AAN automates nomination process

The Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN) is making some changes in the upcoming Crity Awards in a bid to make the annual advertising industry awards even better. Bharat Lal Nyachhon, executive director of AAN, said the association has opened online registration of entries for the first time in the award history. “This will make it easier for the agencies to submit their nominations,” he added. AAN has tied up with India-based Global Best Awards for online registration. Global Best Awards will provide service to AAN for the next three years. According to AAN officials, Global Best Awards will create a system under judges can evaluate the nominations online. Santosh Shrestha, general secretary of AAN, said online registration of nominations, however, is not mandatory. “Agencies can also file their nominations offline,” he added. Besides, AAN has also appointed new people in the core judging committee to make the awards more transparent and to avoid conflict of interest. “We have changed members of the judging committee. This year a five-member committee led by Bijaya KC has been formed,” said Nyachhon. Other members in the judging committee are Kush Kumar Joshi, Bhoj Raj Aryal, Pradip Bhattarai and Babita Basnet. “This is the first time we have included people from corporate sector as the member of the core judging committee,” Nyachhon said, referring to Joshi. The 8th Crity Awards will have 23 categories. AAN charges Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,500 as a registration fee for nomination depending on the category. However, agencies submitting nominations in all categories -- radio, TV and print -- will get 10 percent discount. AAN has already received nominations from 25 agencies so far. Last year, 40 agencies had sent their nomination. The deadline for registration of nominations is August 16. Nyachhon said efforts were underway to host Crity Awards outside the Valley. “As far as possible, we will try to host the award ceremony outside the Valley,” he added. The awards ceremony will be held in November. AAN, however, has not finalized date and venue for the awards.