Karen Forsström, Toni Laturi and Jussi Niemi from Valve and Paula Morri from UPM celebrated in the Webby Awards gala in New York. The team received the Webby Award for UMP Forest Life in the Corporate Communications category. Known as the “Web Oscar”, the Webby Award is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. With nearly 10,000 entries from more than 60 countries worldwide, the 12th Annual Webby Awards was the biggest in its history.

The atmosphere in the Webby Awards gala was glamorous in the heart of Wallstreet, but at the same time very relaxed

describes Karen Forsström, Valve’s Project Manager and continues:

The best of the best celebrated together with the feeling of mutual respect for each other’s achievements. Most of the works presented were a testament to usability and functionality and others we´re just simply enjoyable. It´s exhilarating to see the salute of originality and be a part of it. As our AD Jussi Niemi noted: “We´ve got to come back here next year!” To be selected among the best is an incredible achievement worthy of praise – and worth bragging about ; )

Valve was the first ever Finnish company over 12 year history of Webby Awards to win a Webby Award. UPM Forest Life has been recognized and awarded also in other respected competitions such as Epica, Cannes Lions, LIA and Grand One.

The gala is famous for it’s 5-word acceptance speeches that stole the show also this year. See the speeches here.