Winners of the 13 categories, plus a special award for an overall industry high-flyer, will be announced at a glittering ceremony at London's Hilton on Park Lane on Monday, June 1st. The event itself has become unmissable in the industry calendar, with more than 600 of the country's culinary professionals gathering under one roof to celebrate with their peers. Now in their 16th year, the Awards cover all aspects of the chef profession, from education to pubs and cost sector to banqueting, and nominees do not have to be a member of the Guild. Nick Vadis, chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said, with standards getting higher and higher every year, it was becoming incredibly difficult to choose the rightful winners. "Last year's champions were truly shining examples of masters of their trade, whatever sector they were in, and this year's contenders have their work cut out to win one of the coveted accolades." He urged anyone who knew of a deserving chef to put their names forward. "If they're not in it they can't win it," he said. "The nominees need not be a member of the Guild, just an exceptional professional excelling in their chosen field." The categories are: Apprentice Chef Banqueting Chef Competition Chef Contract Catering Chef Cost Sector Chef Development Chef Education Chef Ethnic Chef New Restaurant of the Year Pastry Chef Pub Restaurant Chef Restaurant Chef Special Achievement Young Chef To nominate a deserving chef, call 020 8948 3870 or visit www.craftguildofchefs.org. Closing date for entries is February 27th 2009. Anyone wishing to attend the awards ceremony should book places early to avoid disappointment.