AV News Awards 2016 entry form ►http://form.jotformeu.com/form/52253282232346?.
Introduction
The AV News Awards have a special place within Europe’s audio-visual industry, being focused on the people and organisations that make the business work. The AV News Awards recognise the contribution made by the individuals in the labs and R&D centres, the sales and marketing teams and those involved in training and support for the technologies and services that comprise AV solutions. The AV News Awards also recognise excellence in AV technologies and in the channel that delivers them to market.
The AV News Award 2016 Categories
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
► AV Technologist of the Year
The AV Technologist of the Year recognises an outstanding achievement by an individual in advancing AV technology. The Award is open to nominations for individuals responsible for the development of a new technology, solution or application, and which is either currently available on the market or which will be demonstrated as a working prototype up to and including ISE 2016.
► AV Sales Professional of the Year
The AV Sales Professional of the Year recognises the contribution that the individuals who lead or make up the sales teams of resellers, integrators, distributors or manufacturers make to advancement of the AV industry. The winner of the Award must demonstrate success in AV sales over a period of at least two years, a professional approach and innovation in sales technique.
► AV Support Professional of the Year
Support plays a vital role in customer retention and winning repeat business at every level in the channel. The AV Support Professional of the Year Award recognises the importance of the support and service functions in the running of a professional business, and is open to representatives of resellers, integrators, distributors and manufacturers. The winner must be able to demonstrate a commitment to the support role, and to provide evidence of positive customer interaction.
► AV Marketing Professional of the Year
Communication of the benefits and applications of a continuing stream of new products, solutions and services have seen the marketing function increase in influence. The AV Marketing Professional of the Year Award recognises excellence in marketing and marketing communications. The winner must be able to demonstrate effectiveness, creativity and success over a period of not less than two years and innovation in marketing communications.
► Outstanding Achievement in AV
The Outstanding Achievement in AV Award recognises the product of a lifetime contribution to the development of the AV industry. The winner will hold, or will have held, a senior position within the industry for not less than five years, and will be a well known figure at the manufacturer, distributor or reseller level.
COMPANY AND ORGANISATION AWARDS
► AV Market Development Initiative of the Year
Sponsored by RGB Communications
The AV Market Development Initiative of the Year category acknowledges success with end-user programmes that contribute to the development of new business opportunities for the AV industry. Examples of qualifying entries might include end-user marketing or education campaigns; end-user events; customer promotions; new technology applications and deployments and other market development initiatives by AV resellers and systems integrators.
► AV Project of the Year (Education)
Education applications have seen a succession of technology paradigm shifts that have teaching and learning fundamentally. These transitions are still in progress with the move to collaborative and personalised learning. The education Project of the Year rewards innovation, sustainability and effectiveness and will be awarded to the reseller or integrator responsible for deploying the nominated learning solution in the calendar year 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015.
► AV Project of the Year (Commercial)
Commercial AV has assumed new levels of importance in environments as diverse as SMBs trough to enterprises and public sector organisations. Whether through improving decision making and operational efficiency with collaborative technologies or developing customer communication with digital signage, AV technologies are fast becoming mission critical. The commercial Project of the Year rewards innovation, sustainability and effectiveness and will be awarded to the reseller or integrator responsible for deploying the nominated commercial solution in the calendar year 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015.
► AV Project of the Year (Residential)
Both home automation and networked home entertainment have seen significant innovations in the last year, with advances in energy saving, 4K displays and projection, networked audio and the migration of control to mobile devices. The residential Project of the Year rewards innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction and will be awarded to the reseller or integrator responsible for deploying the nominated residential solution in the calendar year 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015.
► AV Display Innovation of the Year
Sponsored by Peerless-AV Europe
The AV Display Innovation of the Year Award marks the development of new or improved display technologies that will have a significant effect on the AV industry going forwards, providing the basis for new products, solutions or applications. The Award can be made to companies recognised as currently active within the AV sector or those involved in the development of enabling technologies on which future AV solutions might be based. Innovations introduced year 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015 or previewed in at least prototype form at ISE 2016 will be considered.
