Niagara Falls' first ever social media awards will take place in December, and coordinators are ramping up to the event by hosting a launch party for “The Socials” this Thursday at Ruth’s Chris Steak House lounge.

Matt Guarasci, creator of The Socials, said 112 businesses from around the region have applied. The applicants were announced on social media in October, including Oast House, Taps Brewery, the Seaway Mall and Rise Above.

“From there, we’re going to decide who will be the top seven of the categories,” said Guarasci.

He said the nominees and the top seven applicants for each category will be announced on Nov. 5.

The reason he’s doing this, he said, is to bring small start-ups and big business together.

“Whether you’re a multi-million dollar corporation like the Shaw Festival, or a small start up YouTuber, you can be in the same room … This award ceremony was created to help bridge that gap between the new young creatives with the old and established businesses,” said Guarasci.

He said the contest has a broad range of categories including best use of photography, top social media account of the year, most organic outreach and best in social media for news and journalism.

In terms of application, anybody who utilizes social media for their brand or business could apply, said Guarasci, though applications closed in October.

He said the judging criteria will be based on four main factors: creativity, originality, authenticity and engagement, and that as event co-ordinator he’s stripped his right to vote to avoid any bias in the competition.

The vote will be a combined vote from judges and the public.

Tickets to the award ceremony will be available at, fallsviewevents.com.

Thursday’s launch party will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ruth’s Chris Lounge, located at the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls Fallsview.

Find out more about the Socials at, niagarasocials.com.