Amsterdam-based MET AMS announced that the 2023 MET AMS festival will take place at Amsterdam‘s Westergas site from November 1 to 3 with a theme of uniting technology, culture, and creativity.
The festival’s second edition will feature a significant event — the MET AMS Innovation Awards, presented in partnership with its headline sponsor, EPAM Systems Inc. This event seeks to inspire and honour innovative, imaginative, and emerging technologies.
This year marks the inaugural presentation of the MET AMS Innovation Awards, recognising agencies, brands, and creators. It includes those who stand out for integrating innovative and creative technology into their campaigns, projects, and products.
The award categories at MET AMS reflect the festival’s core themes. It encompasses the virtual world (AR and VR), artificial intelligence (AI), Gaming, and Web3. These themes have been distributed into specific categories, with one award to be presented in each category.
Aside from the competition, the MET AMS festival will also offer engaging discussions, interactive demonstrations, and exhibitions presented by leading brands and forward-thinking creators in the technology sector.
The primary conference will be hosted in Gashouder, Amsterdam’s most iconic event venue, just 10 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.
Special awards for innovative companies
Apart from the awards in the four mentioned categories, two more accolades will be granted — the Creator of the Year and the Startup of the Year awards.
The Startup of the Year Award acknowledges the most innovative startups leveraging emerging technologies to transform their industry and influence the future of the Internet.
Meanwhile, the Creator of the Year award is dedicated to individuals who have pioneered projects, products, or groundbreaking campaigns in the technological realms. It includes Web3, AI, digital fashion, and immersive technology.
This allocation ensures that well-established large companies or brands, and emerging creative individuals or startups, have an equal opportunity to be acknowledged for their contributions.
Embracing inclusivity
The MET AMS Awards stand out for their dedication to inclusivity and the acknowledgement of talent.
EPAM‘s Ward de Kruijf says, “Our vision is to celebrate individuals who dare to push the boundaries of what’s possible and innovate without constraints.”
“We strive to craft experiences that connect with others, ignite inspiration, and turn fleeting moments into enduring memories,” he adds.
According to Rik Woldring, co-founder of MET AMS, the jury consists of MET AMS speakers, EPAM experts, and professionals from the cultural and creative sectors.
“Within each award category, three nominations will be selected. They will be invited to the award show, which will take place on the evening of the first day of the MET AMS festival. We look forward to all the submissions,” says Woldring.
Companies can send their submission before October 12. Following this, three nominees will be chosen in every category and invited to attend the award show. The announcement of these nominees will take place on October 25, just one week before MET AMS commences. Early registration by brands, agencies, startups, and creators can be done through the MET AMS website.