► AV Network Innovation of the Year
Sponsored by Peerless-AV Europe
The AV Network Innovation of the Year Award marks the development of new or improved network technologies that will have a significant effect on the AV industry going forwards, providing the basis for new products, solutions or applications. The Award can be made to companies recognised as currently active within the AV sector or those involved in the development of enabling technologies on which future AV solutions might be based. Innovations introduced year 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015 or previewed in at least prototype form at ISE 2016 will be considered.
► AV Reseller / Integrator of the Year
Sponsored by BenQ UK
The AV Reseller / Integrator of the Year Award recognises excellence in the transaction of the vast majority of AV business – skilled specialists delivering the right product or solution for their customers’ needs, with purchase decisions based on appropriate advice, installed with a high degree of competence and supported with due consideration. The winner of this Award will be required to demonstrate effectiveness at each stage of the buying process, with evidence provided in the form of projects completed within the last 12 months.
AV News Awards 2016 Sponsors
Headline Award Sponsors
BenQ UK
BenQ is a world-leading human technology and solutions provider driven by the corporate vision of ‘Bringing Enjoyment ’N’ Quality to Life’ to elevate and enrich the aspects of life that matter most to people today- lifestyle, business, healthcare and education. Set apart by the unique philosophy of ‘Because it matters’ BenQ is committed to empower people today to live better, increase efficiency, feel healthier and enhance learning through people-driven, innovation-fuelled products, services and solutions. Because it matters, BenQ will continue to utilize substantial resources and proven expertise in product design, visual display, mobile solutions and network convergence technologies with the hope to delight the world, offering a broad range of products, services and solutions: digital projectors, professional monitors, interactive large-format displays, imaging solutions, mobile computing devices, and LED lighting solutions.
For more information: www.benq.co.uk
Peerless-AV
Peerless-AV, a Peerless Industries, Inc. company, is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of audio visual solutions. From its award-winning mounts and wireless streaming systems to indoor/outdoor kiosks and the industry’s first fully sealed outdoor displays, Peerless-AV aims to Get it Right by fulfilling both integrators’ needs for ease of installation and service, and end-users’ dreams in residential and commercial applications. Based in Aurora, IL, Peerless-AV manufactures over 3,600 products that serve original equipment manufacturers, commercial integrators and consumer retailers in 22 vertical markets through direct sales representatives and authorised distribution. More information: www.peerless-av.com.
RGB Communications
RGB was established in 1991 as a technical audio visual distributor. Initially distributing ‘connectivity’ solutions to AV resellers, since then we have expanded our product range to cover all aspects of audio visual solutions for AV resellers and custom installers including; Room & Lighting Control, Networks, Audio & Video Conferencing, Projection & Displays, Connectivity, Racks & Power and Meeting Room signage. Where we differ from run of the mill distributors is our technical expertise, our focus by not distributing conflicting products, not representing too many manufacturers, extensive dealer training program, an enviable reputation, our commitment to customer service, consistency and longevity. Our mission statement is; to provide our customers, suppliers and staff with a long term, profitable relationship. More information: www.rgbcomms.co.uk
Event Sponsors
CDEC
CDEC has been fulfilling the AV needs of both the corporate and public sectors since 2000, when founder Andy Duckworth combined his teaching experience with his ICT Manager background to bring seamlessly integrated AV solutions to organisations across the UK. From education and corporate to retail and digital signage, we cover a broad range of verticals nationwide, adopting a partnership approach with both clients and manufacturers to ensure that every installation is tailored to the individual needs of each project. Our Elite Reseller status for all manufacturers in our portfolio means that we can confidently offer warranty support and specialised technical knowledge for every state-of-the-art product we install. This combined with our ingrained commitment to excellent customer service and life-long after sales care means we provide a complete AV integration package. More information: www.cdec.co.uk
NEC Display Solutions
NEC Display Solutions Europe GmbH has its European headquarters in Munich, Germany and is responsible for all business activities in EMEA. NEC Display Solutions benefits from the technological know-how and technologies of the NEC Corporation and, with its own Research and Development, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers offering the widest product range of display solutions in the market. The display product portfolio ranges from entry-level to professional and speciality desktop LCDs, via large-size Public Displays for Digital and Retail Signage. The Projector range offers products for all needs, from portable devices via business projectors to products for permanent operation (such as PoS applications) and digital cinema projectors. More information: www.nec-display-solutions.com
Promethean
Promethean is a global education company that motivates students to learn by developing, integrating and implementing innovative 21st century learning environments that make everyone more engaged, empowered, and successful. The company is headquartered in Blackburn in Lancashire, England with U.S headquarters in Atlanta, Ga.
