Returning to its iconic home of the Natural History Museum, the Global RLI Awards 2018 took place on the 10 May and saw the best of the best in the industry celebrate a wonderful evening. The awards ceremony was presented under the new star attraction ‘Hope’, and as ever the evening was one to remember for everyone involved.
In association with luxury powerhouse the Chalhoub Group for the third year in a row, the Global RLI Awards 2018 took place on the 10 May, and returned to its rightful home of the Natural History Museum in London after being held in Dubai last year. A fantastic evening was had by all under the magnificent new blue whale skeleton ‘Hope’, named to symbolise humanity’s power to shape a sustainable future.
In an industry where the boundaries are always being pushed, the Global RLI Awards 2018 paid tribute to the very best in the world of retail and leisure. To those who are not afraid to take risks, to those willing to not only tackle the challenges of their time, but to overcome them and emerge victorious and refusing to settle for anything less.
In her opening speech, RLI Publisher Jayne Rafter commented that: “Tonight, we pay tribute to the very best of the best, the innovators and those that dare to push the boundaries; we reward all of those exemplary, dynamic projects and concepts that have excited the senses recently with stunning architecture, superb customer service and breath-taking ideas.”
For the sixth year running the Global RLI Awards were held in conjunction with the RLI Connect Global Deal-Making Forum, this year with an added twist of ‘Retailtainment’, which took place at Stamford Bridge, home to Chelsea Football Club across the 8-9 May. The thinking behind RLI Connect Global remains simple… face-time with key global retail and leisure decision makers and getting those deals done!
Before guests were invited into the main hall for dinner, the Champagne Reception was held in one of the museum’s many exhibition areas and allowed guests to network and greet industry friends in a relaxed environment.
Photo opportunities were once again a key theme at the Global RLI Awards Gala Evening and alongside RLI’s own photo board, returning category sponsor MK Illumination continued to amaze with their artistic decorations, which this year included the signature MK chair and an amazing London backdrop, setting the scene perfectly for a snap or two.
Following the exquisite 3-course meal, guests were treated to some fantastic entertainment in the form of the revived West End Show ‘Chicago’, in association with Entertainment Sponsor, Cityland Mall, the world’s first 1.2 million square foot, nature-inspired property located in Dubai, UAE. The cast performed classic songs that sent pulses racing following the evening meal. After the audience cheered the performers from the stage it was that time again, for the Global RLI Awards ceremony…
With competition so eagerly contested between 17 categories and in many cases only the smallest amount of points between each nomination, the Judging Panel also decided to present Highly Commended Awards in no less than nine categories. A new addition was the ‘Most Innovative Food & Beverage Concept’ award, as F&B services have become the must have element in any retail & leisure destination.
As always, the Judging Panel comprising of highly respected leaders representing a broad spectrum of sectors from all corners of the World, faced the incredibly daunting task of narrowing down an incredible number of entries to a shortlist for each category. RLI would like to once again thank all of our judges for their diligence and hard work.
Of course, RLI would like to thank our wonderful sponsors and partners for their support, without whom an event like this wouldn’t happen - Headline Sponsor Chalhoub Group, Entertainment Sponsor Cityland Mall and associated category sponsors Design International, ECE Projektmanagement, Grandscape, Lifestyle Outlets, MAPIC, MK Illumination and Sands Retail.
The night was rounded off in style as the complimentary bar remained open until 12:30am after the awards ceremony had concluded, offering an ideal opportunity for all of this year’s winners to celebrate.
RLI are looking to take both the RLI Connect Global Event and the prestigious Global RLI Awards to an exciting new location which will be revealed soon…so watch this space!
