The Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will coincide each year with the Printwear & Promotion Exhibition, and for 2008 will take place on the evening of Monday 3rd March at the National Motorcycle Museum, close to the NEC.

The awards will recognise and promote best practice in the key areas of: technical innovation, customer service and support, garment decoration, and energy saving and environmental concern, as well as the important disciplines of manufacturing and distribution.

A special award will also be presented for truly outstanding accomplishments, dedication and service to the industry.The judging panel, which will be made up of leading industry figures, will be looking for evidence of genuine excellence, both measurable and memorable, and will select four finalists in each category.

AWARD SPONSORSHIP & TABLES

Sponsorship of award at £6,000
Table for ten people £950
Individual place at awards £110
(Prices exclude vat)

The categories:

1. TECHNICAL INNOVATION AWARD

Awarded to the company that has successfully introduced technically innovative garments, machines, or ancillary equipment onto the market within the last 12 months

2. CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Awarded to the company (manufacturer, distributor or supplier) that best demonstrates its commitment to customer care and satisfaction and in meeting its clients' needs

3. ENVIRONMENTAL/ENERGY SAVING AWARD

Awarded to the company (manufacturer, distributor or supplier) that best demonstrates the benefits of good environmental management through energy saving and/or environmentally sound business practices and manufacturing techniques, including the development of sustainable or recycled products

4. PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Awarded to the most innovative or successful promotional product or item introduced onto market within the last 12 months

5. GARMENT DECORATOR OF THE YEAR

Awarded to the individual or company that best demonstrates the most effective application of decorating techniques, excellent customer service and an ability to accurately interpret the customer's requirements

6. MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

To be awarded in each of the following areas:

• Clothing
• Decorating Machinery
• Ancillary Products

Awarded to the clothing, machinery and ancillary product manufacturer that has achieved recognition from distributors and customers alike for its service, technical expertise and ability to meet specific customer requirements

7. DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR

To be awarded to each of the following:

• Small (stocks 1-5 brands)
• Medium (stocks 6-15 brands)
• Large (stocks 16+ brands)

Awarded to the distributor (small, medium and large) that has achieved recognition from manufacturers and customers alike for its innovation, overall service, on-time delivery and understanding of the market

8. JUDGES' SPECIAL AWARD

Awarded for outstanding contribution and achievement, the recipient is selected by the judging panel for what they believe is an entry worthy of recognition but which falls outside of the main awards categories.

For further information contact:

Sarah Boozer (For entry information & table bookings) Tel: +44 (0)1622 687031, Email: sboozer@datateam.co.uk, or

Richard Smith (Sponsorship enquiries) Tel: +44 (0)1622 699172, Email: rsmith@datateam.co.uk