Canmol: The Wales Marketing Awards 2012

More than 200 marketing professionals from across Wales attended the Canmol Awards Presentation Dinner at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on 5 October 2012. Congratulations to the winners and commiserations to the shortlisted entrants who didn't quite make it through.

We have lived through interesting times since 2008, when the Wales Marketing Awards were created by The Chartered Institute of Marketing in Wales. The overall quality of entries has been impressive since day one, but what is more impressive is the way that Wales is continually adopting and adapting to technological change and new opportunities. Canmol demonstrates that not only are Welsh organisations keeping up to speed, they are also adding value through exceptional innovation and creativity. To reach the shortlist of these prestigious Awards is an achievement in itself and many worthy submissions fail by the slimmest of margins - the task of the judging panel gets harder every year.

And the headline winners are ....

In alphabetical order:

AutosOnShow
An excellent example of the adage "marketing is a process, not an event". Creators of an innovative system for self-produced video ads, the company has continued to refine its product and marketing through research, customer feedback and the credibility and PR gained from Canmol 2011 and automotive industry awards.

Celtic Quest Coasteering
This owner-managed activity provider demonstrates that enthusiasm, curiosity, application and motivation can drive even the smallest business to success. Largely self-taught, Celtic Quest uses dynamic photography, video and copy as part of an integrated Internet and PR strategy that includes excellent use of social media. At the beginning of this year Visit Wales:Share Wales recorded an interview with owner Cleo Browne. To view, go here.

Confused.com
The "Don't drive in high heels" information campaign rings the bells on corporate responsibility and highlights the point that in the modern digital marketing environment useful information is often more effective than the hard sell.

Earthfall (Lewis Gwyther)
The dance and physical theatre company's "At Swim Two Boys" campaign demonstrates sophisticated planning for a wide range of media and mechanisms intended to extend touring reach, increase ticket sales and build profile amongst peers and audiences. All targets were exceeded by several factors and the judges were particularly impressed by the stunning still and video imagery.

Limegreentangerine
Richard Parks 737 Challenge for Marie Curie Cancer Care. In 2011 the former Welsh International made history by completing ascents of the highest peaks on each of the world's continents and standing on both North and South Poles - all in seven months. Limegreentangerine worked on this multi-media campaign for two years, engaging sponsors, film makers and the giving public, for total expenditure of under £6,000.

For more information on Canmol, click here.