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2007 CNMA’s Were Amazing!!!
May 30th, 2007

Another year has passed and the 2 day experience of the 7th Annual Canadian New Media Awards were absolutely amazing. This event is unbelievable! If you are in the Canadian New Media industry you should DEFINITELY be part of it. You have no clue what you’re missing!

So anyways… On Sunday at 3pm my wife, 5 month old baby girl and I arrived in Toronto to check into our hotel that the CNMA had provided. Not just any hotel… we’re talking 4-star hotel accommodations at the Pantages Hotel and Spa. My jaw dropped when I saw our room. 15th floor, designer European kitchen, rainforest showerheads, 400-thread count Egyptian bedding, soaker tub, washer and dryer in the room and a walk in closet! The CNMA kicks it up with style.

Shortly after we checked in the festivities kicked off with an informal BBQ. Many of the finalist and key supporters got to mingle and learn about each other. People were scoping the competition and some started to get worried (Although ultimately went on to win… < cough>…. Joel). Typical easy to eat BBQ food. Burgers, Pizza, mmmmm…

The next afternoon, we had a somewhat more formal luncheon on the 40th floor of the RBC building. Once again, a time to meet some key supporters and industry leaders, eat good food, and have great conversations.

And then finally…

Later in the evening was the event everyone had been waiting for. The awards show! What an amazing venue. Great food, met some very interesting and wonderful people and got to schmooze with some of the industries finest. I also reconnected with those I had not seen in a while. The future continues to get brighter and brighter not only for myself, but the entire industry as well.

So Did I win?

Alas, I did not. Not in the traditional sense of the word. I didn’t get to go up on stage and accept the beautifully custom crafted 15 pound Glass Pixel award which was a little disappointing. BUT, all the finalists were treated like gold and the same opportunities existed for those who won and those who were following so closely behind. It’s not like the Olympics where only the winners get to be in the spotlight and get the endorsements. We all have a specific niche and add our own value to the industry. Some of us are video game developers, some are web designers and others are DVD authoring specialists. But in the end, we all have a common goal; to communicate using digital formats and methods whatever they may be.

So who won the “Programmer of the Year?”

Congratulation Ryan!

Ultimately, the award went to Ryan Andal who I met several years ago while attending a Sheridan College Multimedia Open House. As a fellow Sheridan College Alumni, his work clearly demonstrates the best in the industry. He has a great deal of passion for what he does and that’s the key!

In retrospect, I’ve now had the honour of being a 2003 “Graduate of the Year” Finalist and 2007 “Programmer of the Year” Finalist. I’ve been on the selection committee for the previous four years and will continue to do so to help support the industry and such an amazing event!

A special thanks to Adam, Tannis, Jackie and Fatima plus the countless others who work hard to put on this event. It’s truly an amazing time and sets Canada apart in its recognition for the New Media Industry!

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