entry guidelines - amazon web services · 2019-05-07 · – entry cost plus video is £350 + vat...

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#TheFutureIsAV

ENTRY GUIDElineS

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Firmly recognised as the unrivalled badge of excellence for the AV industry, the AV Awards provide an unassailable benchmark for professional standards and best practice.They recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals, companies, projects and technology across the AV, events and production sectors.

Our judging process is exceedingly rigorous, with awards in each category judged independently by experts and end users. For this reason, the AV Awards are the most respected in the industry.

This guide tells you everything you need to know about the awards, and what you need to do to create an award entry with the best possible chance of success.

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GENERAL ENTRY RULES AND INFORMATION

The AV Awards are open to all organisations working in the global AV industry.

All entries should be made using the online submission form. Please follow the instructions closely, paying particular attention to the information being asked of you. Only by keeping to the format and criteria requested can you ensure that the judges will have everything they need to evaluate your entry and compare it accurately with other entries in the category.

All entries must be submitted via the online entry form at www.avawards.com. Entries submitted by any other means or in any other format will be disqualified.

Before submitting your entry, please make sure it is complete, including relevant supplementary information. It will not be possible to amend your entry or provide additional information once your entry has been submitted.

ELIGIBILITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

The eligibility period for submissions should relate to the period from 1st February 2018 to 31st May 2019. Please make sure that your entry only contains evidence of activity that took place during this period.

Companies or individuals may submit entries on their own behalf, or on behalf of other individuals or organisations, including colleagues, industry peers, suppliers or clients. If submitting on someone else’s behalf, please ensure you have their permission to do so. Please note that entries submitted for the 2018 AV Awards cannot be entered for the 2019 Awards unless you can demonstrate that substantial developments or improvements have taken place.

The information in your entry will remain confidential between the AV Awards team. All of our judges are bound by Non-Disclosure Agreements.

THE AWARDS PROCESS

The AV Awards process is simple and transparent. It is structured to ensure an accurate and failsafe method of determining the winner of each award.

ENTRIES

Entries open Monday, 18th February 2019

Entries will close at midnight GMT on Saturday, 22nd June 2019

Your written entry is the basis on which you will be judged and shortlisted and should be completed to the best of your ability. Make sure you include all of the information we ask for and demonstrate thoroughly how you meet the criteria for the award category you are entering. Please also ensure the information is formatted correctly, or it may not be put forward.

Please note that you will be unable to complete your entry if you have not filled out the mandatory fields indicated by an asterisk *.

Entries must be submitted via www.avawards.com. You will receive confirmation of receipt once your entry has been successfully submitted.

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COSTS

The entry fee is:

– £160 plus VAT per entry

– Entry cost plus video is £350 + VAT

Video service

In 2019 we’re offering entrants to the technology category a low-price professional video service. If you’re exhibiting your technology at a major UK exhibition at which we have a presence before 1 June 2019, we can come to your stand and create a short video to accompany your submission.

THE JUDGES

Each award has a specially curated judging panel, featuring a cross section of AV technology end-users and industry specialists, relevant to the award category. We go to great lengths to ensure each panel has both expertise and diversity, so that every entry can be assessed accurately and from a mix of viewpoints.

THE JUDGING PROCESS

Step 1 – Initial scoring: The judges for each award review and independently score every entry in their allocated category, paying close attention to the criteria laid out on the entry form. The highest scoring entries from Step 1 will be put through to Judging Day.

Step 2 – Scoring review and shortlist selection: The judges come together on Judging Day to discuss each entry in depth. After which, they again independently score each entry. The highest scoring entries are then shortlisted.

Judging Day Presentations: If you have made an entry for any of the awards listed below, and you make it through to the shortlist selection, you will be invited to attend a Judging Day. This will be held at an independent, central London venue in the presence of all of the judges. You will be given a 30-minute time slot. This will include 15 minutes to present your entry and 10 minutes to answer questions from the judges. If you are invited to attend a Judging Day you will be consulted in advance regarding a suitable date and arrangements will be confirmed to you by the AV Awards team.

