The work of 27 organisations spanning all sectors of the economy in Guernsey and Jersey will be showcased as finalists in the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s (CIM) ‘2015 Channel Islands Marketing Awards’ later this month.

Following a submission period last month, organisations selected by this year’s judges as finalists and in line to win one of the ten awards on the night include: Condor Ferries, Healthaus Limited, Elian, Spike Productions, Dorey Financial Modelling, JT Group, Jersey Business, Seymour Hotels, Aurigny, NatWest, Orchard PR, St John Ambulance, Sweet PR, EY Gibraltar, Jersey Finance Limited, Minerva Trust and Corporate Services Limited, Insight Vacations, HSBC Expat, Orchid, C5 Alliance Group, States of Jersey Police, CI Travel Group, Oi, RBS International, Jersey Crimestoppers, White Rock Brewery Co and Jersey Heritage.

Work from all finalists will be shown at the Jersey Opera House during the awards evening, with winners being selected by a high calibre panel of judges which this year includes Bronagh Hunt, Global Marketing Manager for Sailor Jerry; Sarah Pinch, President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR); and Suzanne Cole, Director of Best of Wales and a Senior Lecturer in Marketing.

Taking place on 20 March 2015, the inaugural black-tie pan-Channel Islands Awards will feature an ‘Oscars’ style awards ceremony, hosted by ITV news and sport presenter Murray Dron and to include visual and dance entertainment. This will be followed by a unique dinner featuring a specially constructed menu served utilising all areas of the Jersey Opera House, and an exclusive after party featuring music and a special guest DJ.

Meanwhile, two new additional sponsors have also been announced for the awards. Airtel Vodafone will be sponsoring a text voting facility which will enable those attending the event to choose the winner of the Marketing Excellence Award. Peter Zunino, head of marketing at Airtel-Vodafone said: “Advances in technology have contributed enormously to the way that consumers interact and influence brands and we are delighted to be able to provide the CIM with an SMS voting platform on the night that puts the voting power back into the hands of the Channel Islands marketing community. Channel Island marketers have a great track record of delivering excellence in local, national and international markets and I’m really looking forward to celebrating this in the new and innovative format during the awards evening.”

In addition Coca-Cola, which is this year celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the original Coke bottle, will be both a ‘Key Area Sponsor’ and sponsor of the ‘Best Brand Campaign’ award. Jo Ferbrache, Retail and Brand Ambassador at Cimandis, the brand and distribution agents for Coca Cola in the Channel Islands, said: “On the 20 March, exactly the same date as the CIM Awards, Coca-Cola marks 100 years of the iconic Contour Bottle. Featuring a sensuous, curvaceous silhouette like no other, the Coca-Cola Contour Bottle is one of the most famous and unmistakable designs of all time.”

Steve Cartwright, Chairman of the Channel Islands CIM Branch, said: “This year’s CIM Awards takes on a whole new look and feel and is designed both to recognise the very best marketing and communications campaigns from all sectors across Jersey and Guernsey as well as celebrate creativity and innovation amongst industry colleagues. Opening up the awards to Guernsey this year has proven an extremely positive move, as is reflected in the strong representation from organisations in both islands in the list of finalists. We’re looking forward to seeing their work showcased at the awards on 20^th March.”

“The Awards ceremony promises to be a really exciting, unique event, providing an opportunity to catch up with colleagues, entertain clients and celebrate marketing excellence. The Jersey Opera House has never been used for an event quite like this, and those wanting to experience a theatrical awards ceremony and awards after party like no other should book their tickets as soon as possible.”

Sponsors and partners of the 2015 Channel Islands Marketing Awards are Airtel Vodafone, The Beach Communication, Coca-Cola, Delta Production Services, PBS Media, the Jersey Evening Post and Guernsey Press, CIPR Channel Islands, Gallery Magazine, and Switch Digital.

Tickets for the 2015 Channel Islands Marketing Awards are on sale now and cost £70 per person, to include champagne on arrival and a specially created three course dining experience ‘with a difference’. Tickets are available, with block discounts, by booking either online at www.jerseyoperahouse.co.uk or through the Jersey Opera House box office on (01534) 511115.