve the Customer Experience To Boost Customer Acquisition, Satisfaction, And Loyalty
  • Address The Challenges of Multi-Channel Integration To Achieve Channel Consistency And Interoperability
  • Secure Your Online Channels Through Authentication And Effective Risk Management

All Web Marketing Association members are entitled to a 15% discount with code WMA, just call 1.888.482.6012 or visit the Net.Finance website.

 

Ad:tech San Francisco
April 25&26
Moscone Center, San Francisco
http://www.ad-tech.com/sf/

ad:tech is an interactive advertising and technology conference dedicated to connecting all sides of today’s brand marketing landscape. Worldwide shows blend keynote speakers, topic driven panels and interactive workshops to provide attendees with the tools and techniques they need to compete in a changing world. We’re committed to bringing you the now and the next of modern marketing.

 

Internet World London
May 1-3
Earls Court, London
www.internetworld.co.uk

Internet World is the leading event for decision makers responsible for their organisation's digital marketing and Internet presence. It is the UK's largest B2B Internet event. Hear Keynotes from Proctor & Gamble, Channel 4, British Gas, MTV, Porsche, Yahoo! Search Marketing, J Sainsbury’s, Cheapflights, John Lewis, 02, i-level, Asda, BEBO amongst many others. Also learn about the latest trends and developments and meet over 250 companies who can help you implement these into your online strategy.

  

Internet Retailer 2007 Conference & Exhibition
June 4-7
San Jose Convention Center, San Jose CA
http://www.internetretailer.com/ir2007 

the Internet Retailer 2007 Conference & Exhibition, America’s largest e-retailing conference. The IRCE 2007 Show, which will be held at the San Jose Convention Center June 4-7, is the premier event in e-retailing, which this year features 103 expert speakers representing all types and sizes of merchants (store chains, catalogers, web-only retailers and branded manufacturers) and addressing all vital issues affecting online retailers today.

Enter the Discount Code: AC7123 to receive $100 off off the lowest current conference registration fee.

 

Search Engine Strategies Toronto
June 12&13
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Totonto, Canada
http://www.searchenginestrategies.com/sew/toronto07/index.html

Organized by world-renowned search authority Chris Sherman, SES Toronto delivers real-time actionable information you need to grow your business through search engine marketing; Search Engine Strategies Conference & Expo Toronto 2007 features presentations and panel discussions that cover all aspects of search engine-related promotion.

 

P.S. Help us to get the word out.  Please forward this newsletter to other Internet professionals you feel could benefit from its information.