Teachers and students in today’s connected classroom are empowered with access to limitless learning and instructional resources. Together with over 2 million teachers around the world, Promethean’s mission is to improve education by partnering with teachers to create dynamic learning environments that motivate students to learn.
Promethean offers classroom technology solutions that address the needs of schools, teachers and students, including the ActivBoard, ActivPanel and ClassFlow for Schools. More information: www.promethanworld.com
PSCo Technology Assessment Centre
At PSCo, we focus on delivering the latest and most innovative visual solutions exclusively to our trade partners, through PSCo Technical Distribution, Nearly New AV and PSCo Rental. We have over 15 years’ experience bringing new and exciting technologies to the UK, including large format, video wall and LED displays. We have tailored our services to complement and support our channel partners and portfolio of products. Our unique Assessment Centre showcases the very latest impactful display solutions side-by-side and in a real-world setting including six individual product zones; LED, High Bright, Video Wall, Mounting Solutions, Ultra Large Format Display and Players & Processors.More information: www.psco.co.uk
How to enter the AV News Awards 2015
Nominations are now open for the 2016 AV News Awards. You can nominate yourself or your company, a supplier or other business associate and, if you are a PR or marketing agency, a client. The entry procedure has been simplified this year. Application is via a web form which you can access using the QR code (below); by following this link ; or by following the banner on the AV News home page (www.avnews.eu). Additional materials, such as references, testimonials and case studies can be submitted by post to the address above or email to: sue.pritchard@avnewsonline.com clearly marked with the name of the nominee.
The closing date for Award nominations is the 1 December 2015. Entries made before the closing date are free. Thereafter, entries are accepted at the organisers’ discretion and attract a late submission charge of £175 plus VAT. Nominations will go before the judges in January 2015. Winners will be announced at a presentation at ISE 2014 staged at the RAI Amsterdam on the 9 February 2016.
Enter your Awards Nomination using the web form at: Awards using the web form at: http://form.jotformeu.com/form/52253282232346?.
Why you should enter the AV News Awards
AV News managing editor Bryan Denyer explains why winning an industry award can give you more than a warm fuzzy feeling. Research puts some numbers against value of being an award winner – numbers that might surprise you.
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It’s something of a truism to say that companies that win awards are companies that enter awards competitions – in short, ‘you have to be in it to win it’. Even with the simplified entry procedures of the AV News Awards, it undeniably takes time, resource and no little effort to enter the competition. Is it worth it? Research has been conducted to assess the business benefits of winning an award.
Awards Intelligence has published some statistics about the benefits of winning, and even participating in, awards. Smaller award winning companies experienced a 63% increase in operating income and a 39% growth in sales when compared to non-winners. Large award winning companies enjoyed a 48% increase in operating income and a 37% growth in sales when compared to non-award winners.
Furthermore, a study compared the financial performance of 120 award winning companies across Europe that met specific criteria against comparison companies of a similar size and operating in the same industries. The research showed that award winners also experienced a long-tail effect. Financial performance was tracked over 11 years.
