The Mobile Marketing Association announced the launch of its new networking event series on Sept. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted at the NextWeb Media offices in New York.

The series features cocktails and the opportunity to network with peers in the mobile industry?mobile infrastructure players, agencies, brands, content providers and more. The Mobile Spotlight Series event is designed to help attendees make key contacts in the mobile industry, learn about the latest trends and technology, share success stories and discuss where the mobile channel is heading next.

?MMA?s exciting new Mobile Spotlight Series brings together agencies, brands, content providers and other members of the mobile industry to share perspectives on what?s happening in mobile now and where the mobile channel is heading next,? said Rebecca Smith, senior manager of events and sponsorships at the Mobile Marketing Association, New York.

?The series will focus on networking opportunities, discussing hot topics and important industry developments, reviewing the latest technology, as well as panel discussions and demos from some of the industry?s thought leaders and innovators,? she said.

The event on Sept. 17 will feature an opening address and welcome from Mike Wehrs, president/CEO of the MMA, a demonstration by MegaPhone and 15-minute round-robin speed introductions.

The pricing is $50 for MMA members and $75 for non-members.

As the digital and increasingly mobile world gathers pace, the communication landscape is fragmenting, changing marketing strategies for companies everywhere.

As new communication mediums and tools become available and marketing budgets worldwide come under pressure, organizations are looking beyond traditional channels and contemplating the best ways to engage the consumer.

The mobile platform is poised to become the most used and personalized channel in the world, providing a number of unique advantages that enable a deeper and more effective relationship with target consumers.

Being always on and always with the consumer, it provides instant reach and enables marketers to deliver a more sophisticated communication strategy.

The MMA plans to make the Mobile Spotlight Series a recurring networking event.

?Each event will be hosted by a different MMA member company and will rotate through different cities to allow both members and non-members to come together in a relaxed, social atmosphere,? Ms. Smith said.

?The first event is hosted by NextWeb in New York City and is an opportunity to learn more about the MMA, enjoy great company and conversation, meet MMA staff and hear from President Mike Wehrs on latest MMA initiatives,? she said.

MMA extends deadline for global mobile marketing awards
On a separate not, the Mobile Marketing Association today announced the extension of the nomination deadline for its annual Global Awards.

Entrants now have until Sept. 14 to put forward submissions and be in the running for one of the prestigious awards.

Open to all industry players, the awards recognize significant contributions within the mobile marketing industry from every region of the world. Entries can be made at http://www.mmaglobal.com/awards.

The 2009 Annual Global MMA Awards categories include:
? Best Mobile Campaign by Channel & Region
o Channels include:
? Display
? Messaging
? Emerging Technologies
? Multi-Mobile Channel
? Social Media
? Cross Media Integration
o Regions include:
? North America
? Central & Latin America
? Europe, Africa & Middle East
? Asia Pacific
? Global: A campaign that has been executed in two or more of the above regions
? Best Mobile Campaign Overall
? Industry Awards which include:
o Innovation Award ? Reach
o Innovation Award ? Creativity
o Social Impact Award
o Mobile Marketing Association Award for Overall Excellence
? Mobile Marketing Academic of the Year ? Individual
? Mobile Marketing Academic of the Year ? Institution

Nominations are open to the public and from every country and need to be submitted online prior to Sept. 14.

Visit the MMA Awards Web page at http://www.mmaglobal.com/awards for more information on how to submit a nomination.

Winners will be selected by a judging panel of industry, association and media leaders and announced during the Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner Nov. 17 in Los Angeles at the conclusion of the Mobile Marketing Forum.