International Awards Group Launches Hive Awards and Announces Call for Entries

NEW YORK, NY, Nov 12 (MARKET WIRE) --
International Awards Group announced the Call for Entries for its new
competition, the Hive Awards, on Thursday, November 12th. The recently
launched Hive Awards, honoring the unsung heroes of the internet, was
created by noted blogger and digital strategist Alan Wolk to reward the
coders, programmers, content developers, strategists and planners for
their innovation and creativity within their industry. As Executive
Director of the newly unveiled competition, Wolk is the driving force
behind this premier award show.

The competition categories for the Hive Awards encompass everything from
Job Functions such as User Experience, Information Architecture, Content
Strategy, Design, Programming/Coding/Scripting and Data Strategy, to
Web/Application Site Types, and Application Types. Other categories
include Application Functions, such as Front End Code, APIs/Kits, Back End
Code, Cloud Apps and System Apps, along with Special Categories such as
Blogs and Podcasts.

"What makes the Hive Awards unique is that we're finally giving all the
people who work behind the scenes the recognition they deserve. We're
getting input from people in all areas of the business. Not just CEOs.
CMOs and CTOs, but the people actually doing the work," said Hive Awards
Executive Director, Alan Wolk.

The extensive variety of industry categories allows each entry within a
specific industry to be judged separately, leveling the playing field and
offering everyone who has done something unique a chance to be recognized
for their work. "We've divided up different job functions by industry
category, because we realize that the content strategy for an
entertainment site is always going to be a whole lot sexier than the
content strategy for an insurance site," commented Wolk.

The Hive Awards name comes from the "hive mentality" inherent in building
a web site or application; the idea that there are many people with
different roles who must work together. The Hive Awards recognizes that
dynamic and seeks to reward each function within the hive.

Joshua Klein, Technology Information Specialist and Hive Awards Advisory
Board member, commented that the "New models of participation --
crowdsourcing, meritocracies, rapid iteration -- are all emerging as
powerful competitors to established business models. The Hive Awards is a
good first shot at bootstrapping the community recognition required to
drive these forward."

In December, The Hive Awards will also launch a special competition, The
Unsung Hero Award. This unique honor allows the internet community an
opportunity to nominate potential recipients. This user nominated award
helps the Hive Awards salute the people who put in the time and effort
without getting the praise and recognition they deserve.

"Why did I jump at the chance to be a part of the Hive Awards? Because the
effort is 100% focused on recognizing and honoring truly innovative people
who are helping to grow our industry and break new ground... but until
now, have not been recognized for their tireless efforts," said Christina
"CK" Kerley, Marketing Specialist at CK Epiphany and Hive Awards Advisory
Board member.

The Hive Awards Advisory Board is comprised of industry professionals
representing the most influential minds in the web community, and the
2009 Hive Awards Grand Jury(TM) will be selected by this board. 2009 Hive
Awards Advisory board Members are listed on the Hive Awards website at
http://www.hiveawards.com/content/advisory-board

All entries to the 2009 Hive Awards will be judged on line, ensuring that
each entry receives the proper amount of time and attention, in an
environment that is free from outside distractions and unsolicited
opinions. Entry fees for the first Hive Awards competition are $179, and a
10% discount is offered for more than five entries. Due to the personal
nature of blogs, most often written by individuals rather than companies,
the entry fee is only $29.

All winning entries of the 2009 Hive Awards will be featured in the
Showcase section of the website at www.hiveawards.com and will be promoted
by our network of representatives in 84 countries around the world.

All press inquiries are welcome and should be directed to Gayle Mandel:
gmandel@newyorkfestivals.com. Ph: 1 212 643 4800

International Awards Group organizes advertising and programming
competitions for the following brands: AME Awards for Advertising
Marketing Effectiveness; Hive Awards for the Unsung Heroes of the
Internet; Innovative Advertising Awards; Midas Awards for Financial
Services Communications; The Global Awards for Healthcare Communications;
New York Festivals International Advertising Awards; New York Festivals
Television & Film Awards; and New York Festivals Radio Programming &
Promotion Awards.

Founded in 1957, IAG and their brands now have representation in 84
countries. For more information, go to www.newyorkfestivals.com.

Contact:
Gayle Mandel
New York Festivals
260 West 39th Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10018
1 212 643-4800
gmandel@internationalawardsgroup.com

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