For Immediate Release

First Canadian Women in New Media Awards announces call for nominees

Awards will recognize the outstanding contribution women have made to Canada's new media industry

Toronto, ON (May 4, 1999) - Organizers of the inaugural Canadian Women in New Media Awards (CWNMA) have issued the call for nominees from across Canada. Three outstanding leaders in the Canadian new media industry will each receive an award for their accomplishments and contributions to the Canadian new media industry. Nominations will be accepted from May 4 to May 14, 1999 via the CWNMA Web site at http://www.multimediator.com/cwnma/. The awards will be presented on Friday, June 4, 1999 at the newMedia99 trade show in Toronto.

The purpose of the awards is to recognize the accomplishments of individual women contributing to the new media sector in Canada. The awards are also an opportunity to promote new media in Canada and provide a real network of role models for those interested in pursuing careers in the sector. "This first ever Canadian Women in New Media Awards is a landmark event for the Canadian new media industry," says Adam Froman, president & CEO, MultiMediator Strategy Group - one of the organizers of the awards. "It allows us to celebrate the successful careers and accomplishments of the many women who have been instrumental in putting Canada's new media industry on the map."

Wendy Mesley, host of CBC's "UNDERcurrents" will emcee the Canadian Women in New Media Awards ceremony where awards will be given out in three categories: The Pioneer Award recognizes long-term leadership by a woman who is a role model in advancing the growth and reputation of the Canadian new media industry. The Outstanding Young Woman Award will be presented to the young woman who has demonstrated commitment to the industry through her unique talents and by providing an example to others. The Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes the dedication, skills and knowledge of a woman who has improved the industry through her volunteer efforts.

The Canadian Women in New Media Awards are presented by newMedia99 and MultiMediator. The Awards are sponsored by Human Resources Development Canada, Hewlett Packard, Bell Canada, The Institute for Computer Studies, and MultiMediator Strategy Group. Media Sponsors include the CBC, GLOBEcareers.com, and newmedia.pro magazine. Over 45 new media associations, funding bodies, and government agencies from across the country also support the awards.

"newMedia99 is proud to host the Canadian Women in New Media Awards and the future contributions of these leaders to the new media industry," says Bruce Cole, regional manager for Canada, Advanstar Communications (parent company of newMedia99). "The new media industry in Canada is a dynamic part of the economy that is experiencing tremendous growth. These awards are about recognizing the contribution women are making to the future of Canada as a world leader in the digital economy."

Lesley Buresh, director, Danforth Human Resource Centre (Toronto), Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) added that "HRDC is committed to initiatives that reward and encourage Canadians to pursue careers in an industry sector that has significant potential for growth."

MultiMediator, located at http://www.multimediator.com/, is the award-winning online guide to the Canadian new media industry. It features an indispensable guide to new media associations, employment, events, periodicals, resources, schools, and much more. The popular Web site also offers original articles about the art and business of new media and the acclaimed Canadian Developers Directory, the world's most extensive directory of Canadian new media companies.

MultiMediator Strategy Group (MMSG) is Canada's foremost new media strategy firm. By working as 'Digital Sherpas' with new media companies and key stakeholders strategically associated with the industry, MMSG helps its clients realize the potential of new media.

newMedia99, now in its 8th successful year, is Canada's leading international trade show and conference showcasing digital technology from creative applications to delivery across all media platforms. The event connects manufacturers, distributors and service providers with qualified business, education and training, creative and technical buyers from all industry sectors.

For more information, please contact:

Adam Froman, President & CEO
MultiMediator Strategy Group Inc.
Tel: (416) 410-4661 Ext. 1
E-mail: afroman@multimediator.com

Samantha Ouimet, Manager, Media Relations
Bell Canada
Tel: (416) 581-4906
E-mail: samantha.ouimet@bell.ca