Cresta Extends Awards Deadline as New Management Team Finds Wide Support

Cresta Awards has extended its deadline following what it claims has been a successful first season under a new management team. 

"On our official final day we were handling a higher than expected number of entries and enquiries from all over the world," said CEO Lewis Blackwell (above). “Many agencies asked for an extension to complete their entries. We are of course happy to oblige."

This is the first season for the management team of Blackwell and Alan Page (president) and it has, said Page, “been fascinating to see how the changing industry and its ceaseless innovations is reflected in Cresta. We have been surprised by such a wide range of work from a wide range of companies.”

While many of the world's top creative shops and networks have returned to Cresta this year, the organisers were also struck by the variety of newcomers from across the communications world. 

"We are especially pleased to have attracted not only many of the most creative global networks but also a growing number of smaller cutting-edge independent creative outfits," Blackwell added. "After all, a big idea doesn't have to come from a big agency. 

“Our new categories - such as Creative Technology and The Future - are bringing in fascinating work from both familiar and new entrants, while complex forms of Integrated campaigns are at the core of so much that goes on today and that is reflected in the entries. It will make for interesting and challenging judging.”

Of the response to Cresta this year, Page said: "We are heavily investing in the rewards in terms of coverage, analysis and promotion that our winners can expect. There is a clear return on offer that we think sets us apart.”

Cresta, whose jury fhair this year is Anna Qvennerstedt of Forsman & Bodenfors, has become part of The Big Won Global Creative Rankings and will publish its first International Review of Creative Standards featuring all winners and innovative creative analysis later this year. 

The extended Cresta deadline runs through this month, with no late fees before 14 June. 

Photo credit: patrickgunning.com