New York, NY (October 12, 2017) — Content marketers representing nearly 170 brands across the globe define the list of finalists for the 2017 Pearl Awards, the longest running content marketing awards program in the United States. This year 83 companies, representing 19 different countries, submitted entries, making it a true global competition.

“Every year, The Content Council celebrates excellence and innovation in content marketing through the annual Pearl Awards program,” said Gemma Rainer, Executive Director of The Content Council. “The year’s nominees captured that by putting forth brilliant strategies with impressive results across print, digital and multi-channel platforms.”

Finalists were chosen from an esteemed group of worldwide content marketing professionals on behalf of a variety of brands including Cadillac, Citi, Delta, L’Oreal, Siemens, Volvo Trucks and Walmart. This year’s list of finalists can be found here.

The Pearl Awards also recognize the personal achievements of several remarkable content marketing professionals. This year’s individual award winners are:

• John Caldwell Award: Keith Sedlak, Executive Director, New Business, MXM
• Content Innovator of the Year: Ken Kaplan, Executive, Editor, iQ by Intel,
• Best Content Director: Maryam Sanati, Editorial Director, St. Joseph Media’s Strategic Content Labs
• Best Creative Director: Nicole O’Toole, Creative Director, John Brown Media
• Rising Star: Erin Madsen, Content Director, MSP-C

The Pearl Awards is recognized by those in the industry as one of the most respected events of the year, celebrating colleagues and those making an impact in the field of content marketing. This year, The Content Council is excited to present a refresh to the format of the awards by incorporating the prize giving as part of the all-new winter conference. The program will celebrate excellence in content marketing, feature speakers from major brands, and reveal this year’s Pearl Awards winners on December 7 at Hearst Tower in New York City. Click here for more information about the Pearl Awards prize giving and Winter Conference, presented by Good Housekeeping.