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135 Forge & Form Gala

Award Submission Package

The Forge & Form Awards Gala celebrates bold innovation, transformative leadership, and outstanding achievements across the building materials sector. We invite you to submit nominations for the prestigious awards recognizing the dealers, vendors, and individuals who are shaping the future of our industry. 

Nominations are now closed

Nomination Deadline: August 22, 2025

  • Judging:  August 22, 2025 – September 15, 2025 
  • List of Finalists Announced: September 18, 2025 
  • Winners Announced at the Gala 

Gala Date: October 22, 2025 
Location: Banff Fairmont Springs 

Submission Process

  1. Complete Nomination Form: 
    • Each submission must include the official nomination form, available on our website. 
    • Ensure that all required fields are completed, and the submission is aligned with the award category criteria. 
  2. Support Materials: 
    • Attach supporting materials (photos, videos, metrics, testimonials, etc.) that clearly demonstrate the nominee’s achievements and impact. 
    • Submissions without sufficient supporting evidence may not be considered. 
  3. Submission Deadline: 
    • All submissions must be received by August 22, 2025.
      Late submissions will not be accepted. 
  4. Submit via: 
    • Via our online portal [CLICK HERE]
    • Nominations are now closed!
  • Dealer Recognition
  • Vendor Recognition
  • Dealer & Vendor Shared Awards

Dealers Recognition

1.A – Innovation in Merchandising & Store Layout

Criteria: 

  • Creative in-store experiences, traffic flow innovations, or layout optimizations. 
  • Use of technology or materials that improve customer experience and engagement. 

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Photos or diagrams of store layouts. 
  • A description of the design strategy and its impact on customer experience or sales. 
  • Metrics or data showing improvements (e.g., increased foot traffic, sales, or customer satisfaction). 

1.B – Innovation in Contractor Sales

Criteria: 

  • Programs or strategies that elevate contractor engagement and loyalty. 
  • Innovations in pricing, services, or communication that lead to long-term partnerships with contractors. 

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Details of contractor sales programs and initiatives. 
  • Sales growth or retention data. 
  • Testimonials from contractors or case studies demonstrating program success. 

1.C – Emerging Retail Leader

Criteria: 

  • New LBM dealers (within the first 5 years) showing breakout success.
  • Rapid growth and leadership innovation within the market.

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Year-over-year sales or growth metrics.
  • A case study demonstrating their innovative approach and success.
  • Testimonials from industry professionals or customers.

1.D – Excellence in Customer Experience

Criteria: 

  • Personalized service, immersive retail design, and customer satisfaction.
  • Efforts to create a standout customer experience that drives loyalty and sales.

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Customer satisfaction surveys or feedback.
  • Examples of unique service offerings or retail design elements.
  • Metrics on customer retention, growth, or satisfaction rates.

1.E – Best in Retail Leadership

Criteria: 

  • Outstanding leadership at the store level.
  • Proven ability to elevate performance, foster a positive culture, and enhance customer experience.

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Employee feedback or 360-degree review.
  • Key performance indicators (KPIs) showcasing store performance improvements.
  • Examples of leadership actions that have enhanced store culture or customer service.

1.F – Excellence in Retail Training & Workforce Development

Criteria: 

  • Dealer-led education, onboarding, or workforce retention programs.
  • Commitment to training and developing employees to advance within the company.

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Training program outlines or course materials.
  • Retention or performance metrics demonstrating the effectiveness of the program.
  • Testimonials from employees or success stories.

Vendor Recognition

2.A – Best New Product of 2025 

Criteria: 

  • Innovation, impact, and market relevance of a new product launched in 2025. 

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Submitted at the New Product Showcase at the 2025 Building & Hardware Showcase.
  • Product description and images.

2.B – Innovation in Manufacturing

Criteria: 

  • New manufacturing processes, materials, or production technologies that revolutionize production.

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Details on the manufacturing innovation, processes, and technologies implemented.
  • Before-and-after data showing improvements in efficiency, cost, or quality.
  • Photos or videos demonstrating new manufacturing processes.

2.C – Innovation in Dealer Support

Criteria: 

  • Marketing tools, training programs, or partnership strategies that empower dealers and elevate their success.

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Examples of tools, training, or programs provided to dealers. 
  • Dealer testimonials or success stories demonstrating the value of the support provided. 

2.D – Innovation in Dealer Sales

Criteria: 

  • Distributors or reps advancing retail success through standout service, sales strategies, or unique programs.

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Sales strategies or programs implemented.
  • Testimonials from dealers or case studies showing success in retail growth.

2.E – Excellence in Green Manufacturing Practices

Criteria: 

  • Reduction of carbon footprint, circular production practices, or transparency in materials used.

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Sustainability reports or certifications.
  • Photos of green practices or production processes.
  • Quantitative data on environmental impact reduction.

2.F – Economic Innovation: Made-in-Canada Impact

Criteria: 

  • Advancing Canadian-made products and strengthening the national supply chain.

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Examples of Canadian-made products or sourcing.
  • Economic impact data or stories showcasing contributions to the Canadian economy.

2.G – Innovation in Supply-Chain & Shipping Excellence

Criteria: 

  • Excellence in logistics, distribution, and shipping timeliness
  • Implementation of innovative technologies or processes to optimize delivery
  • Demonstrated ability to reduce delays and improve order fulfillment accuracy
  • Strong relationships with dealers or vendors built on reliability and consistency

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Case studies showcasing supply-chain innovation or success stories
  • Delivery performance metrics (e.g., on-time delivery rates, order accuracy)
  • Photos or videos of warehouse, distribution, or shipping operations
  • Tools or technology used (e.g., real-time tracking systems, inventory automation)

Dealer & Vendor Shared Awards:

3.A – Technology Trailblazer Award

Criteria: 

  • Recognizes innovation in technology at the store, yard, or operational level
  • Open to proprietary tech, custom-built platforms, or transformative tools
  • Must demonstrate clear business impact (efficiency, customer experience, etc.)
  • Technology must be in active use (not conceptual or in development)

 Submission Requirements: 

  • Brief description or demo of the technology
  • Metrics or examples of impact
  • Photos or video of the technology in action
  • Optional testimonial or use case

3.B – Women of Influence

Criteria: 

  • Celebrating women who are leaders and innovators in the sector. 

 Submission Requirements: 

  • A detailed bio highlighting career achievements and industry influence.
  • Nominations from peers or colleagues supporting their candidacy.

3.C – Catalyst Award

Criteria: 

  • Awarded to a changemaker who is igniting transformation and progress across the sector. 

 Submission Requirements: 

  • A detailed nomination that outlines the nominee’s transformative impact in the industry.
  • Testimonials from peers or colleagues highlighting the nominee’s contributions.

Nomination Review

  • Selection Process: 
    Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts and thought leaders who will evaluate submissions based on innovation, impact, and alignment with the “Forge & Form” theme. 
  • Announcement of Finalists: 
    Finalists will be notified by September 18, 2025, and the winners will be revealed at the Forge & Form Awards Gala on October 22, 2025 

Supply-Build Canada Events

  • Home
    • Schedule
  • Award Nominations
    • Nominees & Finalists
    • Award Criteria & Submission Requirements
  • Tickets
  • Hotels
  • 135 Legacy Wall

Supply-Build Canada is the national association for the building supply industry — and we’re in your corner. We connect members with the training, advocacy, and relationships they need to grow strong teams and successful businesses while supplying the materials that keep Canada building.

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