Emerging Media Award for DD

02-20-2008

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Dippin' Dots, the famous beaded ice cream producer and retailer, along with partner agency matrixx, received a coveted 2007 Innovator Award for Emerging Media by the Summit International Awards,^TM a competition that recognizes marketing communications pioneers who are shaping and reinventing the future for interactive media.

The companies were recognized for their groundbreaking work on the Adventures of Packy Movie Mash-up Challenge, a contest which featured a custom-built advergame along with social media tools to create a unique consumer online experience.  Together, Dippin' Dots and branded entertainment firm matrixx of Santa Monica, Calif. (who developed and promoted the contest) share the 2007 Innovator Award, which is presented to companies who use innovative tools and avenues to creatively reach greater audiences through new methods for consumer interactions.

"This award is a testament to the creativity and strategy behind our first venture into the online world," said Terry Reeves, spokesperson for Dippin' Dots.  "It confirms the value of Dippin' Dots as an innovator in an extremely competitive industry and reinforces that we are making strides to not only differentiate our brand, but also connect with fans of all ages."

In the Adventures of Packy Movie Mash-up Challenge, contest participants were invited to create an animated movie online featuring the brand's mascot, Packy.  Via an easy-to-use, web-based game tool, entrants produced 15-to 90-second movies using the all-in-one online director's tool.  The program allowed them to select various background scenes, animations, props and soundtracks provided by Dippin' Dots, as well as add bubble-text dialogue, similar to a comic book. 

About Dippin' Dots     www.dippindots.com
Dippin' Dots are tiny, cryogenically frozen beads of ice cream, yogurt, sherbet and flavored ice.  Invented in 1988 by microbiologist Curt Jones, Dippin' Dots offers more than two-dozen different flavors, plus seasonal flavors. The company's administrative and production headquarters are located in Paducah, Kentucky. Dippin' Dots are sold in 300 franchised retail locations and thousands of entertainment venues and special events nationwide.

About Summit International Awards (SIA)
The SIA organization is devoted to furthering excellence in the communications industry. It administers rigorous award competitions throughout the year with the goal of recognizing companies and individuals that do more than what is expected.Throughout its fourteen-year history, the organization has established itself as one of the premier arbiters of communication excellence. Companies and individuals from more than 50 countries across five continents participate annually in its awards programs. The organization conducts three awards each year: Summit Creative Award, Summit Emerging Media Award and Summit Marketing Effectiveness Award. Additional information about the Summit International Awards and its competitions is available at www.summitawards.com.