1. Canadian Marketing Association Awards
The association gave Subaru Canada the top prize in 2009 for its work on the launch of the Subaru Forester. The awards, which recognize results-based marketing in 10 categories, attracted more than 600 entries last year. The 2010 gala is scheduled for November 26.
2. Bessie Awards
Presented by the Television Bureau of Canada and the Broadcast Executives Society, the Bessies have recognized the best in Canadian TV commercials since 1963. DDB Canada’s “Must Drink More Milk” campaign took home Best of Show during a presentation at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in May 2009. This year’s award ceremony is scheduled for June 3 at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
3. Marketing Awards Gala
Marketing magazine presents this annual event, which recognizes achievement in television, radio, and print advertising. In 2009, the jury examined 1,725 entries in 33 categories. Best of Show went to Leo Burnett of Arc Worldwide for the “Share Our Billboard Campaign.” The gala takes place June 9 at the Varsity Cinemas.
4. Canadian Public Relations Society Ace Awards
Cohn & Wolfe and Toronto Hydro-Electric System Ltd. were the big winners at the 60th anniversary awards last year. The 2010 event is set for April 28 at the Berkeley Church.
5. National Advertising Benevolent Society Gala
A fund-raiser for marketing and media professionals suffering from illness, injury, or financial difficulty, the NABS gala marked its 25th anniversary in May 2009. The 2010 gala is scheduled to return to the Kool Haus on May 11.
6. The Cassie Awards
Presented by the Institute of Communication Agencies and held on January 28 to coincide with Advertising Week, these awards recognize the most business-effective advertising campaigns in Canada. This year, organizers honoured SunChips with the Grand Prix at a gala held at Arcadian Court.
7. Strategy Agency of the Year Awards
In 2009, DDB Canada took home the top honours at this Strategy magazine-hosted award show, produced by Brunico Communications Ltd. Details for the 2010 event had not been finalized at press time.
8. Marketing Hall of Legends Gala
Chip Wilson, founder of Lululemon Athletica, and Home Depot president Annette Verschuren were among those honoured at the January 25 ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. This year marked the sixth anniversary of the event, presented by the Marketing Hall of Legends.
9. R.M.B. Crystal Awards
Vancouver-based agency Rethink took home the $10,000 Best in Show prize in 2009 for its work on a Mr. Lube radio advertising campaign. This year, the Radio Marketing Bureau award ceremony returned to the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on March 11, during Canadian Music Week.
10. Canadian Media Directors’ Council Annual Conference
Looking ahead to the next decade was the focus of this conference for media and advertising professionals in 2009. The 2010 conference, scheduled for April 8 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, is titled “Channel Changers: Culture, Content & Congestion,” and will focus on breaking through in a cluttered media marketplace.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the fact that the Marketing Hall of Legends presents the Marketing Hall of Legends Gala.
