ETC-Australia Program Director, John Buchanan, and ETC Executive Producer, Don Marinelli, served as guest presenters at the 13th Annual AIMIA Awards glitzy ceremony held Friday evening, March 3, 2007 at Sydney Australia’s State Theater. They were accompanied to Sydney by ETC-Australia faculty members, Greg Wieder and Michelle Macau. AIMIA is the Australian Interactive Media Industries Association.

Host Adam Spencer kept the crowd entertained and the evening did not disappoint, with a sell-out audience of 700 members and special guests turning out to recognize and applaud the industry’s best and brightest talent. Awards were presented in 22 specific categories, along with Life Achievement Award recognition.

“This year’s range of award entries clearly indicates how digital content has become a part of everyday society. From the work we currently do in the industry, we’ve seen that digital and interactive media are as recognized and sought after as traditional media, with more consumers accessing the Internet now than ever before” said AIMIA CEO John Butterworth. “What is impressive is the breadth of industries covered by our winning entries. From financial services, travel, agriculture, real estate and defense as well as the more “traditional” digital content offerings in entertainment and communication, this year we have witnessed more diversity than ever”!

A judging panel of over 120 Australian and international experts from across the interactive media spectrum were given the significant task of selecting award winners from a high caliber of finalists, ranging from small businesses to larger, well-established organizations.

“It is fantastic to come together once again and recognize the accomplishments of today’s industry pioneers” said John. “This year’s awards are testament not only to the depth of innovation and imagination in the market, but indeed the dynamism and optimism of interactive media in Australia. Congratulations to all winners and finalists.”

John and Don kicked off the ceremony by presenting the award for the first category, fittingly titled, ‘Best Entertainment’ award. The winner was GPY&R of Sydney for the work done on ‘Telstra Street Idol.’

Supporters of AIMIA include Gold Patron BigPond, Silver Patrons Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, Google, Hill & Knowlton, I-Nex Corporation, Intel, KPMG, UK Trade & Investment and Vividas, and Bronze Patrons Sensis and Viocorp. New supporters include Media Partner BRW, Silver Patron Microsoft and Award Sponsors C4 Communications, NSW Department of State and Regional Development, Hyro, LaVolta, MassMedia Studios and Spin Communications.