• Manufacturer of the Year

• Distributor of the Year

• International Integrator of the Year

• National Integrator of the Year

• Consultancy of the Year

Please note that we expect Judging Days to be attended by senior representatives of the company or companies involved in the award. We recommend no more than 2 attendees.

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SCORING

The transparency and security of the judging process is hugely important to us. For that reason, every judge signs a Non-Disclosure Agreement and all judges meetings are held in private, confidential environments. Scores from step 1 are marked against a criterion then collated, verified to avoid anomalies and then averaged to determine who should be put through to Judging Day. The entries on Judging Day will be determined through a ranking system. The AV Awards team and designated panel leaders supervise the judging process to identify and avoid any risk of bias and judges are asked to recuse themselves where they have a personal or professional interest.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The winners of the AV Awards will be announced at the AV Awards ceremony on Friday, 11 October 2019 at Battersea Evolution, London.

SUMMARY OF KEY DATES

Please put these important dates in your diary!

Entries open Monday, 18 FebruaryEntries close Midnight (GMT), Friday, 21 June 2019Judging day/s Thursday, 25 July 2019Shortlist announced Monday, 5 August Winner announcement Friday, 11 October 2019

THE ENTRY FORM & WHAT TO INCLUDE

Your entry must be no longer than 1,000 words in total and observe the indicated word number requirements for each section, as indicated.

Take care to address all of the criteria for the award you are entering. To view the criteria for each award please go to https://avawards.com/avawards2019/en/page/entry-guidelines.

Please look at these criteria carefully when deciding on the appropriate award to enter. If you enter an award and the AV Awards team feels your entry is more suited to another award or category, we reserve the right to move your entry.

Once you’ve selected the award/s you wish to enter, the text boxes appropriate to that award will be displayed on screen. Make sure you correctly input the text of your entry into the relevant fields. Supporting material is optional and should be uploaded in the relevant places, as indicated on the form.

Please ensure you have the following items to upload to your entry:

• Your 1,000-word, text-only submission. This must be entered into the text boxes on the online entry form as directed and according to the criteria. Please note that an asterisk (*) denotes mandatory information without which your entry will not be accepted.

• Testimonials. These are additional to the word count. Where we ask for testimonials, you should obtain these from clients, partners, and industry figures, rather than employees of your organisation.

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• Supporting material. Three images and one video link per entry, this should be attached as a zip file. Any additional documents such as PowerPoint presentations of your award entry will not be accepted. Supporting material is optional and at your own discretion.

• 100-word award summary. Should your entry be shortlisted, this summary will be published in the AV Awards Event Guide and shared in our marketing activity. Please ensure it is written in the third person. For example: ‘Company X’s award shows innovation and resourcefulness…’ rather than ‘Our award shows innovation and resourcefulness.’ You will not have an opportunity to review or amend the summary, so please ensure it is correct and accurate before you submit it.

• Your company logo. This should be supplied in colour as a vector eps file. We recommend a dpi of at least 300.

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CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA

TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES

• Accessory of the YearAll support products including pro AV furniture, trolleys and stands, mounts, brackets, cages and rigging.

• Audio Technology of the YearAudio products involved in installations across all sectors except production.

• Collaboration Technology of the YearVideo conferencing, telepresence, audio conferencing, web conferencing, or any other software environment, or ecosystem that delivers meaningful collaboration rather than basic communication functionality.

• Communication Technology of the YearAny hardware product that supports connectivity and communication. This includes all infrastructuredevices, interactive screens and cameras, such as PTZ.

• AV Management & Control Technology of the YearAll audio and visual technologies fulfilling the role of control in a pro AV environment, including apps and software. Commercial control systems include keypads, control panels (audio, video, lighting), touch panel controls, remote controls used in both AV applications and applied integrated systems for energy control, building management and lighting control. This also includes integrated physical access control such as keypads, serial controllers, IP-enabled controllers, edge-based, extenders. Standalone software includes all software that is not integrated or packaged with other products for AV asset management, design, show control, collaboration, content creation, scheduling, content management and room management for many solutions such as digital signage, collaboration, cinema, live events, command and control.

• Digital Signage Technology of the YearDigital signage technology solutions including displays, media players, servers, software and managed services to display content in out-of-home (OOH), public environments, and by multiple individuals simultaneously to convey information, advertising, or other forms of messaging.

