Trade fairs are important for a number of reasons: to see new and developing technology; to network with potential colleagues and catch up with old ones; to find out how other countries, markets and companies are handling trends and challenges; and to get the word out about one's own work. More shows are recognising that they are a means of not only presenting exhibitors' success to potential customers, but also celebrating it for its own sake. Viscom Düsseldorf, for example, will include four awards programmes to highlight the great work our industry does. Nominees will be able to see dedicated displays of their projects installed at the German show, taking place from October 13th to 15th, as well as to attend an awards ceremony on October 14th where they will, hopefully, pick up a trophy.

The closing date for all four award schemes closed earlier in the summer, but they may provide inspiration to those considering entering next year. Among them is the Best of 2011 Award (formerly known as the Innovation Award), which is designed to 'honour and promote' innovations in the five categories of sign-making, large-format printing, light advertising, textile refinement and software. The jury, made up of representatives of trade associations and press, decide which of the nominated products – which must be on display at the show – is the winner based on the innovation's value to potential users.

Meanwhile, the Superstar title recognises the importance of display and POS solutions in promoting products. Thirteen types of Viscom exhibits are judged for this award, from digital media to shelf displays, from consumer packaging to suspended displays. These are then divided into five groups – long-term and short-term displays, international, consumer packaging and digital displays – with the first three split again into categories designated by the display's value. While Viscom states that a maximum of three prizes will be awarded for each type of exhibit, it adds that special awards for entries offering the best design, technical realisation and most innovative solution will also be announced.

Viscom Düsseldorf is also keen on promoting best practice, and offers two award schemes in this vein, covering digital signage and illumination in advertising displays. The Digital Signage Best Practice Award is intended to 'improve the acceptance of this rather young medium' as well as to encourage more businesses to enter the field. Retail, interactive and guiding signage and content are the four categories, with all nominated projects exhibited at Viscom and presented during the show's Digital Signage Days. The Best Practice Award Light Advertising 2011 programme, meanwhile, aims to reward the creators of illuminated displays, whether they are exhibitors or not. With digital signage and wide-format print often shouting the loudest for attention at the moment, recognition of this long-established medium is surely welcomed. In every one of the award schemes, categories and sub-categories there will be exceptional examples of creativity and ingenuity in our sector – definitely worth a party on the 14th.