CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 05/04/12 --

Editors Note: There is a photo and a video associated with this Press Release.

The Digital Alberta Awards, now in its second year, is a program designed to recognize leaders in innovation, creativity and the evolving digital sector in Alberta.

This year's categories include companies, individual entrepreneurs, student and education leaders, organizations in both the government and not for profit sector, and those whose industry sectors may not traditionally be considered in the realm of 'digital media', but are pioneering and raising the bar as they converge with technology.

The awards program is designed to recognize leaders in innovation, creativity and the evolving digital media sector in Alberta and includes 16 categories. As well two new awards have been added this week. They are:

Best Campaign by Media Outlet

This category recognizes excellence in an interactive, innovative website or online campaign by a traditional media outlet (Newspapers, Broadcast Television, Radio and/or Magazines) on digital platforms, including mobile. Eligible projects could include websites, social media tools and/or mobile applications associated with the media outlet. Entrants should demonstrate a successful overall campaign through convergence (with ROI), as well as increased connections between outlet and consumer. The content should be of a high standard, originality and innovation. The design and usability of the website or campaign needs to be of a high standard and examples of user feedback or results generated must be included in submission.

People's Choice Award - Most inspirational digital leader

Do you know an outstanding leader who's working tirelessly to benefit and shine a light on the diverse and amazing digital industry in Alberta?

Someone who's an advocate, a visionary, a creative, a teacher, a technologist, an entrepreneur... and whose efforts in Alberta's digital space deserve recognition? We, at Digital Alberta, believe (as we know you all do) that these digital community leaders deserve to be showcased. So this year we are excited to announce a new people's choice award for the Most Inspirational Digital Leader.

Here's the low-down for this award. It's an online award that will voted on by the people for the people in Alberta's digital world. Please submit the name of the person you want to recognize below (only one name per person) by the 24th of May. The winner will be announced live at the 2012 Digital Alberta Awards on June 4th.

Commenting on the awards, Digital Alberta President Michelle Sklar said, "Once again we have worked hard to expand our reach of categories allowing us to include companies that may not traditionally be considered in the realm of digital media, but have pioneered much advancement in the space both nationally and globally. As well we are excited about the two new categories we've announced this week. The board and judges look forward to showcasing another class of amazing companies and individuals living, working and playing in digital in Alberta."

To submit your work for a 2012 Digital Alberta Award or to purchase a ticket to attend the awards visit www.awards.digitalalberta.com.

About Digital Alberta:

Digital Alberta is an industry-led organization devoted to promoting and connecting the thriving digital media community across Alberta, Canada. Through professional development workshops, advocacy work, education, event, and business development activity, Digital Alberta is building the digital media industry provincially and promoting it abroad.

The digital media industry is defined as the creative convergence of digital arts, science, technology and business for human expression, communication, social interaction, and education. The industry spans several disciplines, including but not limited to: audio, video, game design, animation, modeling, simulation, and interactive design.

In Alberta, digital media is considered a key contributor to the provincial ICT industry which is made up of 6,300 companies, 57,000 employees, and generating over $450 million in annual revenues. Areas of key growth in Alberta's digital media industry include: Social media content and applications, Interactive entertainment, Content and applications for mobile devices, E-Learning and games for training and education, Interactive marketing, and finally Standards-based web design and development.

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