Celebrating the spirit of innovation and recognising exceptional contribution to the Melbourne retail scene, the 2007 Innovation Award finalists must demonstrate uniqueness in business concept, customer experience and display a visible point of difference. The Awards are open to all retail companies or registered businesses with operations in the municipality of The City of Melbourne.
David Edwards, Executive Director, Australian Retailers Association (ARA)* will question the finalists before a crowd of National Retail Forum delegates during the final conference session, entitled New Generation Retailers.
Among the judging panel of industry experts is Melbourne fashion designer and last year’s winner Harry Georgiou, Designer/Director, JASONGRECH. Georgiou and business partner Jason Grech took away the prestigious award in recognition of their business’ innovative approach to delivering customers a complete, personalised styling service.
“What I’m looking for in this year’s Innovation Award winner is a clear point of difference, a company which can stand apart from the rest and clearly demonstrate a strong reputation in important areas of retailing such as customer service,” says Georgiou.
“In addition to the obvious prestige and credibility associated with the Award, recognition programs such as these provide important channels to reward retailers for the time and energy they inject into their businesses. The National Retail Forum is a great platform to showcase the finalists as it encourages delegates and fellow Melbourne retailers to consider what they can do differently to improve their own business.”
Fellow judges participating in the Q&A panel session on 16 August include Scott Chapman, Director of Marketing, City of Melbourne; Richard Vines, Membership and Marketing Manager, Australian Retailers Association; and Fiona Sneddon, Councillor, City of Melbourne.
Nominations for the 2007 ARA and City of Melbourne Lord Mayor’s Innovation Award have now closed. The judging panel will review nominees’ written submissions and announce up to five finalists on the 6th August. The 2007 Innovation Award winner will be announced at the Immerse Yourself in Retail Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, 18 September 2007 at Crown Palladium, Melbourne.
*The National Retail Forum will take place alongside Australia’s largest retailing exhibition, 2007 Retail Expo Australasia, 14-16 August, Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The Australian Retailer’s Association (ARA) and the Australian Centre for Retail Studies (ACRS) are Conference Partners for the National Retail Forum.
EVENT
National Retail Forum (Conference)
2007 Retail Expo Australasia
VENUES & DATES: Melbourne Exhibition Centre
14-16 August 2007
WEBSITE: www.retailforum.com.au
www.retailexpo.com.au
EVENT ORGANISER: Diversified Exhibitions Australia
CONTACT: Tel: + 61 3 9261 4500
Email: retail@divexhibitions.com.au