Popai has extended the entry deadline for its 2015 Marketing at Retail awards, until July 17.

This year’s awards sees the introduction of a Shopper Experience stream, including new categories for digital, social and mobile, direct marketing / loyalty programs, and occasion-based shopper campaigns.

For the first time Popai is also holding a People’s Choice and Packing Room Award, in addition to its pinnacle ‘Best of the Best’ awards.

“Australia and New Zealand are small population markets. This is a huge advantage; we are able to trial, test and innovate, which is why Australian shopper marketing programs punch above their weight on the global stage,” said Lee McClymont, GM of Popai Australia and New Zealand.

“Popai seeks to reward innovation as well as excellence. Australian retailers and brands may not go straight to 100 or more stores with innovative programs; they often trial them in targeted stores first.  By removing the minimum run requirement, we open up our awards to showcase the innovation pipeline in Australia.”

McClymont says that large scale campaigns and trials are not a ‘like for like’ comparison, however, and each will be judged on its merits and outcomes versus objective. The minimum requirement is that the campaign must have been a fully client/brand-funded campaign, activated in market.

Entries open May 27 and close July 17.

Winners will be announced at the POPAI Gala Awards Dinner on September 8 at Doltone House Pyrmont, Sydney.

For more details on how to enter, visit:  www.popai.com.au