New equality, diversity and inclusion category for IAPAs 2023

A new equality, diversity and inclusion category has been added to the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) – a key objective of the International Powered Access Federation’s (IPAF) Women in Powered Access Initiative.  

The new award is open to any company or individual who has demonstrated their sustainable commitment to improving equality, diversity and inclusion in the powered access industry. Judges will be looking for entries that demonstrate how entrants have recognised the importance of diversity in the workplace and taken actions towards fostering a more inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and can thrive.  

The winning entrant will be presented with their award at next year’s gala dinner, which will be hosted alongside the Summit on 20 April 2023 at the H4 Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz, Germany. All award categories are now open for entries, with a closing date of 15 December. Anyone wishing to attend the IPAF Summit & IAPAs can book now and take advantage of a special early-bird discount on places at the IAPAs gala dinner until 1 December.   

Karin Nars, President of IPAF, who has been instrumental in creating the new IAPA category, comments: “We are pleased to announce this new award for the upcoming IAPAs, and we look forward to receiving lots of submissions. As part of the judging panel for this year’s awards, it will be interesting to be involved in sifting and assessing the various entries; it will be fascinating to see the companies and individuals who submit their stories of fostering equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  

“In case anyone is wondering what would qualify as worthy of nomination for an individual, that person could be a role model who has inspired or supported others, or someone who has overcome personal barriers to excel in their career. Likewise, a company or individual may have been involved in introducing concrete changes or visible actions that ensure colleagues feel valued, respected and listened to.  

Peter Douglas, CEO & Managing Director of IPAF, says: “This new IAPA category is a great opportunity to both recognise and share the excellent work that is being done around diversity and equality in our industry, and to celebrate an inspirational example of building a truly inclusive workforce.  

“This year’s IAPAs saw a record number of entries across the categories and led to a fantastic awards event in London back in March; now we are all looking forward to taking the event to Berlin, Germany, for the first time, in spring of 2023. Please take a look at the various IAPAs categories and start getting your entries in before the 15 December deadline. Our 2023 IAPAs judging panel has just been announced and all our industry experts are looking forward to reviewing another strong set of entries.” 

The 2023 award categories include: The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award; The Sustainability Award; Access Rental Company of the Year; Contribution to Safe Working at Height; Innovative Technology Prize; Digital Development Award; IPAF Training Centre of the Year; IPAF Training Instructor of the Year; Products of the Year – Mast Climbing Work Platforms & Hoists, Scissor Lifts & Vertical Masts, Self-Propelled Booms & Atrium Lifts, Vehicle and Trailer-Mounted; and the IPAF/Access International Lifetime Achievement Award.  

● The IAPAs 2023 are now open for entries, with a deadline of 3 January 2023. Entries must be submitted in English using the official entry form available via the specific award category page on the www.iapa-summit.info website. Entrants are requested to supply a company logo when submitting entry form(s).