BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
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
