"While all systems are on track for the 2020 award announcements for Thursday, 19 March, we are taking a cautious approach, based on the industry's response to COVID-19," says IAB SA CEO Paula Hulley,

"In conversations regarding company mandate to minimise risk to assure health and safety, we have decided to ask our attendees not to gather in the same venue at the event and, as such, we have cancelled the physical event planned for Thursday, 19 March at The Galleria," Hulley adds.

"We are grateful to our partners for their positive response in our plan to pivot to a new event format and keep the show on the road at this time of global crises," says 2020 Bookmarks jury president Andrea Quaye.

"We are transforming the 2020 event into a digital-first, free awards experience that will be accessible to all online through the IAB South Africa digital platforms and supporting local media," concludes Quaye.

For more information on how to attend the virtual event, individuals can review the event's Instagram account. 

Event tickets and refunds
  • For individuals who have already purchased 2020 Bookmarks tickets via the Howler platform, actioning for a refund has been made available by contacting [email protected].
  • If the payment was made via the IAB South Africa, it has been requested that the refund enquiry is sent to [email protected].
The Front Row Bookmarks winners will be announced on Monday, 16 March and will be part of the new awards format. IAB South Africa has indicated that it is still taking Front Row applicants for future events with a raised age of 28 years.

For more information, visit www.thebookmarks.co.za.