A Dynamic New Look for the Distinction AwardsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ottawa, Ontario -- Wednesday, May 6, 2009 The Distinction Awards take on a dramatic new tone in 2009 with the introduction of a new event format, and an expansion of the recognition program for nominated projects. The new-look Distinction Awards Program formalizes recognition in two principle ways: by presenting all nominated projects that clear the first round of judging with a "Service Delivery Award"; and by creating a new "Gala Celebration" that project teams, leaders, deputies and executives can all participate in. This year the Distinction Awards will truly become the recognition program they were conceived to be. Every nomination that makes it through to the final round of judging will be recognized with a Service Delivery Award which will include the project name and the individual names of all team members listed on the project, and up to 17 exceptional nominations will receive a coveted gold Distinction Award Medal. According to Andrew Moffat, the president of SCOAP, the association of Canadian IT professionals that has conducted the judging for the past 16 years, "the intention of the awards has always been to celebrate excellence within the Public Service. In the past the awards followed an old paradigm where the 'winners' were the medalists. The changes being implemented this year recognize that all of the projects that make it through to the final round of judging are worthy of recognition because they clearly demonstrate excellence. Going forward, the gold medalists simply highlight the best of the best." GTEC's Executive Director Kevin d'Entremont also said, "Competitions don't encourage high standards of excellence in the public sector. We are choosing to put the emphasis on celebrating the exceptional service that already exists in the public sector, in a meaningful ceremony that is appropriate for all to enjoy". Ticket prices for the Gala Celebration have also been reduced to encourage participation by more team members. The 2009 Gala Celebration will be presented in the stunning Great Hall of the National Gallery of Canada. Beginning and ending with elaborate receptions, and with the Parliamentary Precinct as its backdrop, the Distinction Awards Celebration Gala will be attended by government CIOs, invited Deputy Ministers, leaders in industry, and the Secretary of State for Science and Technology, the Hon. Gary Goodyear. For more information on the Gala, judging and to reserve tickets, please contact: Silvia Villon Distinction Awards Gala Manager GTEC Tel: 613-736-9851, ext 120 e-mail: svillon@gtec.ca
Silvia Villon Distinction Awards Ceremony -- October 5, 2009 Tickets: Ceremony and Dinner @ $150.00 (includes welcoming cocktail, ceremony, and celebration dinner) Celebration Dinner Only @ $75.00 (includes stand-up dinner after the awards ceremony) Order of Ceremony:
About GTEC 2009 For 16 years, GTEC is recognized as Canada's most significant forum on the use of technology to improve government services and operations. The event features an annual Distinction Awards program and gala, a comprehensive Professional Development Forum, and the GTEC Exhibition. The conference program and extensive trade show are attended annually by an estimated 7,000 professionals. For more information please visit www.gtec.ca |
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