The awards announced DStv Media Sales as its naming rights partner.

According to the duo, DStv has long been an advocate for digital media and this partnership signals the platform's excitement and drives towards digital.

"As more of the Multichoice Group content is available online, it is imperative for us to continue to offer advertisers solutions wherever this content is available," says Fahmeeda Cassim-Surtee, CEO of DStv media sales.

"We are proud sponsors of The Bookmarks and support its role in recognising excellence in digital media — something we are passionate about," adds Cassim-Surtee.

"Digital has become even more important in a post-pandemic world and The Bookmarks aim to go beyond merely awarding excellence in digital media and marketing," says Razia Pillay, the newly appointed chief executive of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa, which manages The Bookmark Awards.

Pillay adds, "In 2022, the awards will become even more relevant in benchmarking excellence within the industry by assuming key priorities enshrined within the mandate of the IAB. This is including educating and inspiring businesses in the sector."

The priorities of the IAB mandate include:
  • placing users first
  • creating and maintaining a consistent approach to measurement
  • transforming the industry from within, and
  • providing trustworthy digital supply chains.
Old traditions, new blood
 
The awards have welcomed Khensani Nobanda as the new Bookmarks jury president.

Nobanda is the group executive for marketing and corporate affairs at Nedbank Group and is a member of the Nedbank Group executive leadership.

Nobanda says that she is passionate about brands and the potential they have to deliver tangible value to consumers through purpose-led, value-driven initiatives.

Backed by a career spanning more than 20 years on two continents, Nobanda's background in marketing, brand communications and strategic partnerships will prove invaluable as The Bookmarks enter a new era, says the awards.

She also holds a BCom from the University of the Witwatersrand with an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science. 

"The IAB Bookmarks Awards continue to play a critical role in encouraging and celebrating innovation excellence, catapulting the industry into thinking about the next best way to execute and deliver for maximum impact," says Nobanda.

"This year, I'd like to see hybrid capabilities across the marketing value chain, especially the connection between offline and online marketing," Nobanda adds. "I also hope to see entries where more whole-brain thinking is unleashed to showcase the true power of how data and creativity can work together in the digital space."
  
Jury nominations are open 

The Bookmarks' jury nominations are open and individuals who work in the industry are encouraged to nominate experts in the following eight panels:
  • marketing
  • youth action
  • publishing
  • performance marketing
  • social, community and influencer marketing
  • builders
  • innovative engineers, and
  • special honours. 
Jury nominations close on Friday, 11 March at 16:00.

Individuals are encouraged to nominate candidates for jury chair and panels here. 

The following are important dates for the 2022 Bookmarks season:
  • Tuesday, 8 March: award entries open 
  • Friday, 11 March: jury chairs and panel nominations close
  • Thursday, 17 March:  jury chairs announced
  • Wednesday, 30 March: jury panels announced
  • Thursday, 31 March: early bird entries close
  • Saturday, 30 April: entries close
  • Monday, 9 May: late entries and payment deadline
  • Friday, 17 June: finalists announced, and
  • Thursday, 28 July: 2022 Bookmarks Awards event
For more information, visit www.thebookmarks.co.za. You can also follow The Bookmarks Awards on Facebook or on Twitter.