Do you want to steer the BIMA Awards 2008?

So, time to start work on the BIMA’s 2008. I’ve just sent out an email to the Executive to ask who wanted to reside on the Awards Committee. It’s a very important role to play. For the first time ever, we’re opening up two seats on the Committee to BIMA members.

If you’re a BIMA Member and would like to sit on the Awards Committee, please get in touch and tell us why you would like to get involved and what you can bring to the committee. Closing date to register your interest is 15th February and I’ll announce the names sometime before the 22nd February.

About the Awards

The BIMAs™ now rightly take their place on the top shelf of prestigious Awards, alongside the BAFTAs, the Brits and the Oscars.

To win a BIMA, therefore, is truly the highest accolade in a very competitive world. Check out the video of last years Awards Gala.

What is being part of the Awards team about?

Continuing a 23 year tradition of acknowledging excellence in interactive design. The team’s objectives include steering what is important as judging criteria, making the process happen, ensuring that there is appropriate awareness, driving submissions, seat sales and success on the night.

What is the single most important thing about the Awards team?
You need to have time.

What is the benefit of being on the Committee?
You get to raise your profile and contribute to the Industry’s most prestigious awards dedicated to creative excellence.

What is the time for?
February

1. Establishing a relationship with Digital Arts (our Awards Partner) that is professional and mutually beneficial.
2. Editing the award categories – do we have the right number and type and how well are they performing year on year? A discussion and then editing. For example, we should discuss the mobile related categories with a media partner such as Mobile Monday London
3. What we will be awarding this year – either overall vision or by category? This tends to be a discussion and then iteration of categories
4. Chair of the Judging Panel – should we have one and if so, how do we involve them? Discussion and then personal approaches. The Chair of the Judging panel must be there on the judging day
5. Sponsorship packages. Discussion and agreement on pricing and levels
6. Identity of the awards – DA did this last year and would do it again if we don’t want to. Nevertheless it needs to be supported

7 hours a month

March – May

1. Agree with media partners for specific categories, the relationship and process. For example, Mobile Monday London is interested in discussing this further for the mobile related categories.
2. The awards judging panel selection – review and discussion – several hours.
   Blogging – weekly. This should be done by the Awards Chair. I’m happy to help. I’m happy to do the actual blogging if I’m given the material.
3. The ‘how to win awards’ night was quite good last year. This could be repeated
4. PR activity

14 hours a month

May – Sept

1. Judging. OK this is where it all gets heavy. The system for doing this needs to be reviewed. Nevertheless it is fair to say it works. However there is a lot of work involved and the final shortlisted work is all judged on one day. The first batch of entries must be filtered so we don’t give the entire list to judges to review on one day. This day needs to be well organised and well managed. It takes about a day beforehand, a day to do and a day or two after to collect in all the feedback – a part of the process we should optimise. I think the Committee should be responsible for filtering all entries so that the judging day is spent reviewing the best of breed. Perhaps we could ask a few judges if they want to get involved at this stage also.
2. Marketing of the event begins

7 hours a month apart from the judging week (2 days)

Oct - Nov

1. Prep meetings for the final event – running orders
2. Compilation of content for Book of the Night and ‘show’
3. Involvement of the Chair of the judges
4. Speakers briefing

14 hours a month

The night
Forget it. Its the whole day and take the day after off too!

Register your interest now if you want to be considered for a place on the Awards Committee. Email janice.cable@bima.co.uk

If you have any comments or questions please leave a comment here. Janice is not likely to have time to go through them by email and you might not be answered in time for you to submit your entry.