• Display Technology of the YearProjectors, LFD, LED, videowalls, projection screens.

• Interactive Technology of the YearProducts which use some kind of interactive function to communicate with the user/operator, such as touch, voice or other form of gesture. Include: Interactive large format displays (LFDs), including 4K displays and videowalls, LCDs, signage displays and touch panels.

• Production Technology of the YearAll audio-visual technology involved in events, production, rental and staging.

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• AV Processing & Management Technology of the YearAll audio visual technologies fulfilling the role of video processing and distribution in a pro AV environment. Video processors, signal routing and switching to include signal switchers, transmitters and matrix switchers (routers) that transmit and replicate control information and IP-based AV signals outside specialist applications (such as broadcast).

PROJECT CATEGORIES

• Broadcast and Media Project of the YearOpen to those operating AV within the broadcast and media sectors including studio-based broadcast productions, sports broadcasts, gaming, televised events and esports.

• Corporate and Enterprise Project of the YearOpen to companies using pro AV technology within banking, large corporate, pharmaceutical, telecoms, utilities and energy sectors. Corporate showrooms and lobbies are included in this. This category is not for corporate events, only installations in corporate, enterprise-wide/global operating environments.

• Digital Signage / DooH Project of the YearAV projects across all sectors using digital signage and DooH (Digital out of Home).

• Education Project of the YearOpen to those involved in higher, primary, secondary, further education and auditoriums covering applications such as lecture capture and distance learning. There are no restrictions on the nature of the project other than it must have an overriding pro audio visual aim.

• Events and Entertainment Project of the YearThis category aims to attract the newest technical ideas and is open to a wide range of events including awards ceremonies, experiential events, tours, corporate events, opening and closing ceremonies, sponsored events, exhibits, sales conferences, product launches, exhibition events, music events, outdoor events and festivals, etc.

• Leisure and Hospitality Project of the YearThe hospitality industry has consistently been one of innovation, not only to help streamline processes, but to push beyond the current guest expectations to provide unique, memorable experiences for their customers. Open to those operating AV within the leisure/hospitality sectors including cruise ships, sports and leisure facilities, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and resorts, travel agents, tour operators, casinos and F&B.

• Public Sector Project of the YearOpen to any company in the public services arena including government, healthcare/medical, transportation, defence, emergency services, command and control. There are no restrictions on the nature of the project other than to stress it must have an overriding pro audio visual aim.

• Retail Project of the YearExamples of companies using pro AV and experiential technology in retail environments, from supermarkets and shopping centres to large multinational retailers and smaller units.

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• Themed Entertainment and Attractions Project of the YearThemed entertainment designs and creates distinctive, engaging and immersive experiences that appeal to all demographics and leaves visitors eager for more. This category is open to companies using pro AV in cinema, visitor attractions, museums, theme parks, heritage and visitor attractions, galleries, science centres and themed attractions.

• Venue of the YearThe use of AV in public venues including houses of worship, stadiums, conference halls, historic venues, theatres, exhibition venues, musical entertainment and performance venues.

PEOPLE CATEGORIES

• AV Professional of the Year• Rising Star of the Year• Service Team of the Year

COMPANY CATEGORIES

• Consultancy of the Year• Distributor of the Year• International Integrator of the Year • Manufacturer of the Year• National Integrator of the Year• Production, Rental, Staging Company of the Year• Specialist AV Company of the Year

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TECHNOLOGY CRITERIA

Date technology shippedTechnologies must have been shipped between 1 February 2018 and 31 May 2019.

Brief explanation of technologyThis should be clear and concise. Avoid waffle, jargon and marketing-speak. Summarise what the technology is and what it does.

Tell us why your technology should win an award Outline why you’re entering this category and convince the judges that your entry should be considered.

Evidence of technological innovationTell us what’s new and exciting about your technology.

• Perhaps you’ve launched a game-changing product, or discovered a groundbreaking approach to a tough or complex problem.

• Or, you’ve identified an interesting twist, or new twist on an existing technology.• Ask yourself, does the technology introduce new capabilities, or provide significant improvements in

standard capabilities to the degree that make it stand out in its category? Does it break new ground, redefine the category or define a new subcategory within it?

