On Friday, October 10 we will stage a joint awards ceremony for winners of the 11th German Stevie® Awards and The 22nd International Business Awards® at the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal.  More than 300 executives from around the world will attend to witness the acceptance speeches of winners from a variety of industries and nations.

The presentations will be broadcast live from 7:00 PM / 19:00.

Here is the list of organizations that will be represented at Friday's event:

8X8, Campbell, CA, USA
A.S. Watson, Hong Kong 
ABB Ltd, Zurich, Switzerland
Accedia JSC, Sofia, Bulgaria
ACEN RES, Makati, Philippines
Acolad, Paris, France
AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
ADSCOPE CONSULTING LLC, Sheridan, WY, USA
AI Techno Center GmbH, Koblenz, Germany
Ak Portfoy (Ak Asset Management), Istanbul, Türkiye
Akbank T.A.Ş., İstanbul, Türkiye
Akrete, Evanston, IL, USA
Albaraka Türk Participation Bank, İstanbul, Türkiye
Alexion İlaç Ticaret Limited Şirketi, İstanbul, Türkiye
Allianz Technology SE, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
Anytime Counselling, Australia Wide
Aselsan A.Ş., Ankara, Türkiye
ATREVIA CORPORACIÓN S.L, Barcelona, Spain 
AutoScout24 Engine GmbH, München, Bayern, Germany
Banco do Brasil S.A. - São Paulo - São Paulo, Brazil
Banco do Brasil S/A., Brasília, Brazil
Banco Popular Dominicano, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Bank of the Philippine Islands, Makati City, Philippines
Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Metro Manila, Philippines
Bingo, Istanbul, Türkiye
BITEL PERU, Lima, Peru
BITZER Kühlmaschinenbau GmbH, Sindelfingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany 
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG., Ingelheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
boneArtis AG, München, Bayern, Germany
Boosteroid, Austin, TX, USA
Brasilprev, São Paulo, Brazil
Bristol-Myers Squibb, Istanbul, Türkiye
BRP Inc., Montreal, Canada
CABI BioProtection Portal, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
CarrefourSA, Istanbul, Türkiye
Caseware, Vancouver, Canada
Ceramika Paradyż Sp z o.o., Opoczno, Poland
Chrysalis Courses, Bridgwater, United Kingdom
Cloudstaff, Makati City, Philippines
Club Jolly, Istanbul, Türkiye
CNP Seguros Holding Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc., Tokyo, Japan
Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Taguig, Philippines
CPM India Sales & Marketing Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, India
DANI Communications Co., Ltd, Seoul, South Korea 
DocuWare Europe GmbH, Germering, Germany
Dreamix, Varna, Bulgaria
Dubai Digital Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
e&, United Arab Emirates
ELM, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Empatika Nöropazarlama Araştırma Merkezi, İstanbul, Türkiye
Encore, Schiller Park, IL, USA
Enerjisa Üretim, Istanbul, Türkiye
etisalat and (e&), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 
Eventista Company Limited, Hanoi, Vietnam
Fiba Commercial Properties, Istanbul, Türkiye
Fiba Commercial Properties, Istanbul, Türkiye
Foundever, New York NY, USA  
Frank Bold, Brussels, Belgium
Fujairah Municipality, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
FUSION CX, West Bengal, India
Gary Sprouse, M.D., Chester, MD, USA
Gates Corporation, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Gelecek Varlık Yönetim A.Ş., Istanbul, Türkiye
General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Globus Handelshof St. Wendel GmbH & Co. KG, Germany
GuzelEnerji, Istanbul, Türkiye
Haleon, London, United Kingdom
HALKBANK, Istanbul, Türkiye
Halotel, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
HASE & IGEL GmbH, Oldenburg, Niedersachsen, Germany
HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings SA, Athens, Greece
HeyMo® The Experience Design Company, İstanbul, Türkiye
HIDDEN BRAINS INFOTECH PRIVATE LIMITED, Ahmedabad, India
Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
IBM Institute for Business Value, Mason City, IA, USA
Infinite AV Solutions, Mardi, NSW, Australia 
Inhabitat LLC FZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Just Meant 2 Be, Canton, GA, USA
Kompass Recruitment GmbH, Meerbusch, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Kuveyt Türk Katılım Bankası AŞ, Istanbul, Türkiye
Lenovo International Services Support (ISS) - Latin America Spanish, Bogota, Colombia
Leobit, Austin, TX, USA
livewelt GmbH & Co KG, Gütersloh, Germany
Lounge Group, Budapest, Hungary
Lucy Davis, From Head to Heart, Surrey, United Kingdom
Lumitel, Bujumbura, Burundi
Manila Electric Company, Metro Manila, Philippines
Market Access, Zug, Switzerland
Martine Cohen, Montreal, Canada
Ministry of Culture, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Municipalities & Housing (MOMAH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Molped, Istanbul, Türkiye
Multisys Technologies Corporation, Paranaque City, Philippines
Nicole Schmitz, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Noatum Maritime - Abu Dhabi Ports, United Arab Emirates 
Noguchi & Peters Ltd., Budapest, Hungary
NYMA, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines
Oksijen Events, İstanbul, Türkiye
ONE Beyond Success Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia
OPET, Istanbul, Türkiye
Peta Warby, Australia
pladis, Istanbul, Türkiye
PRecious Communications, Singapore
Prime Development, Istanbul, Türkiye
Prime Minds GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
PT Gagas Energi Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
PT PERMATA GRAHA NUSANTARA, Jakarta, Indonesia
PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk, Jakarta, Indonesia
PT PGAS Telekomunikasi Nusantara, Jakarta, Indonesia
PT PGN LNG Indonesia, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia 
PTV Planung Transport Verkehr GmbH, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Qurio, Singapore
Relias Learning GmbH, Berlin, Germany 
Reputation by Design, Sydney, Australia
Revomed Group Co., Ltd., Nonthaburi, Thailand 
Rochelle Coutenay, Australia
Rudaw Media Network, Erbil, Iraq
SabancıDx, Istanbul, Türkiye
SABC Pension Fund *AND* SABC Medical Scheme, Johannesburg, South Africa
Saman Bank, Tehran, Iran
Sesame Solar, Jackson, MI USA 
SM Supermalls, Metro Manila, Philippines
Softtech, Istanbul, Türkiye
Starbucks Türkiye, Istanbul, Türkiye
Staying Independent Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia
Stefanini Consultoria E Assessoria Em Informatica S.a., Jaguariúna, SP, São Paulo, Brazil
Stephen Soo Coaching, Doncaster East, Australia
SunExpress Airlines, Antalya, Türkiye
Sunset Hospitality Group, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Synergy Market Research + Strategic Consultancy, Makati City, Philippines
Tata Consultancy Services, Mumbai, India
Telecom Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina 
Telecom International Myanmar Company Limited 
The Stories and Wisdom Company, Seattle, WA, USA
Time Doctor, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Tippenhauer Group GmbH, Reinbek, Germany
Turkish Airlines, Istanbul, Türkiye
Türkiye Sigorta, İstanbul, Türkiye
USPA Global/U.S. Polo Assn., West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Vitamin Marketing Services, Istanbul, Türkiye
XXOO Pets Family GmbH, Oberösterreich, Austria
Yapı Kredi, İstanbul, Türkiye
Ziraat Katilim Bank, Istanbul, Türkiye 

