Ray Fitton Award for Innovation

Definition: in·no·va·tion – a new idea, method or device.

~ Merriam Webster Dictionary

What is Innovation?

Innovation is often confused with invention.

Where invention is the creation of something new – be it an idea or a product, innovation takes the invention to the next level – it is the improvement of, or a contribution to, an existing idea or product.

It can be said that Innovation and invention are related, but they are not the same thing.

Innovation in our Industry

Most of us remember Caravan Park holidays in our younger days and know just how different those holidays were to the ones we, and our guests, enjoy these days. Not only have vans and motorhomes grown in both size and number, but park facilities and services have changed with them too.

Over the years, we have seen some great examples of innovation from Park members from the introduction of new reservation and financial integration systems, to snack and drinks carts, eco-friendly initiatives, and water parks to name a few.

DID YOU KNOW: Ray Fitton was the first to install a ‘resort’ style pool complete with beach, integrated kids pool and main pool with water jets and buckets at Maroochy Palms Holiday Village.

ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN NOMINATE!

The nomination form for the Ray Fitton Award for Innovation can be found on the CPAQ Website and nominating is as easy as 1-2-3:

1 – answer a few questions telling us what your why your park or nominee is an outstanding host and how this has improved your key metrics

2 – submit some before and after photos of the innovation that demonstrate how useful it has been to awards@caravanqld.com.au

3 – attend the CPAQ Awards to find out if you have won!

Nominations close 5pm (AEST), 31 March 2021

Check out the 2020 Winner – Ingenia Cairns Coconut and the Coconut Cart

Why nominate?

Nominating for an industry award gives you the opportunity to gain recognition for your hard work!

Other benefits include:

BRAGGING RIGHTS
Working through the nomination process, allowing you to take a critical look at your business
Receive the Award which you can display in your reception area
Chance to share your experiences with other operators
Blog post about your business on the consumer facing Caravan Queensland website

Nominating for these Awards

Nominations should be concise and clearly showcase why your business should receive the award. Ensure that each question on the nomination form has been addressed.

Nominations can only be submitted on the form provided, however, you can supplement your application with as many attachments as you wish to send.

You may nominate your own business or another industry business you believe deserves recognition

All nominees must be current financial members of Caravan Parks Association of Queensland as at 31 March 2021

Writing a winning submission – the 4i’s

Interest

What will catch the judges’ interest? Judges may read a number of entries so think about starting with a clear statement that sets the scene and makes it clear why you are a worthy recipient of the award then expand from there

Innovation

What makes your story unique? Carefully choose words that can help you articulate this – was it the first, the only, the biggest etc

Impact

This is possibly the most important part – make sure you include evidence to back up what you claimed to have achieved. Give actual figures, customer reviews and consider including graphs. Ensure the judges are truly blown away by your achievements!

Images

A picture is worth a thousand words – consider the careful use of images, charts and diagrams to get your message across

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Definition: in·​no·​va·​tion – a new idea, method or device.