Entry Information
1) Choose your category: In the award entry process, you will choose your category and award. Categories and Awards for January 2024 can be found here. Complete your submission using no more than 500 words to describe why your solution, service, insight, or methodology deserves the award. You will add your company logo, and any files and images you find valuable in support of your nomination. *For select awards in the Community Category, please see additional requirements under the Criteria and Rules section below.
2) Complete your submission: Once submitted and approved, share your nomination through your social channels and client base. Prepare further social communication for when the public voting opens on November 1st, 2023
3) Watch the show! Join us at Gotham Hall, NYC on January 12th for an unforgettable night.
Key Dates
Entries Open - Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Entries Close - Nominations Extended Friday 27 October, 2023
Voting Begins - Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Voting Ends - Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Finalist Announcements - Monday, December 4, 2023
VIP Awards Night - Friday, January 12, 2024
How the awards work
Entry is open to any company providing solutions and services to the retail industry. This includes SW/HW providers, analysts, consulting firms, agencies, media, etc. The awards team and the Panel of Judges will verify that all nominations are in the correct categories.
Once nominations open, solution providers can submit their applications, providing the collateral needed. Retailers can nominate a vendor by filling out the form on the Nominate page and VIP Awards will contact the vendor to have them complete their submission.
Once voting opens, our team and yours will encourage everyone to vote. We encourage our nominees to go out to their network, customers, and social media channels to promote voting.
The independent panel of judges will assess the votes and all the materials submitted. Each award will have one winner and a minimum of two finalists. During the event, the winners will be honored with an award presentation on stage, and finalists will be announced and will pick up their finalist award at the event.
Criteria and Rules
General Award Entry Criteria
Complete your submission in no more than 500 words, describing why your solution, service, insight, or methodology deserves the award. Please add your company logo, files, and images to support your nomination. You may edit your entry after submitting, up until the entry deadline. You may enter more than one category/award.
Additional Award Criteria
For the top 3 awards, Partner of the Year, Best Longstanding Partnership and the VIP Challenge Award, there are additional criteria.
For Partner of the Year, in addition to the general award entry criteria, provide up to 2 employee testimonials (with contact information) describing one or more aspects of the impact of the company, and provide 2 customer testimonials (with contact information) highlighting the results in the relationship and how you have enabled delivering on your promise. You may edit your entry after submitting, up until the entry deadline. You may enter more than one category/award.
For the VIP Challenge Award, in addition to the general award entry criteria, provide a customer testimonial (with contact information) highlighting the results of this innovative solution.
For the Best Longstanding Partnership award, in addition to the general award entry criteria, provide a customer testimonial (with contact information) highlighting the value of the partnership.
FAQs
Is there a cost to nominate?
Yes, there is a fee of $750 USD per nomination. The entry fee includes a ticket to the awards night, we will send you instructions on how to register via email (You must register your attendance by the 30th December or the ticket is forfeit).
What should the 500 words include on entry?
This is where you tell the judges and the public why you qualify to win this award. You should highlight the product or service you are most proud of, highlight the changes you have made within the company that sets you apart - this is where you sell yourself and your team. You don't have to write 500 words, short sharp and to the point is what matters, but sell it.
What are the "other materials" on entry?
You can upload additional information to help support your nomination. This can be a customer testimonial, a highlight reel, a case study, anything that supports your entry.
How will retailers and supporters place their votes?
Retailers and supporters will register using a valid business email address, and simply click on the entry they want to vote for in each category.
How many from each retailer can vote?
There is no limit to how many employees per retail business can vote. You can vote for multiple awards but only vote once for an award.
Can nominees vote for themselves, or can other partners vote for a nominee?
Nominees and partners can vote, but there will be a limit of five votes per non-retailer company. Voters must vote with an email address belonging to a business. In other words, no personal email addresses such as gmail, outlook, hotmail etc. will be accepted.
What is the dress code for the event?
Cocktail Attire
How will the votes be verified?
A voter must vote with an email address belonging to a business. In other words, no personal email addresses such as gmail, outlook, hotmail etc. will be accepted.
Do the voters need to put forward a statement as to why they have voted for who they did?
No, we do not require a statement or testimonial, just a click to vote.
How will the retailers and nominees find out about voting?
Once the voting stage begins, we will utilize social media channels and industry influencers to spread the word about voting. Additionally, it is up to each nominee to encourage their customers and supporters to vote for them and we will provide graphical assets to be used in emails and social media to promote your entry.
Who will oversee the voting process?
The voting process will be overseen by our independent panel of Judges.
Is there just a winner or other finalists per category too?
Each award will have one winner and a minimum of two finalists. During the event, the winners will be honored with an award presentation on stage, and finalists will be announced and will pick up their finalist award at the event.
Will the finalists be notified?
Notifications will be sent once voting closes and the votes have been tallied.
What are your cancellation guidelines?
For tickets purchased after October 2nd 2023 50% refund is offered if you cancel up to December 11th, 2023. No refunds are offered if you cancel after this date. You are welcome to send a substitute in your place. Any complimentary tickets given with your entry must be registered before the closing date December 22, 2023 or they will be forfeited.