We will begin accepting nominations for the 2026 editions of the German Stevie Awards and The International Business Awards in February.  Learn more about all nine of the Stevie Awards programs at www.StevieAwards.com. 

Winners were announced today in the 2025 People's Choice Stevie® Awards for Favorite Companies, an annual feature of The International Business Awards® and the German Stevie Awards®. The International Business Awards are the world's only international, all-encompassing business awards program, now in its 22^nd year. The 11th German Stevie Awards are the top business awards in the German-speaking European market, honoring organizations of all types across industries.

The worldwide public votes for both The International Business Awards and the German Stevie Awards were conducted in August and September, with the highest number of votes determining the People's Choice winners across various industries. More than 184,000 votes were cast across the two competitions. All Stevie Award nominees in the Company/Organization of the Year categories in this year's International Business Awards (IBA) were eligible to be included in the vote, and all Stevie winners in the German Stevie Awards (GSA) were eligible for the vote.

Winners of the crystal People's Choice Stevie Awards will be honored during The International Business Awards and the German Stevie Awards combined awards gala on Friday, 10 October at the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal. Tickets for the event are now on sale. The winners of peer-adjudicated Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards in both programs will also be recognized during the ceremony.

The winners of the 2025 People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies in The International Business Awards are:

Advertising, Marketing & PR: Black Girl PR
Business or Professional Services: Golden Hour
Computer Services: Chibitek
Computer Software: MyBusyBee Inc
Conglomerates: PJ Lhuillier Inc (Cebuana Lhuillier)
Consumer Products & Services: TELUS
Diversified Services: PJ Lhuillier Inc. (Cebuana Lhuillier)
Financial Services: PJ Lhuillier Inc. (Cebuana Lhuillier)
Food & Beverage: SANAME
Health Products & Services: Golden Hour
Insurance: Thai Life Insurance Plc.
Legal: ExtendMax Vietnam
Materials & Construction: ACE Consulting Company
Media & Entertainment: Jasmine Norris Photography
Non-Profit / Government: Fujairah Municipality
Other: Dr. Phone Fix
Real Estate: AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp.
Retail: Constructor
Telecommunications: Dr. Phone Fix

The winners of the 2025 People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies in the German Stevie Awards are:

