The awards are open to individuals, departments, schools, colleges or partnerships that have introduced initiatives or activities over the last year in hospitality training and development. With the deadline for nominations now extended until February 24, the winners of the five separate awards will be announced during the PACE conference and exhibition gala dinner on Thursday, March 22, at the Hilton Hotel in Blackpool. Craft Guild CEO Martin Bates said the catering and hospitality sector had been through a challenging year of substantial funding cuts, but there was still plenty of innovation and inspiration going on behind the scenes that deserved to be recognised. "We are delighted to sponsor this year's PACE Awards for Innovation as, without individuals, departments and organisations coming up with fresh ideas, the sector would stagnate, and, more than ever, we have to ensure this does not happen. We wish every entrant the best of luck and encourage them to continue to inspire in ways that take the overall sector forward." The five PACE Awards for Innovation 2012 comprise: Innovative Responses to Budget Cuts Award Innovative Teaching and Learning Good Practice Award Innovative Learning Materials Award Innovative Industry Partnership Award Innovative Education Partnership Award • For more on the criteria for each award, visit http://www.cvent.com/events/pace-conference-and-exhibition-2012/custom-20-764c61d384334d199b6b33b2b7b8ce94.aspx