PlayNetwork Takes Top Honors in 2008 Summit International Emerging Media Awards

Company’s digital signage installation for Scheels secures “Leader Award” in the “Display Advertising” category

REDMOND, Wash. – PlayNetwork, a global leader in providing integrated media experiences for businesses, announced it has been selected as a “Leader Award” winner in the International 2008 Summit Emerging Media Award (EMA) competition for its work with Scheels. The Award is based on PlayNetwork’s extensive digital signage installation for Scheels’ new 295,000 square-foot retail destination at the “Legends at Sparks Marina” complex in Sparks, Nevada. PlayNetwork also provided custom music programming and systems integration as part of its work with Scheels.

The Summit EMA competition is based on the premise that advertising is consistently at the forefront of the technological evolution of communication. The Award is the perfect complement to one of the strongest years in PlayNetwork history. In FY2008, PlayNetwork subscriber accounts jumped 68 percent and recurring revenue recorded a 31 percent increase, driven in large-part by contract renewals and/or expansions from key customers. The company’s ongoing financial growth and innovative client work have earned PlayNetwork spots on the 2008 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, Deloitte Technology Fast 50 for Washington State and the 2008 Inc. 5000, on which PlayNetwork ranked No. 27 of 50 in the top media companies category.



“Those involved in today’s emerging media technologies are the leaders who are establishing tomorrow’s avenues of advertising communications,” said Jocelyn Luciano, Executive Director for the Summit International Awards (SIA). “Most communication professionals recognize that established avenues of communication can be reliable and safe. Developing and engaging in emerging media technologies, along with creative messaging and market awareness, is often a difficult criterion which makes earning a Summit EMA a significant achievement.”

“To be recognized by the Summit International Awards and its panel of judges with representatives from some of the most innovative agencies today is an incredible honor. The fact that PlayNetwork is among only 12 percent of more than 700 entries from 11 countries to earn recognition shows we have established ourselves as a sought after provider for creative, high-impact branded media experiences,” said Craig Hubbell, Executive Vice President, Media Services for PlayNetwork.

The SIA organization is devoted to furthering excellence in the communications industry. It administers rigorous award competitions throughout the year with the goal of recognizing companies and individuals that do more than what is expected.

Throughout its 15 year history, the organization has established itself as one of the premier arbiters of communication excellence. Companies and individuals from more than 50 countries across five continents participate annually in its three awards programs: Summit Creative Award, Summit Emerging Media Award and Summit Marketing Effectiveness Award. Additional information about the SIA and its competitions is available at http://www.summitawards.com.

About PlayNetwork

Established in 1996, Redmond, Washington-based PlayNetwork, Inc. is an integrated media services leader for worldwide business. PlayNetwork provides branded video (digital signage), audio (music and messaging), promotional media, quality audio/video systems, and professional services that deliver compelling experiences for retail, hospitality, health and fitness, retail banking and other businesses. The XM for Business service is now managed by PlayNetwork through a new strategic relationship with XM Satellite Radio. More information is available at www.playnetwork.com or www.xm4biz.com.