MEDIA INNOVATION NETWORK LAUNCHED

A new online resource is now available to creative and innovative businesses in Devon. www.mediainnovationnetwork.com is for companies and individuals working in digital media and the creative industries looking to share knowledge and collaborate, access market intelligence and sector information, and develop skills by connecting with research centres and knowledge hubs.

www.mediainnovationnetwork.com offers the following services:

• Information on the latest news, trends, audience data, and technology
• Opportunities to network online and learn from experts and industry leaders, as well as other companies and individuals working in digital media
• A programme of fascinating, inspirational and catalytic events
• Access to CPD/Training opportunities
• Regular newsletters and e-bulletins highlighting opportunities and signposting the most interesting international, national and local events

Individuals and businesses will be able to choose free registration or opt to become a Premium User which gives access to some amazing discounts and very special services including:

• 50% discount on each Media Innovation Award entry fee (making the cost of entry an amazing £20)
• Access to market intelligence including information about tenders and other opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on Media Innovation Network event registration fees
• Information about the latest research and development
• Dedicated legal advice hotline run by a specialist team at Foot Anstey
• Dedicated financial advice hotline run by digital media experts at Bishop Fleming
• Access to accredited preferred suppliers offering discounted products and services to creative companies
• Profile raising opportunities for the hottest and most innovative companies

Innovative companies in Devon are also being invited to enter the 2012 Media Innovation Awards which is the South West’s most prestigious awards event for people working in the creative industries.

The Media Innovation Awards celebrate and honour the very best creative and innovative work produced by media, design and music companies during 2011 and the glitzy gala dinner will take place in Bristol during the Autumn. 

The competition is open to all members of creative networks and clusters in the South West as well as their clients. If you run a business that has recently published a new website, run a marketing campaign or launched a new brand and you’ve commissioned the work from a company based in the South West then you’re urged to enter the competition by the deadline of 28^th February. You can enter online or download an entry pack from www.mediainnovationawards.com. Companies and individuals can enter up to five categories and the search is on for the most innovative New Talent and the company or person worthy of the Most Outstanding Contribution to Innovation award.  

Slingshot, a company based in Bristol, won the Mobile Communications award in 2011 for their project “The Tweeture” which was commissioned by Arts Council England and iShed. Simon Evans from Slingshot said “It was a pleasure to win a Media Innovation Award. As a business looking to develop and exploit innovative technologies such endorsement is essential to convincing clients of our credibility and establishing our place in the market”.

The 16 categories in the 2012 awards will be judged by a panel of highly respected industry leaders to be announced later this month. The categories are:

Karen Stockdale from the Media Innovation Awards said: “This is an important opportunity to celebrate innovation and talent within the sector in the South West and the event enables us to put the spotlight on the world-class creative companies based in the region. We’re delighted that this year we’ve introduced 3 new categories for Animation, Marketing & Advertising B2B and Marketing & Advertising B2C”.

For more information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please visit the website at: www.mediainnovationawards.com, call Karen Stockdale on 01752 346530 or email on info@mediainnovationnetwork.com