Vendor executives with EMEA responsibility nominate their preferred distributors ahead of the 2012 awards Gala Dinner. The vendor jury comprises EMEA channel executives from approximately 50 vendors. Five shortlisted nominees go through to the Gala Dinner where members of the jury vote live using electronic devices to decide the eventual winner. The EMEA Distributor Inititaive of the Year Award is based on an application form submitted by distributors. The winner of this award is decided by the 'EMEA Channel Academy' Executive Committee in conjunction with a selection of independent analysts and channel consultants.