Wheels in motion for SLIM Brand Excellence Awards 2012

By Shanuka Tissera

The wheels are in motion for what is set to bet one of the most competitive events in marketing. The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) officially announced the Brand Excellence Awards 2012 on 25 July at Cinnamon Lakeside.

The 11th SLIM Brand Excellence Awards is being held under the theme ‘Last One Standing’. The corporate world is the Wild West of today; brands battle one another every day, laying down challenges which are met by competitors with even more force and drive. The awards recognise the outstanding performance of brands and brand custodians of the year.

SLIM is expecting a record number of entries this year and applicants have a window of one month the official launch announcement to send in their applications. The grand showdown is due on 25 October and is set to be one of the biggest events within the marketing fraternity in Sri Lanka.

“With the intention of taking SLIM Brand Excellence to the next level, SLIM has taken steps to make this the first major awards that will be completely carbon neutral, thus negating the harmful impact caused as a result. To do this, SLIM has partnered with the Carbon Consulting Company and is moving in the direction to drive change in the marketing landscape by setting an example,” Project Chairman Leroy J. Ebert said.

Two new categories have been included to enhance opportunities for local participants to get their brands recognised and regional brand entries are also being called for to be recognised on this prestigious stage.

The line-up of awards includes: Product Brand of the Year, Service Brand of the Year, Innovative Brand of the Year, International Brand of the Year, SME Brand of the Year, Export Brand of the Year and many more.

SLIM President Tilan Wijeysekera explained to the keen marketers that they must put in a lot of hard work if they want to be successful in such a cutthroat market. “You need to add value to the Sri Lankan economy and improve the standard of marketing and anyone who wins this event will truly witness a life-changing moment.”

The highest scores of the six main categories will be evaluated by the judges to award the Brand of the Year. Thus, no separate entry is required for the Brand of the Year award. In addition, Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be selected in each of the special awards categories.

Awards may not be made in a category if there are no entries of a suitable standard to merit an award. The brand managers who are custodians of the winning brand will also be awarded a special certificate recognising their significant contribution towards the brand’s success

SLIM Brand Excellence is the oldest marketing awards in Sri Lanka and has become a premier awards ceremony in the country. A main change to the evaluation criteria is the maximum turnover of the business brand being increased from Rs. 100 million to Rs. 250 million, enabling a broader base of contenders to participate.