UK
Last night, Friday, 10th October 2025, we attended the Digital Media Awards 2025 at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin. As CEO of Sumoblue, I was joined by my wife and COO, Stephanie Dever, and the Marketing Specialist & Dynamo for ElectroCity, Jayne Harding.
A Reception, Dinner & Delight
The evening began with a Prosecco reception, followed by a three-course meal. We were seated at a table with the CEO of Olytico, Stephen O’Leary (who handled the social media display integration for the event), which meant we enjoyed seeing live comments and reactions from LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter feed onto screens around us. We were also seated with Silver Awards winners for Best App, Sugar Rush represented by the warm and friendly Ally and Jude.
The music was a highlight, the live band themed their song to each award category, which had us laughing around the table, the highlight being ABBA’s “Knowing Me, Knowing You” for the award in ‘Best Use Of 1st Party Data’.
Hosted with Poise, Presented with Flair
The awards ceremony was capably presented by Anton Savage, an Irish radio stalworth, who had the fun job of keeping a black-tie crowd engaged, but did so with finesse.
The Competition & the Win
We were finalists in two categories: Best Newcomer and Best in Retail & Consumer Goods. I had confidence in our work; I believed we had a shot prior to the event, which is why we entered. But when we missed out on the Best Newcomer (a sole winner event), I thought we would find it tough against brands like Lipton, the Maxol Group, Cash & Carry Kitchens, Mace, Musgrave’s, Brady’s Family Ham, Guinness Nitro Surge, among others. Who we only knew of when we sat down and read the programme.
To receive bronze in Best in Retail & Consumer Goods among such heavyweight names shocked us, I’ll never forget the look on my wife and Jayne’e face, one of shock and delight. But in hindsight, I knew the results we had achieved together were outlier numbers, and I’m glad the judges recognised that.
Gratitude to Key Partners & Contributors
I want to extend special thanks to ElectroCity, their website is among the very best in Ireland. Their responsiveness, openness to feedback, and constant iteration make them a standout. Their ambition and growth, especially post-2020, deserves special recognition.
Also, a huge shout-out to Clare Mullen, who has worked with me since 2016. Clare’s expertise in creating engaging video, graphics, and digital content has been critical for ElectroCity. This award is as much hers as anyone’s.
Final Thoughts
I’m deeply proud, not just of the medal, but of the journey, the team, and the work behind it. Being recognised at a black-tie event alongside some of Ireland’s top retail and agency players is humbling.
Thank you to everyone who believed in Sumoblue, and to those who pushed us to do better every day. Here’s to many more nights like this.
