2011 IMA Awards Event to Feature Spectacular Venue, World-Class Speakers and Industry Honors on Sept. 22 at Mandarin Oriental, CityCenter, Las Vegas

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2011 IMA Awards are set to take place on Sept. 22, 2011, at the spectacular Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter in Las Vegas. The Internet Marketing Association's annual Internet Marketing Awards event will spotlight top industry work, along with world-class speakers who will address cutting edge trends and contemporary topics about the dynamic and global Internet environment.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110714/NY35808-a )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110714/NY35808LOGO-b )

In addition, IMA has announced that Facebook Inc. has become the latest addition to the distinguished group of speakers for the event.

"A spectacular venue. World-class speakers. Peers from across the nation. A smashing after-party. It's a unique opportunity to celebrate the best Internet marketing work in the world. Plus, have the chance to hear and rub shoulders with some of today's most prominent leaders in the online universe," said IMA Founder and Chairman Sinan Kanatsiz.

In addition to the awards presentation, the 2011 IMA Awards event will feature an impressive line-up of featured speakers. The welcome address will be presented by Robert Baldwin, President and CEO of CityCenter for MGM Resorts International. Event moderator will be Harvard graduate, Emmy Award-winning journalist and attorney Manny Medrano, an expert in leadership and broadcast journalism.

Featured speakers will include Helen Min, Product Marketing Manager, Facebook; Frederick Vallaeys, Senior Product Specialist, Google AdWords; Sherri Gilligan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing, MGM Mirage; Matthew Langie, Director of Product Marketing, Adobe Systems; Bill Macaitis, Vice President of Online Marketing, Salesforce.com; David Iankelevich, Vice President, eMarketer; and Vincent Walden, Partner, Ernst & Young.

The IMA awards recognize organizations of all sizes for their expertise and effectiveness in utilizing an array of Internet marketing strategies. Honors will include a Lifetime Achievement Award and Best Of awards for website, social media campaign, Facebook, email marketing and mobile campaign. In addition, specific sub-categories will recognize outstanding achievement in 55 areas that reflect the diversity and richness of the Internet including Website, Microsite, Email Marketing, Social Media Campaign, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blog, Vodcast/Podcast, Webinar, Mobile, App Development and Online Survey.

Due to a generous roster of sponsors, IMA is able to host this event on a very affordable basis to make it available to as many attendees as possible. In addition, sponsors of the 2011 IMA Awards include Knowledge Marketing, MGM Mirage, PR Newswire, SocialShield, Irvine Technology Corporation and University of California, Irvine.

With more than 410,000 members, the Internet Marketing Association (www.imanetwork.org) encompasses a wide spectrum of professionals in sales, marketing, business ownership, programming, creative development and related fields.  

Attendees are encouraged to register early to ensure a reservation for the 2011 IMA Awards event on Sept. 22 at the brand-new Mandarin Oriental, CityCenter, Las Vegas. Preferred accommodation rates have been arranged at the Vdara Hotel & Spa, Aria Resort & Casino and Mandarin Oriental. For details, visit www.imanetwork.org/awards

About the Internet Marketing Association

The Internet Marketing Association (IMA) is a professional organization that, since its inception in 2001, has accrued more than 410,000 members in various fields including sales, marketing, business ownership, programming and creative development. The IMA was started with four key values as a foundation for success in today's highly competitive business environment: integrity, communication, professionalism and education.

IMA is one of the fastest growing Internet marketing groups in the world. It is underwritten by corporate partners to provide members an opportunity to learn, engage and define Internet marketing best practices without making a financial commitment.

The IMA mission is to provide a knowledge-sharing platform for business professionals where proven Internet marketing strategies are demonstrated and shared in an effort to increase each member's value to their organization.

SOURCE Internet Marketing Association