In a surprise early announcement InAVation Awards organisers have revealed the shortlist for the 2018 Distributor of the Year Award.
Today we can reveal the shortlist of eight distributors that will now be considered for the prize with the winner announced at the InAVation Awards ceremony and dinner on February 6, 2018 in Amsterdam during the ISE exhibition.
Judges were looking for distributors that went over and above straightforward delivery of products. They paid high regard to those companies that assisted with technical expertise and system design, conducted training events, helped to promote their portfolio of brands to consultants, integrators and end users and assisted with credit and payment terms to help deliver ambitious projects.
Expansion into new territories or technology areas was a recurring theme from many entrants and where this was done strategically and in a way the met a researched and clear market need it was considered favourably by judges.
This year’s shortlist sees the return of previous winners Maverick AV Solutions and Midwich. Both companies were able to successfully demonstrate continuing achievements that built on the accomplishments saw them scoop awards in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
UK companies dominate the shortlist and it was interesting to note that a number of entries outlined the challenges of operating in a market thrown into uncertainty by Brexit and a lack of clarity on how the UK would proceed outside the EU. The biggest impact was on a sharp drop in the value of the pound with distributors in many cases left having to work hard to avoid price hikes being passed on to their customers.
The finalists are:
Advanced Multimedia
Audio Visual Material
COMM-TEC Italy
Leisuretec Distribution
Maverick AV Solutions
Midwich
Mindstec
Sahara AV Distribution
Organisers have also revealed that due to a number of judging sessions overrunning all remaining categories will now be announced on December 12, 2017.
The InAVation Awards ceremony and dinner will be held on February 6, 2108 on the first evening of the ISE show. Book your place now and take advantage of First Release pricing.
You can still cast a vote for winners within the 14 Technology Categories.
