The National Bridal Market™ is pleased to announce several exciting changes to the 2003 DEBI (Distinctive Excellence in the Bridal Industry) Awards,® including a new voting procedure, updated award categories and a new format for the annual DEBI Awards Gala.

The DEBI Awards are regarded as the highest honor recognizing excellence in design and manufacturing in the bridal industry, and this year the Awards will be presented by The Chicago Apparel Center, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) and the National Bridal Market Association (NBMA). "The changes we''ve made this year are sure to enhance the prestige that winning a DEBI Award holds," said Susan McCullough, vice president of apparel, MMPI. "The Award will take on a much greater prominence in the industry and will become synonymous with excellence in design and quality of manufacturing."

ABOUT THE DEBI AWARDS®:
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Each year, the prestigious DEBI awards recognize the top designers and manufacturers in the bridal industry in several different categories. Awards will be presented during The National Bridal Market, October 11—14, 2003, at the Chicago Apparel Center and The Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Ill. This year''s Awards Gala will be held Monday, October 13, at Chicago''s historic and beautiful Field Museum. The black tie gala includes cocktails, hors d''oeuvres and the Awards presentation, followed by dinner and dancing.

NEW VOTING PROCEDURES FOR 2003:
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The National Bridal Market has changed the voting procedures for the DEBI Awards. The nominees were selected by an "academy" of judges, including a select group of retailers from across the country representing all price points and merchandise categories, as well as representatives from each bridal magazine. This academy of industry experts will vote on the nominees in each category and the winners will be announced at the DEBI Awards Gala on October 13.