London International Awards adds new ‘Regional of the Year’ awards to highlight best performers

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LIA Logo.jpgThe London International Awards (LIA) has announced that in addition to its global ‘Of the Year’ awards, it will be introducing ‘Regional of the Year’ awards.  These winners will receive a LIA Statue. 

Like the global ‘Of the Year’ awards, this is based on a point system and will be awarded to companies that score high enough. The regions recognised will be: Asia, Oceana (Australia and New Zealand), Europe, Middle East/Africa, North America and South America.

Barbara Levy, president of LIA, said over the past few years, they have had many requests to add regional award competitions.

“After much discussion, we decided it would not be prudent to add new competitions that compete with already established local and regional shows. Hence we have decided to break out our global winners and honor them by region. In speaking with industry professionals around the world, it was determined that winning a ‘Regional of the Year’ award from a global festival would be a higher honor than winning a local/regional show,” said Levy.

Says Icaro Doria, CCO of DDB New York: “This is an amazing initiative from LIA to truly honor talent. No company should be punished for not being global and LIA found a very fair way to put a spotlight on the ones that are doing the best work in the industry.”

Says Guido Heffels from Heimat Berlin: “When I first heard about the announcement of regional LIA accolades, I immediately thought of this famous and immortal tagline for Fox Sports Regional and dared to revise it: ‘An award for the only region you care about. Yours.’ Let’s face it. It’s so damn true, especially when you are an independent regional agency that has better things to do than to compete against global networks. In a globalized world of too many award shows, this newly introduced regional award puts the spotlight on the right agencies and people. Those of the upcoming future.”

Says Barbara Levy, president, LIA: “Companies enter awards to promote themselves to brands, the more awards you win, the more clients you attract. Winning a coveted “Of the Year” winged statue in your own region will give you the recognition you deserve in the eyes of not just your peers, but also current and potential clients.”

The following is feedback LIA has received from some of the most respected and awarded people in the industry:

Matt-Eastwood.jpgMatt Eastwood (left), J. Walter Thompson:

Providing an opportunity for regional agencies and production companies to be recognized for their creative excellence is a wonderful addition to the already prestigious LIA Awards. It allows the best of local to sit side by side with the best of global. Bravo.

Gerry Human, Ogilvy & Mather, London:

It’s hugely valuable to understand where the best work is coming from, especially if it’s happening on your doorstep. LIA doesn’t only recognize agencies, but all the people behind the work too. Inspiration, plus a brilliant way of tapping-in to the region’s finest talent. Big thumbs up.

John Mescall, McCann Worldwide:

This is a great initiative from LIA. So much culturally unique work is created every year around the world, and it’s really pleasing that different regions will be now recognized by the show. Can’t wait to see who ends up on top.

Robert Galluzzo.jpgRobert Galluzzo (right), Finch, Sydney:

Winning LIA Regional Production Company of the Year will instantly put a company on the world map.

The regional awards will mirror the same company types as our global awards.  LIA will potentially award statues for the following ‘Regional of the Year’ Awards inclusive of but not limited to: Network of the Year, Agency, Production Company, Post-Production Company, Design Company, Independent Agency, Radio & Audio and Health Company of the Year.   

The Entry System is open for entries. The initial entry deadline is the 12th June.

For more information on submissions and eligibility, please visit the LIA website at www.liaawards.com or email christina@liaawards.com.