PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
The PCR Awards are set to return next March for their fifth outing – with a revamped line-up of categories reflecting the changing landscape of the PC and IT industry.
The awards will return to the popular Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington on Thursday March 22nd. The host for the evening will be award-winning comedian Tom Wrigglesworth who boasts a sold-out 30-date tour of the UK.
Already backing the event are VIP, which has signed up as Drinks Reception Partner, Gem as Frontline Partner, plus Meroncourt as Vendor Partner.
The line-up of categories for the PCR Awards 2012 has been revamped, although the three main sections of Frontline (Retailer/Reseller), Distribution and Vendor remain, ensuring every sector of the industry is covered. The new categories are:-
FRONTLINE
Independent Retailer (fewer than five stores)
Specialist Retailer (more than five stores)
Non-Specialist Chain
Reseller
Service & Support
Retail Experience
DISTRIBUTION
Software
Gaming
Components
Peripherals
Consumer Electronics
Marketing & PR
Distributor of the Year
VENDOR
Business and Utility Software Publisher
Leisure Software Publisher
Peripherals Vendor
Computing Vendor
Components Vendor
Brand of the Year
The Grand Prix Award – the biggest accolade of the night – will return, honouring the company or brand which has had an outstanding past 12 months.
Lobbying for the awards opens officially on October 17th, but contact Lisa.Carter@intentmedia.co.uk in the meantime with any queries.
Meanwhile, table prices have been reduced for 2012. A table of 10 will cost £1,795 + VAT (compared to £1,950 this year), with individual seats priced at £195 + VAT. To book a table, contact Hannah.Short@intentmedia.co.uk.
"We’re delighted to announce that the PCR Awards will return for their fifth outing in 2012," said PCR publisher and Intent Media MD Stuart Dinsey. "We’re looking forward to be returning to our most popular venue, the plush Royal Garden Hotel, but we’re also mindful that the past couple of years have been tough for some. So we’re reducing the price of attending the biggest night of the year for the PC and IT business.
"The comedian, Tom Wrigglesworth, has just hosted the awards of PCR’s sister magazine Develop and went down incredibly well. So we had no hesitation in hiring him for the PCR Awards.
"Meanwhile, our new line-up of award categories will further liven up what we expect to be our best ever PCR Awards."
Dave Stevinson, sales director at VIP offered: "VIP are delighted to be sponsoring the drinks reception at the PCR Awards 2012. Recent times have proved more challenging than ever for the channel and the PCR Awards offer a fantastic opportunity to recognise the businesses which have succeeded despite difficult trading conditions."
Gem’s head of marketing Katie Rawlings added: "This will be the fourth consecutive year that Gem will be sponsoring the awards and it was an easy decision to do so. PCR is a hugely important title to Gem and the channel, so the Awards will help to recognise excellence and hard work in what can be a tough market. The decision to sponsor the Frontline category coincides with our strategy to remain close to retail and to continue offering a best in class service. It’s also a great opportunity to meet with customers and be a part of what is an enjoyable and successful evening."
"Meroncourt Europe are pleased and excited about sponsoring the PCR Awards for 2012," said Meroncourt’s Steve Walsh. "We see this as a great opportunity to show support for our industry in what are tough times for many. It will be our first year as an official sponsor and will add significantly to the exposure we already gain through PCR print and online to boost the awareness for the brands we distribute in the UK, and also our fulfilment and storage services."
A number of sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact pcr-online-staff@transfer.pcr-online.biz to find out more.
