Aquent signs on as major sponsor for the design industry's premier event on November 9

Sydney, Australia (June 1, 2002) - Aquent, a global professional service firm that delivers Creative and IT solutions, has signed on as sponsor of this year's Australian Graphic Design Association's Sixth National Biennial Awards program. Established in Melbourne in 1992, the AGDA Awards program is recognized as the design industry's premier event. This year's event will be held at the newly refurbished Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, November 9.

"As a company that is dedicated to recognizing and developing the careers of design professionals, we look forward to working with the AGDA on this and other programs in support of Australia's design community," said Greg Savage, Aquent's CEO for Asia-Pacific. Designated as "The Official Career Partner of the AGDA," Aquent provides an array of support services and professional training opportunities for AGDA members, including hands-on workshops, product demonstrations, and sponsorship of AGDA exhibitions, lectures, and educational activities.

"It is my great pleasure to welcome Aquent as the major sponsor for the 2002 AGDA National Awards. They have actively supported AGDA over the last two years with national projects like the international speakers tours and the current salary survey of the design industry," said Mimmo Cozzolino, 6th AGDA National Awards Chair.

In his launch speech as Chair for this year's awards program, Cozzolino went on to say, "Since its inception in the late 19802, AGDA has gone from strength to strength. And the showpiece in AGDA's biennial calendar is definitely the awards….The Australian television industry has the Logies. Hollywood has the Oscars. We have the Pinnacles. Every industry and profession loves awards because they fulfill a desperate need for people to be acknowledged for a job well done.

"…Designers are no different…awards play a very important role. Ultimately we are also saying to our clients: We care about doing the best work for you. We will go that extra mile to make sure the craft is right. We are professionals."

"The inaugural AGDA National Awards was held just four years after AGDA was formed, which exemplifies just how committed we are to providing leadership for design excellence," said Rita Siow, AGDA's General Manager. " It is also in recognition of AGDA's position as the peak industry organization representing the graphic design profession, that Aquent has extended its commitment to our members by signing up as the major sponsor."

About Aquent:
Aquent (aquent.com) is a privately held professional services company with nearly 70 offices in 15 countries. Aquent focuses on IT and Creative Services, and provides a wide range of consulting, outsourcing, and staffing solutions for Global 1000 companies. Aquent was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Boston, MA.

About AGDA
Founded in 1988, AGDA (agda.com.au) is the peak national organization representing the graphic design industry in Australia. With more than 2000 members distributed throughout the communications, technology and creative sectors, it is dedicated to advancing the design profession through an inter-related program of state, national and international activities in education, advocacy and professional development.