Monday April 29, 2013 the Social Media Awards Beirut were held at Phoenicia Hotel Beirut with Online Collaborative as an organizing partner and RAGMAG as strategic partner, and other sponsors.
Guests were formally dressed, entering the ceremony on a red carpet. What caught my attention were the panda by Brofessional Review and the burger by Crepaway, especially when Crepaway lost and their burger man went on stage with a message to all their fans referring to their latest ad “all is good”. Very nice gesture, sadly I couldn’t take a photo.
Haifa Wehbe was the diva of the event, her presence was overwhelming to everybody, press and all attendees.
I have read many blog posts criticizing the event. I believe everyone has his own opinion and I respect that, but what is puzzling is many of those criticizing the event were among the nominees and were asking fans to vote for them. This is the first time ever that such an event was organized in Lebanon, especially an event giving credit to all the social media efforts done by professionals and individuals, it would be a nice gesture to show them support. Nothing will ever be perfect or ever satisfy everyone, but the efforts put in the event were enormous, the organizers did not sleep for nights to make this happen in the most professional way. Whom of us did not organize and event and faced many difficulties? I am sure next year things will be much better, especially that the organizers sent an email to all those who participated in the event thanking them and asking them for their comments. I personally would like to congratulate the organizers, and thank them for all the efforts, big thumbs up and keep it up.
Following the awards ceremony, an after party was organized by RAGMAG at Momo at the Souks in Beirut Souks. Blackberry were offering free Z10 phones and cases, I got my case :), thank you Blackberry. The party rocked, everybody agrees as I have heard.
I can’t wait for next year’s ceremony, I am sure great things are expected, especially now that all eyes are on social media in Lebanon.
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