1. What exactly is a dragon boat race?

Dragon boats are 30' long canoes ornately decorated with scales and a dragon's head and tail. There is also a drum situated at the front for the drummer to beat time. There are up to 10 paddlers plus the drummer in each boat from the company and the organisers provide the Helm. The racing distance is approx 200m and each race is timed. It will take about 70 seconds to complete a race. Each team will get three races throughout the afternoon and the fastest will qualify through to the Grand Final.

Those who have a long relationship with the promotions industry will recall that during the last financial downturn many major brands turned to cost-effective below-the-line promotional products and solutions to retain and build market share. With the predicted tightening of belts in the business economy, it looks as though the promotions industry will again be flavour of the month.

Section A: Best Screen Print

Judged by Stuart McCarthy from Top Banana

GOLD: 040 Certnfase Limited

"Excellent print. Good seps and arts and screen"

The winners of the first ever Printwear & Promotion Excellence Awards were revealed to over 180 guests at the glittering Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner on March 3 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. The enjoyable night began with a champagne reception followed by a four-course dinner, and of course, the awards ceremony. There was also entertainment from magician Roy Davenport and side-splitting humour from professional after-dinner speaker and comedian Ian Irving. Congratulations go to all the winners and runners-up.

This year two new categories - best digital inkjet print and best dye sublimation - have been added to the Garment Decoration Awards in a bid to cover all aspects of the industry and raise the profile of the awards.

The shortlist for the Printwear & Promotion Excellence Awards has now been decided, following a comprehensive day-long judging session. Now that the finalists have been selected it is up to you, the readers, to vote for the winners, but hurry, the deadline for voting is 17.00hrs on Friday the 15th of February. Voting for your favourites couldn’t be easier – simply go to the website, www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk, and click on the voting button.

Time is running out to get your entries in for the Printwear & Promotion Excellence Awards 2008 as the extended deadline of Friday, November 30th looms. So, if you have achieved something in the last year that you really want to shout about, or you want to nominate a customer or supplier, don’t delay – log on to the website for a free entry form and get the recognition you deserve.

This year two new categories – best digital inkjet print and best dye sublimation – have been added to the Garment Decoration Awards in a bid to cover all aspects of the industry and raise the profile of the awards.

There is still time to enter the Printwear & Promotion Excellence Awards 2008. For the inaugural event we have decided to extend the entry deadline to Friday, November 30 to give as many companies as possible a chance to enter.

“Cheap uniform in June, July and August isn’t what we do. What we do matters.” So said Donald Moore, chairman of the newly formed Schoolwear Association at its official launch in July.

Have you got what it takes to be a winner? Do you or your customers think your company is head and shoulders above the competition? Or have you achieved something in the last year that you really want to shout about? Then don’t delay – enter the Printwear & Promotion Excellence Awards 2008 and get the recognition you deserve.

Brand licensing – it’s an area that some readers will be aware of, others not. Likewise, to some it might make perfect sense, while to others it might be a daunting area normally left well alone. But there is an opportunity in brand licensing that shouldn’t be ignored for want of a bit more understanding – which is why a visit to the Brand Licensing Europe exhibition could prove to be worthwhile.

The National Incentive Show for promotional marketing, incentive and motivational products and services is aimed at those looking for innovative ways to attract and retain customers, drive sales and reward employees.

With over 600 exhibitors spread over 11 halls, FESPA will also be the platform for many new product and new technology launches covering all aspects of printing and digital imaging.

Textile specialist Gustav Daiber GmbH has taken a different approach to the exhibition this year, with the design of its beach-style booth.

The company will present its product range under yellow awnings, and there will also be a beach bar offering refreshing drinks in a bid to create a fresh summer atmosphere.

High production textile dryers manufacturer Adelco will showcase new models and concepts in conveyor drying technology at FESPA.

Best known for their gas fired, high velocity Jet Force range of dryers, Adelco has recently moved production to its own facility in Kunshan, China.