The study found that the award winning companies showed improvements in financial performance after just a year of winning their first award. Three years after receiving an award, the 120 award winning companies outperformed the comparison companies by an average of 17% for sales. During the final year that performance was monitored, the award winning companies experienced even greater increases as compared to non-winning companies, with sales growing by an average of 77% more and operating profit by 18% more.
Benefits to the company
Aside from the potential financial benefits there are a number of less tangible, but nonetheless useful, benefits to be gained from winning an award. These include:
█ Marketing and customer verification: the acknowledgment of status conferred by an award provides verification to prospective customers and post-purchase justification to existing customers.
█ Improved employer brand-building and recruiting: the visibility that comes from winning or even being listed as a finalist will dramatically help recruiting efforts.
█ Increased media and Internet exposure: not only will the awards themselves result in more exposure, but the follow-up media coverage can also be powerful. The awards will also be talked about on social media, in tweets and blogs – and they will also appear on Google searches.
Benefits to the individual or team
Awards to individuals and teams also confer a range of business benefits. These include:
█ Increased internal credibility: winning an award or even showing that a candidate ranks among the very best will definitely build a team’s internal credibility.
█ Increased team cohesiveness and pride: the team cohesiveness and pride associated available from winning award dramatically improves the bonds between team members.
█ Improved recruiting for the team: in addition to helping company-wide recruiting, the recognition from the award, coupled with the follow-up writing and speaking opportunities, will drive top talent in direction.
█ Decreasing the impact of any team negatives: winning external awards provides authentic credibility – particularly in ‘Cinderella’ departments. For example, the external validation that comes from awards will help to support any requests for budget increases.
One potentially unhelpful consequence of a team member winning an award is the enhancement of an individual’s personal brand and may lead to salary increases, promotions, and offers of an alternative employment.
How to win awards
With the financial benefits and the other advantages that award winners enjoy, including enhanced reputation, increased trust, a higher profile and better staff moral, the case for entering awards competitions is fairly easily made in planning a marketing programme. The benefits of business awards for small businesses are similar to large companies with several exceptions. Often a small business will struggle to establish recognition and credibility in the marketplace. A business award win or nomination can open doors and have a greater impact on the growth of a smaller company.
The entry process for an award itself helps to drive functional excellence. This is because the award process focuses the entire team, and the award criteria themselves serve as excellent guidelines as to what does or does not impress business leaders. The award process forces you to understand metrics and to compare your practices and results to the very best. Awards judging criteria vary, but most share a similar structure that allow you to prepare in advance, and therefore reduce the burden of entering.
Your pre-prepared checklist might include:
█ An inventory of case studies, product profiles and a company backgrounder: preparing this material in advance takes aware some of the burden of compiling entries and can also be used for media enquiries and customer presentations.
█ Compile a schedule of links: include web links to compelling videos, photos, and support information to supplement your application. These links can be especially powerful when applications contain word limits.
█ Collect key quotes: positive comments or quotes from customers, partners, senior executives, employees and other partners can also be powerful.
When it comes to completing awards applications:
█ Make the application easy to scan: use bullet points and highlighting key accomplishments helps to ensure that nothing important is missed during the judging.
█ Focus on metrics and numbers: awards that require that you provide proof of business impact must be provided with accurate number. Even if you don’t have precise numbers, you need to unfailingly use professional estimates, because failing to use numbers will result in you losing.
█ Include ROI — showing that you reduced costs isn’t as impactful as showing that you got higher business impacts as a result of wise investments.
█ Include comparative numbers: numbers and metrics that are provided in isolation have a lower impact than when you provide a comparison number alongside it.
To improve your chances of winning an award avoid ‘failure factors’. Focus on positive factors and avoid the negative. These negative elements include: using acronyms that outsiders won’t understand; using words as opposed to numbers to describe results; and including programs and results in your application from outside of an individual award category. Making the award application appear like a ‘one man band’ can also be perceived as a negative, so acknowledge the contributions of other team members.
