The Canadian New Media Awards has partnered up with nextMedia and its Monetizing Digital Media conference, with plans to combine the events into a two-day gala this October. Organizers are billing the combined event as a chance for the annual awards to reach a larger crowd.

‘Partnering with nextMedia allows the CNMA to broaden both its reach and influence,’ said awards founder and exec producer Adam Froman in a statement. ‘The CNMA will now be integrally linked with other national industry events that will showcase the CNMA throughout the year.’

Organizers say both events will remain distinct. The merger brings the CNMA under the umbrella of Achilles Media, which runs both nextMedia and the Banff World Television Festival.

‘This partnership provides a national platform to highlight the best in Canadian innovation while also facilitating critical business relationships amid an important international conference,’ added Achilles CEO Robert Montgomery.

The CNMA was established in 1999. The Monetizing Digital Media conference is aimed at the digital entertainment, advertising and technology sectors.