Today is the day we launch the 2019 Channel Awards, and this year there are some old favourite categories returning this year by demand
It may not seem like five minutes since the last drop of champagne was drunk and the post-awards hangover lingered for days, but it is already time to launch the 2019 Channel Awards.
With a funfair theme this year, it is fitting to say that the industry has been on a rollercoaster ride for the past 12 months, with plenty of ups and downs.
Consolidation is still happening in every corner of the channel, but there are always newcomers arriving on the scene to unveil technologies and solutions that many of us haven't even considered until that point.
That is why this industry is such a fantastic place to be - it never stands still and is always innovating.
Of course, this innovation is what we like to celebrate at the Channel Awards - very few industries hold a candle to the IT industry when it comes to innovation.
Running an awards event on the scale of the Channel Awards can be a thankless task - unfortunately it is impossible to please everybody all of the time, and sadly there can only be one winner in each category.
Trying to convince the industry that awards are not bought through sponsorship or advertising spend is also a bit like running through treacle at times, but these awards really are anyone's for the taking.
All it takes is a good quality entry. It really is that simple.
Over the coming weeks, there will be a few articles appearing on the dedicated hub explaining what the judges are looking for, and also what makes a good entry.
The hub also has the criteria for every award. Please do read through these before starting your entry - they are there to help and guide. You can also find this on the Channel Awards site along with the entry forms.
Eagle-eyed readers will also notice the return of two categories in distribution - Storage Distributor of the Year and Networking/Comms Distributor of the Year. Due to the distribution sector changing the most, it is difficult to know which categories will work and which won't. But many asked for them back, so here they are.
However, if there are not enough entries or enough relevant entries, I'm afraid they will disappear once more. These categories need industry support via entries or they will be replaced. It is the same for all the categories. CRN will not run categories that fail to get a good response.
The Editor's choice Channel Chief of the Year award is back, and it is a particularly interesting category because we are asking resellers to nominate their favourite channel bosses for this award. It will not be judged by a panel - but the channel chief with the most (and most compelling) nominations will be crowned the winner. This one is up to you.
*Again the Reseller of the Year category has been split in two to give the smaller players a chance to shine, and we have done the same with the distributors, to encourage the smaller, more niche firms to give it a go.
These are YOUR awards, and without your support through entries, they would not exist.
But please, read the criteria, show the judges the personality of your business, and make sure your entry is relevant to the category.
To enter the awards, click here.
The deadline for the awards is Friday 12 July at 5pm.
Best of luck!
*Please note that if shortlisted for any of the following awards: Reseller of the Year (£51+m turnover), Reseller of the year (sub £50m turnover), Distributor of the Year (sub £250m turnover) Distributor of the Year (£251+m turnover) and Vendor of the Year, you will be required to attend the judging day in person to present to the judging panel. That is taking place on Thursday 10 October in central London.
