The London-based Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF) has opened nominations for its annual awards, adding three new categories for the 2008 ceremony, which takes place in Cannes on May 8.
Now in their fifth year, the awards — known as the Meffys — honor success and innovation in mobile entertainment. The ceremony and dinner will be held at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes alongside MEF’s Mobile Entertainment Market, which happens on May 8 and 9.
Categories in the Meffys include the music service award and artist campaign award. The three new awards are for quality of consumer experience, innovation for emerging markets and off deck service recognizing the most effective direct to consumer service.
“The Meffys have developed into a truly international showcase for the industry’s best mobile entertainment offerings,” says Rimma Perelmuter, MEF executive director, in a statement. “The new categories highlight the importance of putting the consumer first and will shine the spotlight on innovation in emerging markets.”
The board of the mobile entertainment trade body will also present the outstanding contribution award to someone whose work has had a major impact on the industry. Vesa-Matti Paananen won the inaugural prize in 2004 for his work commercializing the ringtone.
Guidelines for companies who want to enter are available at www.m-e-f.org. Entry costs £100 ($200) for MEF members and £250 ($500) for non-members. The deadline for applications is March 17.
