By Katherine Walls, Bell Awards Committee, bma-milwaukee.org
The Business Marketing Association – Milwaukee Chapter recognized the creative achievements of more than 70 business-to-business marketers on Thursday, April 14 at Potawatomi Bingo Casino. The Bell Awards, the Chapter’s annual awards show, showcased new elements this year including a larger emphasis on generating buzz online with a customized microsite and a digitally-decided People’s Choice Award.
Participants browsed entries, voted for their favorite, and shared information via Facebook. Bader Rutter & Associates, Inc. was selected as the People’s Choice winner for the agency’s Lakefront Festival of the Arts 2010 campaign.
The event’s theme was REAL*, signifying REAL* creative work, REAL* results and REAL* networking at the event. The Chapter integrated digital technology throughout the process and as a centerpiece throughout the awards ceremony. The entries were submitted online, enabling online judging by top talent from across the country and then displayed in a multi-media format at the event. The result? Increased online and in-person engagement and enhanced creative inspiration.
Other award highlights include Platypus Advertising + Design that took Best in Show for their Bradley Center Theater Box Promotion. Bader Rutter & Associates, Inc. was also recognized as runner up for the company’s Milk Quality Focus Public Relations Campaign for Pfizer Animal Health.
Event attendees had a new, fun way to interact with each other through BoothTag technology. A digital scavenger hunt placed QR codes throughout the awards venue that participants located through mobile phone technology. It created a simple and fun means of combining digital technology with REAL* personal engagement.
To view the complete list of winners and for additional information on the Business Marketing Association – Milwaukee Chapter, please visit bma-milwaukee.org.