Archie is back, and better than ever

ON SATURDAY 15th October 2022, representatives from across the industry will gather at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole to pay glittering tribute to the companies, teams and individuals who have done so much to innovate, raise standards and help operators work more effectively and safely.

This evolution marks UKMHA’s first event as an organisation but draws on the event’s long heritage as it looks to bring in a wider audience than ever before. 

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The Association’s aim for the Awards remains first and foremost to highlight excellence, whether that be in products, services or people. For more than a quarter of a century, the best of the industry has competed to win one of these coveted, hand-cast Archie statues — modelled after Archimedes, the father of engineering.

Those iconic statues have now given the ceremony its new name: The Archies.

It’s long been said that the Awards was our industry’s version of the Oscars, so it was only fitting that this symbol of innovation and achievement has been given centre stage.

And much like the Oscars, it’s an evening of glamour, suspense, and high drama… but unlike its film industry counterpart, it’s not held in a shopping centre, and there’s fine dining and a rousing after party thrown in for good measure.

Tim Waples, Chief Executive of UKMHA explains: “The Awards for Excellence has been a not-to-be-missed event for almost 30 years, but with UKMHA acting as the new leading voice for the industry, we felt now was the perfect time to refresh the Awards and bring it up to date for today’s landscape.

“We’ve seen a lot of changes since we handed out our very first Archie, but we’ve always striven to properly reflect the industry we’re proud to represent.

“With the most recent awards held as an online ceremony due to the pandemic, we’re looking forward to once again seeing everyone together this October. The awards night always has a special atmosphere and we’re certain this will be one to remember.

“It’s not just a chance for us all to get dressed up, it’s about rewarding those who’ve done outstanding work, and all our winners this time will have achieved everything they did in the most difficult of circumstances.” 

And with just a handful of Archies awarded each year, the stakes are high, making for a dramatic event.

Attendees can expect their evening to be compered by a celebrity host, with vibrant on-stage entertainment, a three-course meal, and dancing into the small hours.

It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate all that’s best in materials handling… meeting old friends, making new ones, and networking with hundreds of colleagues.

Sponsor the Archies

While winning an Archie is the ultimate accolade, presenting one also speaks volumes.

Award sponsors take to the stage to present an Archie to that year’s worthy winner and get to be a part of the big moment of triumph.

Tim Waples explains: “An event like this just wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors and supporters, and we’re grateful to everyone who has chosen to partner with us through the years to bring these nights to life.”

The Awards has a long history and is itself an award-winning event, making it highly regarded both in and outside of material handling circles. It represents excellence in the industry and the excellence of the industry.

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With the reputation the Awards for Excellence has garnered in its lifetime, walking away with an Archie bestows a certain prestige upon the winner and a recognition that they have been chosen by the industry itself.

And you can play a part in that.

Various sponsor options are available that will provide invaluable continuous exposure over the entire promotional calendar before, during, and after the event. Record of your involvement goes far beyond just an at-the-event presence. Sponsorship is an unmissable opportunity to showcase your brand in the press, social media, eshots, as well as on the night in front of hundreds of attendees — including representatives and decision makers from every part of the industry.

Your name will be linked with the Archies throughout an extensive 10-month-long media campaign of publicity and celebration.

New era, new opportunities

“We’ve added new categories to highlight even more of the sector’s best, from manufacturers to end users, so this is an opportunity to sponsor categories that resonate with your business and which align with your values,” adds Tim Waples.

“With a more comprehensive set of awards, engagement from different facets of the market will be higher than ever. We’ve looked at what should be getting the recognition it deserves and what areas were maybe being under-served previously. Big companies or small companies, excellent work should have the chance to be rewarded.

“We also have several other new opportunities (such as food and entertainment sponsorship) available to allow you to get involved in the event, along with event supporter spots. Packages are going fast though, so be sure to act quickly to secure your spot at the biggest night of the year.” 

For details on sponsorship packages or any other information about getting involved, please email [email protected]

Handling & Storage solutions is proud to be the Media Partner for the Archies.