The theme for this year’s NOEA Awards has been announced and entries are now open to the industry’s premier awards evening. The Awards, which take place on the evening of the NOEA Convention in Bath (21 November), will follow the same theme of ‘It Could Never Happen to Me’, and judges will be looking for examples of diligent business across the award categories.

There is no fee for entering the NOEA Awards and businesses and individuals have until 24 August to submit their entry into a choice of 18 different categories, including a new ‘Best New Outdoor Event’ option.

Each category will recognise different sectors of the outdoor events industry and will also include a judge’s award and a President’s Award for outstanding achievements throughout the year. There will also be the return of the ‘I’ award, launched two years ago for Michael Eavis and recognising high levels of innovation that have shaped the events industry.

“The standard of entries continues to get better every year and we’re expecting some really great competition from some exceptional events and event businesses,” commented Alistair Turner, chair of the Judging Committee. “Many of the winners have gone on to achieve even more extraordinary things in the last year, and our ‘I’ award for the City of Manchester was exceptionally well received in the aftermath of the One Love concert.”

“These awards are all about recognising the very best in the industry, and the winners join a long list of exceptional people and companies that have shaped the industry we’re in today,” commented Susan Tanner, CEO, National Outdoor Events Association. “The evening itself will once again be very special, based in the heart of Bath, in the historic Pump Rooms, we hope to be once again surrounded by the best of the best.”