CELEBRATING SUCCESS – BPMA
A packed ballroom was the setting for this year’s BPMA Annual Awards Dinner. With the industry’s movers and shakers gathered at January’s Merchandise World exhibition just down the road, Chesford Grange hotel was the place to be.
It was also the hottest ticket in town, with the event sold out more than a month in advance and the room full to capacity with 350 promotional players prepared to party.
With most of the guests having enjoyed a bustling first day of Merchandise World, the guests were dressed to impress, in joyous mood and ready to celebrate the best and brightest in the sector.
As usual, all of the winners were voted for by the BPMA membership so they represent the businesses and individuals who are rated by their peers. As well as the awards chosen by the industry, two other awards were made.
The award for the best marketing campaign of the year was sponsored by Gold star, recognising an integrated marketing campaign that delivered on creativity innovation, and return on investment.
The Briman Group also sponsored the Richard Dyson award which recognises distributors who promote British suppliers. The award is named after the founder of Trilogy Laser craft, who was tragically taken far too young.
Richard strived to stay at the forefront of technology and was influential in the creation of the Briman Group. Following the welcome drinks, the dinner began with a welcome speech from Angela Wagstaff, the BPMA’s new Chairman, who commented that the BPMA is in a strong position and gathering momentum with its strategic objectives. She also came prepared with some interesting show statistics, including the amount of pick ‘n’ mix consumed.
Angela Wagstaff also announced that mental health charity Mind will be the BPMA’s charity during her term as Chairman. Jon Birrell, CEO of the BPMA, hosted the awards welcoming on stage the sponsors and winners.
He said: “It was wonderful to see so many of my industry friends and meet many new ones. I was very proud and humbled to be on stage hosting the awards and look forward to more industry events and taking the BPMA to another level as we inspire, connect and educate.”
The evening concluded with the guests dancing the night away to the Fabulous Fug Band before heading to the bar until the early hours..
