The event is an opportunity for the large-format print industry to come together to celebrate its achievements. With a theme of ‘Be Bold’ there will be 12 awards categories to showcase a wide range of skills and creativity.

Dan Tyler, managing director of Vism, which is organising the event alongside FESPA UK Association, describes a shift from panic to positivity within the industry.

Tyler says: “In what is without doubt one of the most testing times this industry has ever seen, we’ve all spent the last few weeks adjusting to the ‘new normal’. Across the sector, we’re seeing a shift from panic to positive in recent days though, as people have gotten to work on some of the business improvement, marketing and other projects they’d been meaning to look at for some time.”

Due to the unexpected extra downtime many businesses across the UK are now experiencing, Tyler says more companies have been in touch to ask how they can enter the awards.

He continues: “The whole point of this event was always to bring the large-format print community together to share experiences, celebrate the best and most creative work produced by our peers, network and enjoy each other’s company. Now more than ever the team at FESPA UK and I all feel that this is going to be absolutely essential.”

Tyler describes that there is a sense of responsibility to “press on” and bring everyone together. To do this, judging for the awards will still take place in July, remotely if needed and entry is free. Organisers have also decided to open the competition up so people can now enter as many categories as they want.

Confirmed sponsors include HP, Swanline Group, AGFA, Installation Squad, RA Smart, and Amari

Given the unpredictable nature of the coronavirus pandemic as it stands, Tyler acknowledges that September is still a few months away. Organisers will assess the situation in June or July and if it’s not possible to proceed with the event, it will be postponed.

Tyler adds: “This is a challenging period for all of us, there’s no doubt about that, but wherever you can, I encourage you to use this time in a positive way and look forward to the future. Look back at the projects you’ve completed over the past nine months, find the very best, get onto our website and submit them.”

The awards are set to take place on September 15th, 2020 at Oulton Hall, Leeds.

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