The virtual SMAs are one week away!

We explain how it will all work this year as we continue to celebrate channel sales and marketing success

After a very long few months stuck in lockdown, the idea of coming together, albeit virtually, to celebrate our brilliant industry, will be a tonic.

There is no doubt that this global pandemic has caused immense hardship to many industries, but the channel has shown both innovation and determination during these most difficult of times, and it has also demonstrated a compassionate and caring side that has been much needed and valued.

It would be wrong for CRN not to recognise all those achievements over the past year, both pre-and-post-lockdown, which is why the 2020 virtual SMAs are more important than ever. And they are finally happening next week!

So how will it work?

The awards will be announced virtually next week over three consecutive days from 14 July to 16 July - so make sure you tune in with a beer, glass of wine or even a cocktail to toast the winners.

On each day, we will broadcast a live video announcing the winners and Judges' Commended winners.

You just need to register here to be able to tune in.

The order will be:

Tuesday 14 July - Vendor and General Categories

Wednesday 15 July - Distributor Categories

Thursday 16 July - Reseller Categories

Our shortlisters have been eagerly awaiting to find out which of them will pick up a trophy - and yes, the trophies will still be of the physical variety - so you will receive it through the post should you win. Check out the shortlist again here.

It might not be the same as meeting all your friends for a night of celebrating in the same room - but we fully intend to make up for that in 2021.

There will be a live Twitterfeed using the hashtag #CRNSMA - so please do share your thoughts and pictures of how you are celebrating.

Across the three days we will also be running a 'best dressed' competition. All you need to do is tweet a photo with the hashtag #SMAsBestDressed. Get involved with your team - join a video call with your team to watch the awards together and tweet a screenshot of you all dressed up! Best dressed team/person will win a prize. More details on the prize coming soon.

The best of luck to all our shortlisted companies.

To watch the awards programmes on any of the days, please register here.