Nominees for the 2024 routeone Awards have been granted an extension to the deadline for their entry submissions until noon on Thursday 30 May.
The decision has been made by organiser Diversified Communications after multiple requests from those who have been nominated and to recognise the current busy period for coach and bus alike.
Already, the number of completed entries has exceeded the previous record. Others are in hand, and Diversified believes that the 2024 routeone Awards will represent the strongest field of finalists in the contest’s history, cementing its position as the industry’s leading recognition scheme.
That is reflected in backing from industry suppliers, with Award partnerships confirmed in each category as part of a strong line-up of partners and supporters. A handful of other packages remain on sale, with details available via email from Sales Manager Martin Laverton.
The presentation evening will be held at The Vox at Resorts World Birmingham on Wednesday 13 November. It sits alongside Euro Bus Expo at the adjacent NEC on 12-14 November. Diversified reports heavy interest in the industry trade show from exhibitors, and that work is well underway on its speaker programme.
Judging for the routeone Awards will commence shortly. The seven-strong panel will then meet in person on two occasions in Birmingham over the coming months, first to arrive at a shortlist and then to decide the winners.
The latter judges’ gathering – on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 September – will see shortlisted finalists in people categories invited for interview either in person or via Teams as part of the decision-making process.
Speaking about extension of the entry deadline, Event Director Helen Conway says: “We are very pleased with the record number of entries to the 2024 routeone Awards that have already been submitted, and we thank those members of the industry for their efforts.
“But we also recognise that in the ongoing busy weeks for coach and bus, some nominated businesses and individuals may need a little more time to complete their entry.
“We look forward to receiving even more submissions, with the level of interest already witnessed illustrating why the routeone Awards are seen as the industry’s premier scheme to recognise and reward excellence.
“We also keenly anticipate the presentation evening, which when coupled to Euro Bus Expo will represent the industry’s undoubted highlight of the year.”
Seat and table bookings for the routeone Awards presentation evening have opened and can be made via the Awards website. Seats are priced at £195 and tables of 10 at £1,950, both plus VAT.
See here for an example of how an operator entry can be best tailored to impress the judges.
