The Bookmarks Awards judging panel has been revealed, giving local celebrities the opportunity to select outstanding digital publications for awards.
An initiative of the Digital Media and Marketing Association (DMMA) in South Africa, the Bookmarks Awards aims to give recognition to “the next big thing” in digital publication.
HumanIPO reported last month on the opening of entries for the Bookmarks Awards.
Gareth Cliff, DJ at 5fm and an MNet Idols judge, will be the MC for the event, taking place on November 14 at the Artscape theatre in Cape Town.
“Never one to shy away from a microphone, Gareth’s signature irreverent sense of humour and ballsy, entertaining opinions make him an ideal host for an evening that pays tribute to equally ballsy, innovative and creative digital players,” Bookmarks said in a statement.
John Dixon, chief executive officer at Draftfcb South Africa since 2008, will step into the role of jury president for the event.
Dixon has also served on the Finweek AdReview and Financial Mail Adfocus panels and is a board member of the Association of Communication Agencies (ACA).
Other international judges include Laura Jordan Bambach as international agency judge and Sophia Stuart as international publisher judge.
In transition between the positions of vice president and president of the D&AD, award-winning Bambach is viewed as an expert in altering customer behaviour when it comes to the experimental and innovative use of technological advances and digital media.
Bambach has experience in building digital products for global publishing markets as a writer, photographer and creative director, also crowned with several awards.
Nikki Cockcroft, chair of the Bookmarks, said: “What distinguishes us from all other South African industry awards is the focus on ‘measurable performance’, in addition to creativity and execution.
“Who better to judge whether brilliant work not only meets high creative standards, but also adds value, than these two phenomenal women who have been doing just that throughout their impressive careers?”
Taking place for the sixth time this year, the event aims to reward and recognise deserving individuals and projects for ground-breaking digital creativity.
