News Releases

Nominations Open for the 15th Annual VIATEC Technology Awards

April 11, 2016

April 11, 2016 – Nominations are now open for one of the largest and most elaborate technology sector award shows in the country, to be held at the Victoria Conference Centre on Friday, June 24, 2016.

Last year’s VIATEC Technology Awards Show brought out an impressive 750 attendees for the second year in a row, the highest attendance it’s seen since it started in 2001. This year’s event is expected to sell out again, with half the tickets already sold. The extravagant show has rapidly become known as a unique event focused on entertaining the crowd with humour and irreverence, while shining the spotlight on some of Victoria’s most impressive technology companies.

“Whether it’s Bloomberg Media, The Toronto Star or Vogue Magazine, the world has realized that Victoria is young, culturally vibrant and a cool city. With tech being the #1 industry in a region that has so much going for it, you better believe we pull out all the stops to make sure this event reflects the innovative minds and community spirits that have reshaped our community to be known as a hotbed of vibrant companies and exciting ideas,” says Dan Gunn, CEO of VIATEC (Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology & Entrepreneurship Council). “It’s a unique way for local tech firms to get increased profile with local media, policymakers and their peers which always helps when looking to hire new staff, find new customers or raise investment.”

In total, 13 awards that come in the form of custom metal fabricated robots known as “Freddys”, are being presented at the awards show, 11 of which are currently open for nominations:

Technology Company of the Year (50+ employees)
Technology Company of the Year (11-49 employees)
Technology Company of the Year (1-10 employees)
Emerging Technology Company of the Year
Startup of the Year
Product of the Year
Innovative Excellence
Executive of the Year
Employee/Team of the Year
Employer of the Year
Creative Excellence

Hand selected by VIATEC:

VIATEC Member of the Year
Colin Lennox Award for Technology Champion

“Given the broad range of established technology companies we have in Greater Victoria, we have added to the ‘Technology Company of the Year’ category this year,” says Gunn. “This change will allow us to recognize more of the deserving companies and allow companies of all sizes to stand among their peers.”

Award category descriptions:

Technology Company of the Year (1-10 employees, 11-49 and 50+)
- SPONSORED BY: Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP
  These companies are the foundation on which our $4 billion tech sector was built. They are established with a sizeable headcount and they are bringing in considerable revenues. They are growing, expanding and taking the time to give back to our community as mentors, advisors and cheerleaders for the up and coming tech companies. Judges will consider growth, impact, product innovation, market share and community involvement. This award has three categories based on company size.
Emerging Technology Company of the Year
- SPONSORED BY: KPMG LLP
  These are the companies that are about to really hit their stride. They’re young, but they have a stable foundation. Judges will consider traction, revenue and team growth, product breadth and acceptance, and good old business fundamentals.
Startup of the Year
- SPONSORED BY: University of Victoria
  These are some of Victoria’s newest tech companies. It’s early days but they are getting investor and customer interest (if not already raising money and sales), based on the prototypes and/or early product versions. Judges will consider the market opportunity, executive leadership, investment and your pitch deck.
Product of the Year
- SPONSORED BY: RBC Commercial Services
  This category is where the innovation rubber hits the road. These products have market traction and that means sales. Judges will consider total sales and sales growth, customer adoption, market share along with market disruption and level of innovation.
Innovative Excellence
- SPONSORED BY: Grant Thornton LLP
  This category is for those companies on an entirely different wavelength. They have researched and designed an innovative service, process or product that is expected to revolutionize a sector, method of business or way of life. Judges will consider just how disruptive this tech is likely to be. Prior commercial success is not a priority.
Executive of the Year
- SPONSORED BY: Corporate Recruiters
  These hot shots have had a significant impact on the success of an organization as a direct result of their leadership and are respected by their peers. For this award, executives are considered to be those that typically hold senior titles, eg. CEO, CFO, COO, President, Vice-President. Nominated companies are required to provide revenues from the last 3 years as well as other indicators requested by judges (eg. number of employees).
Employee/Team of the Year
- SPONSORED BY: Thompson Cooper LLP
  Much of a company’s success is a result of having hardworking and dedicated employees. This employee or team have the perfect mix of outstanding initiative and service delivery, have had a significant impact on the company for which they work and exude great personality or team dynamic while getting it all done.
Employer of the Year
- SPONSORED BY: Megson FitzPatrick
  These are the companies who never forget to pause and take the time to think about their staff and provide a positive work environment. This award is based on a company survey of staff and is the tech company most respected and appreciated by their staff.
Creative Excellence
- SPONSORED BY: AbeBooks.com
  Greater Victoria is overflowing with creators, innovators and entrepreneurs – and they’re not limited to the technology community. This award recognizes those non-tech companies that inspire us all by demonstrating excellence in innovation, entrepreneurship and a commitment to creativity. This category does not require nominees to be VIATEC Members.
Colin Lennox Award for Technology Champion
- SPONSORED BY: Reed Pope Law Corporation
  Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated passion and commitment to the Greater Victoria technology sector for at least 10 years. Their long-standing support has been instrumental in Greater Victoria ‘s continued success on the world technology stage. The recipient of this award is selected by VIATEC.
VIATEC Member of the Year
- SPONSORED BY: Cox Taylor
  Recognizes a member of VIATEC who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the technology sector through involvement, volunteering and support of VIATEC. The recipient of this award is selected by VIATEC.