Marketing and creative agency EIQ BrandLab, operated by RIS’s parent company EnsembleIQ, has won seven AVA Digital Awards for digital excellence. 

The AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that recognizes excellence by creative professionals responsible for the planning, concept, direction, design, and production of digital communications. They are awarded by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP).

Each of the award-winning entries were developed in partnership with clients ranging from CPG brands to enterprise technology companies. 

Platinum Awards

• Web Interactive Capabilities: Convenience Store News and EJ Gallo, Just Chillin’: How to Get More Out of Ready-to-Drink Beverage Sales 
• Native Advertising: Progressive Grocer, Europe, Home of Cheese 
• Website, Shopper Marketing: Progressive Grocer and Anheuser-Busch, IGNITE

Gold Awards

• Website Redesign: EnsembleIQ
• Microsite: Consumer Goods Technology and SAP, Reimagine Consumer Products 
• White Paper: Consumer Goods Technology and Google, Retail and CPG Reinvented
• Web Infographics: Progressive Grocer and Bumble Bee, Seafood Future: Bumble Bee Eliminates Plastic Waste

Darren Ursino, vice president of brand engagement at EnsembleIQ said that EIQ BrandLab aspires to be “a true firebrand in business marketing.” He added the brand is honored to work with forward-thinking companies across the retail, healthcare, and hospitality industries. “We are very proud to have been recognized by the AVA Digital Awards for our work.”

Joe Territo, executive vice president of content and communications at EnsembleIQ stated that the company’s redesigned corporate website, which was created by EIQBrandLab, has been well received. 

“We are very pleased to have received this honor from the AVA Digital Awards,” he added.

This was first posted on the site of sister publication CGT.

Floral brand 1-800-Flowers.com is launching into the NFT space just in time for Mother’s Day. 

To celebrate the holiday, the brand released two collections featuring illustrations by artists Devi Namira and Maaz Rahell, that reflect “the special and unique bond fostered between a child and mother.” The company stated that 1,800 distinctive PFPs (profile pictures) are a nod to the brand’s name and pay tribute to “how moms blossom their children through love and affection.”

The first collection, called “Moms Run the World,” features backgrounds with strawberry fields that represent the brand Sherri’s Berries while pear trees showcase Royal Riviera pears from Harry & David. The images also feature flowers and accessories. 

Each image is randomly generated to provide a “one-of-a-kind” experience.

[Related: Pacsun Dives Deeper Into Metaverse With Pac Mall Rats NFTs]

According to the company, a second collection — “The Love of a Mom” — features 180 one-to-ones showcasing “a mother’s nurturing hands guiding their child through the ever-blooming garden of life.” This collection includes 12 unique NFTs with multiple copies of each. 

The brand’s NFTs are being minted on Polygon. There are no gas fees for anyone that is pre-approved to receive an NFT. Those who are pre-approved can enter for a chance to win a free mint NFT and a year of flower deliveries for a mother figure in their life. Contest details can be found here. 

“1-800-Flowers.com has a history of innovation and always strives to be at the forefront of where consumers are going next,” said Jason John, chief marketing officer, 1-800-Flowers.com. “These collections are a great way for us to test in this space as we delve into the possibilities within Web3 and gain a better understanding of our customers’ interest in digital products. We’re excited to officially be part of the NFT community!”

Abi Sachdeva, chief technology officer for 1-800-Flowers.com, said that introducing customers to blockchain has been an inspiring journey, adding that the company is still in an early stage of understanding the opportunities and challenges related to these technologies. 

“One thing we know is that Web3 — a vision for a decentralized internet built on blockchain technology — has infinite possibilities, and we are ready to ride that wave,” he added.