User benefitTell us how your technology has enabled your ‘customer’ to achieve key business goals, as articulated by the customer, such as winning business or transforming internal processes Some points to consider:

• Is the technology easy to install? Are its interfaces intuitive and its functions clear, easy to learn and to run? Is the technology likely to require the regular help of professional services?

• Does it provide useful reports, audits, etc? Will it scale smoothly to accommodate growth in an environment? Does it integrate easily with other technologies, either from the same vendor or others? Can it operate effectively in heterogeneous environments? Has it been certified?

• Is the technology cost-effective? Does it deliver measurable RoI? If the technology is expensive or represents an additional cost for most environments, is the added functionality worth the price? Will the technology be cost effective to maintain?

Commercial successTell us how you’ve measured the market impact of this technology. For example, have sales gone through the roof, or enabled entry to a new market? Ideally, we’d like to see examples of your customers’ demographics and information about the entrant’s business. Judges will expect defensible evidence.

Customer TestimonialsThese should be obtained from clients, partners, and industry figures, rather than employees of your organisation.

Supporting materialSupporting material is optional and limited to up to 3 images and one video link per entry.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, think what a video can do. In 2019 we’re offering entrants to this category a low-price professional video service. If you’re exhibiting your technology at a major UK exhibition at which we have an editorial presence before 1 June 2019, we can come to your stand and create a short video to accompany your submission. Please note that additional fees apply.

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PROJECT CRITERIA

Involved partiesPlease name all organisations involved in delivery of the project and indicate which organisation took the lead.

Date project completedProjects must have been completed between 1 February 2018 and 31 May 2019.

Tell us why this project should win an awardOutline why you’re entering this category and convince the judges that your entry should be considered.

Brief explanation of projectThis should be clear and concise. Avoid waffle, jargon and marketing-speak. Summarise what the project was and what it delivered. Focus on the team that delivered it and detail the extent to which the client’s brief was met or exceeded.

Evidence of success/User benefitsTell us how the project has enabled your client to achieve key business goals, as articulated by the client, such as winning business or transforming internal processes

Some points to consider:

• Demonstrate the effectiveness of project management. Was the project delivered on budget, on time and did it deliver RoI?

• Demonstrate success. Has the project met or exceeded success measures established at the outset? Has it met or exceeded the client’s brief? Has it set a benchmark for the industry to aspire to? Did it use a ground-breaking approach to delivery? Judges will expect defensible evidence.



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COMPANY CRITERIA

Specialist AV Company of the Year

Who is eligible for this award?Outside the official industry supply chain, there are a plethora of organisations that help move AV businesses forward. This category is open to organisations that primarily supply technology solutions, services, support, professional services, digital and creative services plus many more within the AV, production and creative markets.

Tell us why your company should win an awardOutline why you’re entering this award and convince the judges that your entry should be considered.

Company objectives and overall strategyTell us what your company does and who its customers are. Outline your future strategy and show us how you’re moving the industry forward.

Evidence of innovationWe’re looking for companies that demonstrate innovation in developing and bringing to market new concepts, services, products and solutions, and how they stand out from the competition. Innovation may also include working practices and corporate management initiatives, not just technology.

Customer / User BenefitsExamples of customer success and technological innovation should be stated clearly. How are you delivering real benefits to end-user organisations? Judges expect defensible evidence of success.



#AVAwards / @


Distributor of the Year

Who is eligible for this award?Distributors of AV technology across all markets and regions which provide equipment and support to the dealer channel on behalf of the AV manufacturers they represent. In most cases distributors provide all the services and support elements that are available directly from the manufacturers, including inventory to accommodate immediate needs, warranty processing, service support, project and design assistance as well as demonstration equipment, sales training and sales assistance.


Company objectives and overall strategyTell us what your company does and who its customers are. Outline your future strategy and show us how you’re moving the industry forward. Tell us what value you’re adding to your resellers and how you stand out in a crowded market. Tell us about the value you add to your vendor partners and how you’ve influenced go-to-market product and strategy for your customers.Judges will expect to see the tactics you use to achieve objectives, as well as evidence of success.

