Member Article

Hall of Fame Awards 2021: Celebrating the success and achievements of the gift card industry

Following a year of unique challenges, the Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA) has announced the return of its annual Hall of Fame Awards. Following last year’s virtual Connect 2020 Special Awards, the event is back to celebrate GCVA members’ continued success, achievements and innovation, spanning the retail, leisure, incentives and payments sectors.

This year, the awards are to take place on the 16th September 2021 at the St. Pancras International Renaissance Hotel, on Euston Road in London, with the night of celebration set to welcome over 150 guests.

The awards come following a strong and united year for the industry, as highlighted in the GCVA biennial ‘State of the Nation’ report, which has shown an increase in demand for gift cards within the last 12 months. These increased sales and high rates of redemption highlight gift cards role as an effective solution that met a number of important needs during lockdown. GlobalData forecasts that the gift card market is set to grow a further 24.7% over 2019–25, with the total value of the market hitting £8.71bn by 2025.

With 10 unique categories, including the new award for ‘Best Customer Experience’, the event is designed to showcase and celebrate the best and most innovative nominees that the sector has to offer. The ceremony will also announce the winner of the ‘Honoured Industry Contributor’ award, which is voted for by GCVA members to place a spotlight on the most outstanding member within the industry.

GCVA Members will have the chance to be celebrated and honoured by their industry colleagues and any organisation that becomes a member ahead of the 6 August deadline, may submit an entry. Each category will be judged by a panel of industry experts.

Gail Cohen, Director General of the GCVA, commented: “We are really looking forward to bringing the whole industry together for the first time in 18 months to celebrate a year of excellence and success. This year we have shown that collaboration is the best way to achieve mutual victories and the annual Hall of Fame Awards provides a fantasitic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the amazing achievements of the industry.

“Furthermore it is a great opportunity for the industry to profile the great work they have been doing, including their adaptability against the unprecedented challenges of 2020 and 2021.”

Ian O’Doherty, Chief Executive Officer, at Appreciate Group said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the 2021 Hall of Fame Awards and look forward to celebrating the great work the industry has been doing to support consumers and businesses over the last year.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase innovation and best practice in the sector, and we’re certain there will be plenty of great nominations.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Asha Hipperson .