How-Do is pleased to announce it is to be the regional media partner of the Big Chip Awards 2008 – the tenth anniversary year of the UK’s largest regionally-based digital awards initiative and the 60th anniversary of the world’s first computer, designed and built in Manchester.
Wilson at this year's awards
Earlier this year over 500 guests celebrated the winning achievements of 20 North West companies at the 2007 awards dinner hosted by Anthony Wilson. There were a record number of entries this year - over 200 submissions from over 100 companies.
Organised by Manchester Digital, the sponsors of the 2007 awards included Microsoft, Yahoo, the NWDA, the Manchester Digital Development Agency (MDDA), ICT Merseyside, ICDC, Cultural Industries Development Service (CIDS), Orchard Suits, Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT), Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, Mediaburst, MIDAS, North West Vision and InfoLab21.
The awards ceremony was simultaneously broadcast live in the online virtual world Second Life.
Together with How-Do’s enthusiastic support, the organisers, Manchester Digital, are hoping that 2008 will see another record-breaking year. The 2008 Awards will be held on Thursday 22 May at the New Century Hall in Manchester.
The Big Chip awards are open to any organisation based in the North West. Projects, products or services entered for an award should have originated in the North West or most of the relevant work should have been carried out in the North West. Entries should be submitted by Monday 3 March 2008.
Some new awards have been created for 2008, reflecting the changing digital landscape. These include a ‘green’ award for technology designed to help protect the environment and the ‘best application of technology’ award which aims to highlight the North West’s consistent lead in the innovative application of computer technology. The new award will offer a chance for companies with particular strengths in digital technology to win a Big Chip.
As with previous years, there will also be sub-regional categories for Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cheshire & Warrington.
Entries are submitted online at www.bigchipawards.com . The first two entries are free. Subsequent entries cost £75. The winners will be announced at the dinner on Thursday 22 May 2008.
To order tickets for the awards dinner please contact Dara O’Hanlon at Out There Events on 0161 244 5825or email dara@outthereevents.com
Michael Nutley, editor of the UK’s leading trade title for the digital industries, New Media Age, will chair the panel of judges.
The Neighbourhood
Winners this year included Pavilion Communications, Stardotstar, IT247, designer fashion boutique Gorgeous Couture and animation specialists The Neighbourhood which won three awards including the headline Grand Prix award.
The chairman of Manchester Digital, Shaun Fensom, said: “Over the past 10 years the progress of the digital industry in the North West has been incredible and the Big Chip Awards has grown alongside it. Like any other growing sector, there have been pitfalls as well success but no one can deny the impact that IT has on society. Especially the power of the Internet, which has crept into the lives of millions of people across the region over the past 10 years.
Fensom
“This is a landmark year for the digital industry, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the world’s first computer in Manchester. This year’s Big Chip categories reflect how far the digital industry has come and the wealth of expertise that we have in the region. The introduction of a special Green Chip award for those whose applications or projects have helped the environment in some way, also points to the future, where digital technology is increasingly playing a part in helping to reduce our impact on the environment.”
The Award categories are:
* Best Best E-Business Project * Best Public Sector Project * Best Not for Profit Project * Best Digital Marketing and Brand Development * Best E-Learning Project * Best Use of Visual Design * Best Application of Technology * Best Use of Animation * Best Use of Search * Big Green Chip Award * Best Freelancer/Micro Enterprise * Big Chip New Media Agency Award (selected from shortlists for other awards) * Grand Prix (the best overall entry)
Sub Regional Categories
* Best from Cumbria * Best from Greater Manchester * Best from Merseyside * Best from Lancashire * Best from Cheshire & Warrington
In addition there will be several new categories of distinction – further details to be announced shortly.
How-Do will be running a series of features leading up to and after the awards ceremony and profiling the winning entries in more detail.
All entries are to be submitted online by 3 March 2008.
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