Evidence of innovationWe’re looking for companies that demonstrate innovation in developing and bringing to market new concepts, services, products and solutions, and how they stand out from the competition. Innovation could also include working practices and corporate management initiatives, not just technology.

User BenefitsExamples of customer success and technological innovation should be stated clearly. How are you delivering real benefits to the end-user organisations? Judges expect defensible evidence of success.



#AVAwards / @


National Integrator of the Year

Who is eligible for this award? Integrators that primarily serve customers locally and nationally, and are committed to the complete project; from design, construction and installation, from delivery to training, and from commissioning to service and maintenance.

Organisation, coverage and capacity• Please list countries where you own offices and have permanent staff on payroll, and detail numbers

of each• If you subcontract in these countries please list countries where you use subcontract labour


Company objectives and overall strategyTell us what your company does and who its customers are. Outline your future strategy and show us how you’re moving the industry forward. Please provide evidence of the size of your company and of the projects it supports. Tell us what value you’re adding to your customers and vendor partners, and why they choose to work with you.


User BenefitsExamples of customer success and technological innovation should be stated clearly. How are you delivering real benefits to end-user organisations? Judges expect defensible evidence of success.



#AVAwards / @


International Integrator of the Year

Who is eligible for this award? Integrators that primarily serve customers in more than one country, preferably globally, and are committed to the kind of enterprise-level support its predominantly global customers require.While some integrators have the talent and resources to tackle the largest of integrated AV systems one day and a broadcast facility the next, say, international integrators understand and satisfy the much more complex, large-scale needs and requirements of those multinational organisations responding to the most demanding challenges worldwide.

Organisation, coverage and capacity• Please list countries where you own offices and have permanent staff on payroll, and detail numbers

of each• Please list countries where you use subcontract labour• Global Enterprise frequently requires 8-hour SLA’s on systems. Please describe how you would

guarantee an 8-hour SLA across your claimed area of coverage, including where you would subcontract

• Please describe your logistics model for delivery of systems across your claimed area of coverage

Tell us why your company should win an awardOutline why you’re entering this award and convince the judges that your entry should be considered. Company objectives and overall strategyTell us what your company does and who its customers are. Outline your future strategy and show us how you’re moving the industry forward. Tell us what proportion of your business is international and evidence the size of company and project your business typically supports. Tell us what value you’re adding to your customers and vendor partners, and why they choose to work with you. Judges will expect to see the tactics you use to achieve objectives, as well as evidence of success.Tell us how you provide a standardised service to multiple enterprises globally.


User BenefitsExamples of customer success and technological innovation should be stated clearly. How are you delivering real benefits to end user organisations? Judges expect defensible evidence of success.

Customer TestimonialsPlease provide three testimonials that evidence your international reach. These should be obtained from clients, partners, and industry figures, rather than employees of your organisation.


#AVAwards / @


Consultancy of the Year

Who is eligible for this award? Organisations that provide consultancy to the AV industry independently and free of bias. They should not be sellers of AV. Typically they will provide design services and construction documents and, if required, assist in identifying qualified integrators and other AV service providers to implement projects, supervise the construction phase and provide initialisation and commissioning services.

Tell us why your company should win an awardOutline why you’re entering this award and convince the judges that your entry should be considered. Company objectives and overall strategyTell us what your company does and who its customers are. Outline your future strategy and show us how you’re moving the industry forward. Tell us what proportion of your business is international and evidence the size of company and project your business typically supports. Tell us what value you’re adding to your customers and why they choose to work with you. Judges will expect to see the tactics you use to achieve objectives, as well as evidence of success.

Evidence of innovationWe’re looking for companies that demonstrate innovation in developing and bringing to market new concepts and services, and how they stand out from the competition. Innovation could also include working practices and corporate management initiatives, not just technology.

User BenefitsExamples of customer success and technological innovation should be stated clearly. How are you delivering real benefits to user organisations?



#AVAwards / @


Manufacturer of the Year

Who is eligible for this award? Any organisation involved in the research, design and production of AV technology.

Tell us why your company should win an awardOutline why you’re entering this award and convince the judges that your entry should be considered. Company objectives and overall strategyTell us what your company does and who its customers are. Outline your future strategy and show us how you’re moving the industry forward. Tell us what proportion of your business is international and evidence the size of company and project your business typically supports. Tell us what value you’re adding to your customers and why they choose to work with you. Judges will expect to see the tactics you use to achieve objectives, as well as evidence of success.


