Entries to the Bookmarks have officially closed, setting a record of 609 submissions – the highest ever. So with that out of the way you can all sit back, relax, and let your work speak for itself in the judging room.
But aren’t you perhaps just a little curious as to who this year’s judges are?
Agency Panel – Marketers:
International Judge: Laura Jordan Bambach (D&AD)
Jury Chair: Dawn Rowlands (Aegis Media)
Adrian Hewlett (Habari)
Andre van Niekerk (Renault)
Andy Gilder (Machine)
Ariel Sumeruk (Conversion Science)
Conn Bertish (Quirk)
Graham Lang (Y&R)
Jason Xenopolous (Native)
John Beale (Cerebra)
Julie Webb (Fogg)
Kabelo Moshapalo (Tequila)
Kerry Friend (Hellocomputer)
Melissa Attree (Cerebra)
Mike Perk (World Wide Creative)
Mike Sharman (Retroviral)
Richard Lord (Media Shop)
Ryan Sauer (Search Online Consulting)
Saul Kropman (Independent)
Sean Bonthuhys (M&C Saatchi Abel)
Simon Spreckley (Hello Computer)
Stephan Zimelka (Gloo)
Theo Erasmus (Gloo)
Theo Ferreira (Aqua Online)
Warren Moss (Demographica)
Xolisa Dyeshana (Joe Public)
Zibusiso Mhkwanazi (Avatar)
Agency Panel – Builders:
International Judge: Laura Jordan Bambach (D&AD)
Jury Chair: Arthur Goldstuck (Worldwideworx)
Anton Moulder (Urbian)
Alexis Beckett (140BBDO)
Barbara Mallinson (Obami)
Craig Raw (Quirk)
Dani Loureiro (Machine)
Jacky Sargeant (M&C Saatchi Abel)
Jacqui Maroun (NATIVE)
John Davenport (Ireland Davenport)
Matt Ross (King James)
Nadya Manzo (Aqua Online)
Prakash Patel (Prezence)
Prevanya Moodley (Metropolitan Republic)
Samuel Goldenbaum (Hello Computer)
Simon Lloyd (Quirk)
Sipho Hlongwana (Daily Maverick)
Suhana Gordan (NATIVE)
Vumile Mavumengwana (M&C Saatchi Abel)
Wesley Lynch (Realm Digital)
Publisher Panel:
International Judge: Sophia Stuart
Jury Chair: Alistair Fairweather (Mail & Guardian)
Anelde Greeff (New Media Publishing)
Annel Malan (ETV/ENCA)
Chris Naidoo (IOL)
Jannie Momberg (24.com)
John Gardner (John Brown Media)
John Kotsaftis (DStv)
Marcus Stephens (Kagiso)
Matt Buckland (Memeburn)
Nevo Hadas
Sam Wilson (Woolworths)
Styli Charalambous (Daily Maverick)
Wendy Lucas (Ramsay Media)
Of the increase in submissions, Nikki Cockcroft – Chair of the Bookmarks – says, “Not only are we thrilled by the number of entries this year, but also with the standard of work we have seen. These are both good indicators that the local industry is flourishing. The majority of entries fell under the Core awards categories (427), followed by Individual & Team (74), Craft (93) and Special Honours (15).”
“It was especially encouraging to note the increase in the Individual & Team entries, the only category where nominations are free. Our local industry is obviously as excited as we are to celebrate those who are raising the benchmark in terms of digital excellence.”