Tonight’s RSVP Awards Gala marks the 30th anniversary of a Canadian Marketing Association event that continues to be a clear and precise barometer of the magnitude and high quality of results-oriented, information-based marketing in Canada. It is also a wonderful opportunity to showcase the very best of the best in the Canadian marketing community, and to reflect on how marketers have successfully responded to ever-changing market needs.

The first CMA RSVP Awards of the new millennium, this year’s submissions featured an array of entries with very clear results – results achieved through the efforts of exceptionally creative people who have applied their skills using leading-edge technologies.

This evening’s moment of glory is a culmination of many hours of hard work. And while there are only a select few to be honoured in each category, the RSVP Awards in fact highlight Canada’s incredible strategic talent, and our most brilliant and effective campaigns.

While the RSVP Silver Rave Gala on Nov. 24 recognizes the cream of the crop, we should all share the spotlight and be proud of the stature the Canadian marketing community commands throughout the world – respect earned through the results-driven campaigns we have introduced.

On behalf of the Canadian Marketing Association, I would like to offer my congratulations to the winners of 2000 CMA RSVP Awards. I would also like to thank our more than 120 judges – chaired by Robert Clarkson of Carlson Marketing Group – who accepted the difficult task of evaluating more than 385 entries in 20 categories on the basis of bottom-line results, marketing concept, copy, design, production and overall presentation. As well, I would like to express our appreciation to the event chair, Rob Morgan of Brann Worldwide, whose creativity and hard work helped to bring us this year’s RSVP Gala evening.

John Gustavson

President and Chief Executive Officer

Canadian Marketing Association