This, combined with an evening of great entertainment and networking opportunities, has once again cemented not only the importance of this night in the industry's calendar, but also the number of entrepreneurial projects producing excellent results.
Events and exhibitions are about people. Whether it's communicating the brand values of Mini UK via Mini Modular Cubes or creating a French environment to sample Cafe Carte Noire - complete with giant replica coffee bean plants - this industry works tirelessly to ensure that client campaigns are a success through imaginative and innovative ideas. And it's these industry people that we hail within the pages of this book.
Sprout, the production agency of the year, was formed just over 12 months ago, but has already demonstrated a strong client list and an effective working ethos. And organisers of exhibitions may wish to note the strategy put in place by Forum Events that has won the company Best Business Exhibition for its Security Buyers Forum 2002.
Special congratulations, too, to the winner of our Event Award 2002. Imagination has proven the link between events, exhibitions and visitor attractions can be heightened in producing a stunning brand experience for Guinness - a client that understands the full potential of what this industry has to offer.
Finally, I'd like to thank our panel of judges for poring over every detail of each entry. The judging system means even they do not know who the winners are before they are announced, so it's been an evening of surprises for everyone.