User BenefitsExamples of customer success and technological innovation should be stated clearly. How are you delivering real benefits to clients and user organisations?



#AVAwards / @


Production, Rental and Staging Company of the Year

Who is eligible for this award? Organisations that provide the AV solutions customers need, whether they have a special message to deliver to an intimate group or a ‘Big Bang’ to thousands. They can provide assistance in the initial planning stages, concept and theme development, staging requirements, AV equipment requirements, pre-production planning, production, procurement, contract management, site analysis and selection, scripting and logistics, and virtually anything else customers may need to ensure their message hits the mark.


Company objectives and overall strategyTell us what your company does and who its customers are. Outline your future strategy and show us how you’re moving the industry forward. Tell us what proportion of your business is international and evidence the size of company and project your business typically supports. Tell us what value you’re adding to your customers and why they choose to work with you. Judges will expect to see the tactics you use to achieve objectives, as well as evidence of success.


User BenefitsExamples of customer success and technological innovation should be stated clearly. How are you delivering real benefits to clients and user organisations?



#AVAwards / @


PEOPLE CRITERIA

Service Team of the Year Criteria

Who is eligible for this award? In-house AV / IT / production and events teams that typically take care of technology procurement, service selection, delivery, implementation and maintenance/management internally of a project or event.

Tell us why you should win an awardOutline why you’re entering your team for this award and convince the judges that your entry should be considered. Innovation here could include working practices and corporate management initiatives, not just technology.

ServicesDemonstrate how your services match client’s needs, with evidence of success.

Evidence of user/customer satisfactionTell us about the benefits your team has delivered to the organisation in terms of improved efficiency, RoI, investment protection, growth or some other measure.



#AVAwards / @


AV Professional of the Year Criteria

Who is eligible for this award? Individuals working in the AV/IT, events or production industry, whether for an end-user organisation, a vendor or works on a freelance basis. Nominations should recognise an individual who has made a significant contribution and/or shown impressive leadership in the management of an in-house contract or vendor service-driven team.

Tell us why you should win an awardOutline why you’re entering this individual for this award and convince the judges that your entry should be considered.

SkillsJudges are looking for technical and/or business skills. Perhaps most importantly, someone who consistently demonstrates technical and operational innovation in bringing AV projects to fruition.

Summary of contributionTell us what this individual does that’s so great. Make your case clearly and concisely, avoiding waffle, jargon and market speak. Show us the passion.

Performance/achievementMay include commercial success as an AV business owner or leadership within an AV organisation; contributions to the community or to the AV industry; other professional credentials and achievements.

Business/project developmentMay include major contributions to the design of new AV products; lead role in the production of a staged event or events; a primary role in successful AV systems design or installation; production of outstanding multimedia presentations.


#AVAwards / @


Rising Star of the Year Criteria

Who is eligible for this award?Individuals under the age of 30 working in the professional AV/IT, events and production industry. The aim of this award is to recognise a young or emerging professional in an end-user organisation or vendor-service company or works on a freelance basis who has made a standout contribution to the technical, operational, or commercial performance of their team or company.

Tell us why you should win an awardOutline why you’re entering this individual for this award and convince the judges that your entry should be considered.

SkillsJudges are looking for technical and/or business skills. Perhaps most importantly, someone who consistently demonstrates technical and operational innovation in bringing AV projects to fruition.

Summary of contributionTell us what this individual does that’s so great. Make your case clearly and concisely, avoiding waffle, jargon and market speak

Show us the passion.Performance/achievementMay include commercial success as an AV business owner or leadership within an AV organisation; contributions to the community or to the AV industry; other professional credentials and achievements.

Business/project developmentMay include major contributions to the design of a new AV products; lead role in the production of a staged event or events; a primary role in successful AV systems design or installation; production of outstanding multimedia presentations.


#AVAwards / @AVMag


#TheFutureIsAV

ENTRY GUIDElineS

entry guidelines - amazon web services · 2019-05-07 · – entry cost plus video is £350 + vat...

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