News
New plan for BikeBiz Awards
Mark Sutton May 27 2008, 11:17am
Comments (4)
First annual cycle trade awards to be virtual, live event in '09
Intent Media has decided to initially establish the BikeBiz Awards brand via online and print only, offering recognition and prestige for Finalists and winners without the expense of buying tickets or tables.
"We are still convinced that the industry needs a high profile, quality awards event. Cannondale had signed up to be headline sponsor of a big event at the Cafe Royal in Regent Street this October. Like us, they believe that excellence in the market should be recognised," said Intent boss Stuart Dinsey.
"We planned in a champagne reception, three course meal, plentiful booze, a celebrity host, casino and late licence. High grade AV, bespoke stage, plasmas and video piece were all there and we hoped suppliers would invite their retail customers and enjoy a big night celebrating the industry. But, thanks to the BikeBiz Awards being such a new idea, there seemed some opposition to paying £150 a head for a table.
"This is disappointing, given what we were planning, but the industry has spoken and we have listened. We will focus instead on establishing the BikeBiz Awards as the most prestigious in the industry. The countdown to this year's awards continues and the promotion will be relentless. There just won't be a night on the tiles for anyone."
The industry can lobby to be considered for one of the 14 categories by emailing Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk up until June 27th.
Finalists per category will then be announced in print and online on Friday June 27th. This will be followed by a dedicated Finalists supplement published with the September edition of BikeBiz.
A jury of industry execs and retailers will then be asked to vote, with all winners revealed on Monday October 6th. Each winner will still be presented with an award by BikeBiz.
"We will launch a live version of the BikeBiz Awards next year, with the trade consulted fully before final decisions are taken on timing, pricing and venue. And after this year, we're sure that there will be a greater understanding of the significance and prestige that a fair and well organised celebration of industry expertise can deliver."
The full list of categories for the BikeBiz Awards 2008 are:
Independent Bike Dealer
Online Retailer
Specialist Chain
Non-specialist Chain
Distributor for Complete Bikes
Distributor for Parts and Accessories
Sales Team
Manufacturer
Sales Triumph
Product Innovation
Marketing Team
Consumer Magazine
Consumer Website
Industry Achievment Award
Comments
“Distributor for Complete Bikes”
Posted by: RussellHW - May 27, 12:12pm
Please feel free to vote for Hot Wheels! :)
contact
Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk
“BikeBiz Awards”
Posted by: philiphunt - May 27, 1:04pm
Industry Awards are difficult in the best economic times - unless you have the backing of someone with a vested interest and deep pockets. With many years in the business of physically staging award nights and similar events, on behalf of clients, I don't think I once felt envious of the folk charged with the ultimate responsibility for the event. It is an onerous, politically dangerous and fairly thankless task for everyone - with the exception of the actual winners -providing they bite the bullet and are prepared to use the award as a means of furthering their business. I recall that at the time of your announcement II felt you were being courageous to undertake the mission. My feeling is that you are dealing with such a diverse range of business people, running such a wide range of types and styles of business, in a country with so many diverse markets you may find it nearly impossible to bring them all together under one roof - even if you paid them. Small businesses are often not happy to divulge the way they do business for fear they may make themselves look foolish and naive in front of their peers. It is a human foible and therefore it means the strongest and most confident dominate these situations. Then the rest cry out from the side lines and mutter to themselves about how the Awards are unjust and unfair and not worth entering. An online system seems like it could bring about a satisfactory result and become a model for the future of the Awards. It could be less confrontational and therefore bring out the people who really do a great job in the industry but who are too shy to trumpet about it.
“Re: BikeBiz Awards”
Posted by: Stuart - Intent Media - May 27, 3:42pm
Thanks Philip. Some useful insight there and much appreciated.
Our biggest 'mistake' may have been not to have consulted with the industry enough when planning a lavish event for this autumn.
But we are committed to introducing valuable awards to the trade this year and will still do so via print and online. Plus real shiny awards for the winners - who will have been voted by the industry itself.
We know the onus will be on us next year to come up with something affordable, enjoyable and prestigious. But this year we will concentrate on the brand itself and its editorial values.
This year is now all about people understanding what we are trying to do, because recognising excellence has to be a good exercise for the industry.
Even without a live bash on stage, the BikeBiz Awards will be very high profile as the year unfolds.
And thanks again to everyone who has helped us shape this new strategy.
Stuart
Publisher, BikeBiz
“Re: BikeBiz Awards”
Posted by: Mike Reeves - May 31, 11:05am
Visit & Vote for onelessvan.blogspot.com in the Consumer Website Category.
Probably the only UK site devoted entirely to cargo carrying by bike.