The Global Mobile Awards has been in existence since 1996, it is the most highly sought after awards in the global communications industry. The Global Mobile awards ceremony recognizes distinction, originality and creativity in mobile communications; the Awards attract entries from all over the globe and are judged by a panel of independent, highly respected experts.

The host on the evening, Jonathan Ross, made a humorous yet excellent point: ‘this is the one and only awards ceremony where the guests are encouraged to leave their mobile phone switched on’.

The Global Mobile awards 2011 took place in a special ceremony during the Mobile Word Congress on the 15th February 2011; it was followed by the official Congress Party and Awards Celebration event which was held at the beautiful National Palace in Montjuic. Not only was the event a real breathtaking affair where guests were dazzled by an entertaining host, British TV and radio presenter Jonathan Ross; a Grammy and Brit award-winning singer/songwriter, Duffy; and internationally acclaimed indie rock band Metric; but the event was also a brilliant way for guests and prospective clients to get together to socialize and network in an informal setting. This event is composed of the mobile industry’s senior industry leaders, executives, media, analysts and influencers; its can be assumed that most guests relish in the fact that there are so many esteemed individuals to socialize with.

The Global Mobile Awards 2011 had more attendees, more outstanding exhibitors, more CEOs delivering keynotes, more CEOs in attendance, more conference attendees, and more app developer conferences than ever before (GSMA, 2011).

For all the winners – companies and high profile executives who are fortunate enough to receive an award at the 2011 event (along with all the other winners from previous years), there are many benefits which occur as a result of the award received (GSMA, 2011):

1) Competitive differentiation – an Award win helps to differentiate products and services in intensely competitive global and domestic markets.
2) Increased awareness amongst sales prospects – the Awards ceremonies are attended by dozens of C-suite executives from all the major mobile operators, vendors, app developers, content providers and executives from a host of converging industries
3) Global media coverage – winners are promoted by key on-line and print media partners around the world.
4) A unique promotional platform – The awards are promoted to thousands of media representatives both pre, during and post the Mobile World Congress
5) Global recognition for local projects – the Awards shine a spotlight on best practice in markets around the world, drawing attention to innovative applications and services
6) Recognition of excellence – for employees, investors, customers and partners. The awards provide unique recognition of leadership and recognition at the single most important event for the industry.

Companies are able to enter themselves into the competition; however there are certain categories such as ‘Global Mobile App Awards’, Best Mobile Handset/Device and the ‘Chairmans Award’ which are selected via a nomination process only.

The award categories at the event ceremony are as follows (GSMA, 2011):
Category 1 – Global Mobile App Awards
1a: Apps of the Year
1b: Best Mobile App
Category 2 – Mobile Advertising & Marketing
2a: Best Mobile Advertising & Marketing Campaign
Category 3 – Best Mobile Business & Enterprise
3a: Best Mobile Enterprise Product or Solution
3b: Best Mobile Money Product or Solution
Category 4 – Social & Economic Development
4a: Best use of Mobile for Social & Economic Development
4b: Best Mobile Money for the Unbanked Award
4c: Best Product, Initiative or Service for Underserved Segments
Category 5 – Mobile Innovation
5a: Best M-Health Innovation
5b: Best Mobile Learning Innovation
5c: Best Mobile Innovation for Utilities
5d: Best Mobile Innovation for Automotive & Transport
5e: Best Embedded Mobile Device (Non-Handsets)
Category 6 – ‘Green Mobile Award’
6a: Green Mobile Award for Best Green Product/Service or Performance
Category 7 – Best Mobile Devices
7a: Best Mobile Device
7b: Device Manufacturer of the Year
Category 8 – Best Technology
8a: Best Mobile Broadband Technology
8b: Best Mobile Technology for Emerging Markets
8c: Best Technology Breakthrough
8d: Best Customer Care & CRM
Category 9 – Outstanding Achievement Awards

• GSMA Chairman’s Award
• Government Leadership Award

The 2012 Congress promises (GSMA, 2011):

1) A world-class conference featuring visionary keynotes and panel discussions
2) An exhibition featuring more than 1,400 companies
3) App Planet – the Centre of the Mobile Apps Universe
4) An awards programme highlighting innovative mobile solutions around the world
5) The world’s best venue for mobile industry networking, business opportunities, and deal-making

With 2012 around the corner, its time for companies to start pre-paring their entry forms for the upcoming year. The awards will open for entry from the beginning of September 2011, when full details on new categories, criteria, rules and entry process will be published, along with on-line entry forms. To attend the Global Mobile Exhibition and Awards, attendees can purchase various passes offering different access options. The Global Mobile awards 2012 will take place in Barcelona as part of the Mobile World Congress on the 28th February 2012; it is sure to be an unparalleled experience.

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