Nominations open now. Celebrate motor excellence.
10th March 2027 @ The London InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane
IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2027
The IMI Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony 2027 will take place on Wednesday 10th March at the London InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane. It will be an exciting night of celebrating automotive excellence with some of the best and brightest working in the sector. Take a look at the highlights of last year's night in the video.
Nominations are now open for the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2027. Recognise outstanding achievement across the automotive sector by submitting your nomination today.
Explore our IMI Annual Dinner and Award 2027 nomination categories below:
Apprentice of the Year Award
This award recognises apprentices who are making a significant contribution in their workplace and are excelling in learning.
Learner of the Year Award
This award celebrates learners who have made exceptional achievements and shown dedication to professional development.
Partner of the Year Award
The Partner of the Year Award recognises partners who deliver outstanding results and have made a significant positive impact.
International Centre of the Year Award
This award celebrates an outstanding international IMI Centre driving excellence in automotive education and training, supporting the IMI's global mission.
Be You: Championing Inclusion Award
This award recognises an outstanding individual that is making a meaningful and sustained contribution to improving inclusion across the automotive sector.
IMI Community Champion Award
This award recognises an outstanding volunteer who acts as a true IMI ambassador, demonstrating exceptional dedication to supporting the IMI's vision, mission and key objectives.
Further Education College of the Year Award
This award recognises an exceptional FE college driving excellence in automotive education and shaping the next generation of automotive professionals.
Future Leaders Award
The Award recognises high-potential managers in the automotive sector who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and measurable business impact early in their careers.
We'll be celebrating outstanding automotive professionals at the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2027
Take a look at last year's winners:
IMI Bursary Winners
The IMI offers an annual bursaries to members of the IMI community who have faced personal or financial challenges and who have a passion for automotive to be able to access learning, tools or resources.
Congratulations to Daisy Moore, a Technician from Doncaster Audi and Lucy Bennett, Level 3 Advanced Vehicle Damage Paint Technician Apprentice.
The Fellowship of the Motor Industry Bursary Winner
This bursary is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated remarkable dedication to their automotive career in the face of personal challenge or adversity.
Congratulations to Hollie King, who combines remarkable motorsport achievements with exemplary college performance, top IMI exam results, and a professional work ethic.
Honorary Fellowship Award
The IMI board recognises individual contributions to the IMI communities and automotive sector, by awarding the IMI Honorary Fellowship. This is the highest lifetime honour that we can award an individual.
Congratulations to Daksh Gupta, IMI Vice President. Daksh is one of the UK automotive retail sector’s most influential executives.
The President’s Award: Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry
This award recognises an individual who has made a long-term, positive impact through hard work and/or leadership within the automotive sector.
Congratulations to Dr Andy Palmer CMG, chartered engineer and automotive executive who has led transformational change at Nissan and Aston Martin.
The Sue Brownson Award
In honour of the late Sue Brownson OBE, a former IMI President who made an extraordinary contribution to the automotive industry, this award recognises outstanding individuals who positively impact the sector.
Congratulations to Eddie Hawthorne, who joined Arnold Clark Automobiles in 1990, became Chief Executive in 2017 and led the group’s national expansion.
See the organisations who are sponsoring the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2027:
Autotech Group
Category Sponsor
Delphi
Category Sponsor
Milwaukee Tool
Category Sponsor
Snap-on
Ticket Sponsor
everywhen
Supporting Partner
Fellowship of the Motor Industry
Supporting Partner
Novuna
Supporting Partner
Varta
Supporting Partner
Interested in Sponsorship or Tickets?
Please contact marcommsinbox@theimi.org.uk for more information.
Take a look at some photos from the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026
Recap on the night by viewing the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards 2026 photo gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the dress code?
As one of the most prestigious nights in the automotive industry's calendar, the dress code is black tie. Please dress to impress for this formal occasion! Classic tuxedos and evening gowns are encouraged, adding to the elegance of the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards.
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What are the timings for the dinner?
The evening begins with a drinks reception at 18:30, where you can network and socialise. Guests will be seated for dinner at 19:30, with the awards ceremony and main event following shortly afterward.
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What time does the dinner finish?
Formal proceedings are expected to conclude by 23:00, allowing guests to relax and unwind. The after-dinner bar will remain open until 01:00, so you can continue to enjoy the evening with colleagues and friends.
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Will there be a photographer at the evening?
There will be a photographer taking pictures. Any pictures taken by the IMI photographer at the Annual Dinner and Awards could be used for marketing and promotional purposes. If you do not want your picture taken please let a member of the IMI team know beforehand.