We did it!

But before we celebrate our excitement at pulling off the Globes, a huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the Globes.

Those of you who entered the Globes and didn’t win will appreciate just how prestigious and difficult to win these Globes are. After all, there are only 17 in the whole world. Those of you who did become finalists and went on to win a Globe will appreciate better your achievement in future years, when repeating the success becomes a real challenge.

Eighteen months ago, when the idea for the Globes was conceived, many people said it could not be done. The APMA Worldwide Awards, the Globes, has happened and from here on it is going to seem like it was always part of our lives and our aspirations.

The promotion marketing industry, or whatever we decide to call it, deserves to celebrate the work of its many participating Agencies, Clients and related businesses. This is an industry that really does make a difference to our clients’ business, utilizing a whole raft of skills and competencies to change behaviors. The enormous variety of our work is reflected in the entries, finalists and winners of the Globes.

The Association of Promotion Marketing Agencies Worldwide has become the “voice” and authority of strategic promotion marketing around the world, and is the chosen vehicle of association for many of the world’s leading promotion marketers. Striving to contribute to professional development and professional recognition of our Industry, the Globes is a natural outcome. We can all learn and develop from the best; we can all celebrate the great work this industry produces.

I’d like to thank everyone who has participated in the Globes by submitting an entry. In all, some 24 Countries have been part of this inaugural year. We have to thank industry organizations, media partners, judges, sponsors and many more that have made this possible.

In addition, we have to thank PROMO Magazine for allowing the Globes to evolve from the World PRO Awards of Excellence, and for their continued support in helping to make it happen. It is fitting that they are the Presenting Sponsor for the program.

I am convinced that having launched the Globes into the World, it will continue to grow into a major event in the calendar. This really is just the beginning. Winning a Globe will be one of the most difficult things to do, and winning will be a celebration.

Let’s congratulate the winners, and enjoy a celebration of their undoubted power of the promotions industry through their great work.