Now that the AICP people are done rolling out the “case study” videos to hype their upcoming awards show, the organizers have announced that Droga5 founder/creative chairman David Droga will serve as judging chair of the 2011 Next Awards panel. In a statement, Droga, who will also serve as MC during the Next presentation at the Museum of Modern Art, says, “Since they launched five years ago, the Next Awards have really provided a spotlight for our industry’s most innovative work. The Next Awards presentation offers thought-provoking insights into the process, and I’m really looking forward to helping develop this great event.”
As for who’ll be joining Droga in the judges panel, the ad exec has helped pick a host of the usual, notable names from the industry including Bob Greenberg, Gerry Graf, AKQA’s Rei Inamoto, Barbarian Group CEO Benjamin Palmer as well as TBWA\Chiat\Day LA’s Rob Schwartz, Leo worldwide CD Mark Tutssel, Ogilvy’s Lars Bastholm…you get the idea.
Those lucky ones who win in the Integrated Campaign category also have to present case studies at the Next presentation that explain the thinking–both creatively and strategically–behind their awarded work. Other categories include Viral/Web Film, Website/Microsite, Product Integration, Experiential, and Apps. We’ve heard some grumblings about judge/chair selections made by other awards shows as of late, so how do you all feel about Droga?