Unternehmen des Jahres - B2B-Produkte und -Dienstleistungen (inkl. diversifizierter Dienstleistungen): auticon Deutschland GmbH
Unternehmen des Jahres - Industrie, Fertigung, Transport & Logistik (einschließlich Luft- und Raumfahrt/Verteidigung, Automobil, Chemie und Energie): Werner Schmid GmbH
Unternehmen des Jahres - Informationstechnologie: Computer & Elektronik, inkl. Computersoftware, -hardware und -dienstleistungen: AI Techno Center GmbH
Unternehmen des Jahres - Kommunikationsservice: Medien & Telekommunikation: ZDF
Unternehmen des Jahres - Konsumgüter & -dienstleistungen (inkl. Finanz- und Versicherungswesen): Globus Handelshof St. Wendel GmbH & Co. KG
Unternehmen des Jahres - Non-Profit-Organisationen: Market Access
Unternehmen des Jahres - Werbung, Marketing und PR: riba:businesstalk GmbH
Unternehmen des Jahres - Sonstige: SCHÖNES LEBEN Gruppe

Entries for The 23rd (2026) International Business Awards and the 12^th (2026) German Stevie Awards will be accepted starting in February.

About the Stevie® Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

The Stevie® Awards, organizers of the world’s premier business awards programs, have announced the winners of six Grand (“best in show”) Stevie Award trophies in The 2025 (22^nd Annual) International Business Awards®, the world’s leading business awards competition.

Nominees in the 2025 International Business Awards were not able to apply for Grand Stevie Awards directly. Winners of “most honored” Grand Stevies were determined by a points system based on the total number of awards won in the IBAs, with a Gold Stevie win counting for three points, a Silver Stevie win for two points, and a Bronze Stevie win for 1.5 points.

This year’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners in The International Business Awards were announced on 13 August. Those Stevie winners and the winners of the Grand Stevies announced today will be recognized during an awards gala in Lisbon, Portugal on 10 October.

Winners of the 2025 Grand Stevie Awards are:

Organization of the Year

Cathay Financial, including Cathay United Bank and Cathay Securities Corporation, wins this year’s honor with 56 award points, earned on the basis of nine Gold, four Silver, and 14 Bronze Stevie wins. Cathay Financial is a major financial holding company offering a range of financial products and services through its subsidiaries, including insurance, banking, and investment services. Cathay Financial is known for its strong presence in Taiwan and its expanding reach in the Asia Pacific region. This is the first-ever Grand Stevie win for Taiwan.

Most Honored Marketing Agency

Lounge Group, Budapest, Hungary, wins this top honor for the second year in a row, on the basis of seven Gold, two Silver, and one Bronze Stevie wins (26.5 points) for campaigns on behalf of a number of clients.

Most Honored Public Relations Agency

ZIMAT, Mexico City, Mexico, wins with five Gold, two Silver, and four Bronze Stevie wins (25 points) for communications campaigns and publications on behalf of a range of their clients. This marks Mexico’s first Grand Stevie Award win.

Most Honored Awards Agency

Annette Densham, Award Writing Specialist, based in Bali, Indonesia, is the first winner of this new Grand Stevie Award, on the basis of 16 Gold, 10 Silver, and 17 Bronze Stevie wins (93.5 points) for nominations prepared and submitted on behalf of a wide range of small businesses in Australia. Densham won a top-five Grand Stevie in last year’s Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

Highest-rated Nomination of the Year

The Gold Stevie-winning nomination of Ivan Shvaichenko, CEO of cloud-gaming platform Boosteroid, is this year’s winner with an average score of 9.42 out of a possible 10. Gold Stevie winner for Best Entrepreneur - Computer Services, the Ukraine native is now based in Austin, Texas USA.

Highest-rated New Product or Service Nomination of the Year

This year’s honor goes to ExtendMax Vietnam Company Limited, Hanoi, for the nomination entitled “Pioneering End-to-End IOR/EOR Services in Vietnam’s Compliance Market,” which won the Gold Stevie for Best New Business-to-Business Service. This is the first Grand Stevie Award win for Vietnam.

Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards, stated, “The six Grand Stevie Award winners embody the remarkable diversity and excellence of the entries we received in the 2025 IBAs. In an era of constant change, leading organizations continue to adapt and excel. Our judges were deeply impressed by the creativity, ingenuity, and expertise these winners have demonstrated in advancing their organizations over the past two years. We look forward with great anticipation to celebrating these distinguished recipients at the upcoming gala in Lisbon.”

The International Business Awards feature a wide variety of categories to recognize achievement in every facet of work life, including management awards, new product awards, marketing awards, PR awards, customer service awards, website awards, and more.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award placements in the 2025 IBAs were determined by the average scores of more than 250 professionals worldwide in the three-month judging process. Winners were selected from more than 3,800 nominations submitted by organizations in 78 nations and territories.

The nomination process for the 2026 IBAs will open in February. For more information about The International Business Awards, including a complete list of all Stevie Award winners in the 2025 competition, visit www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

High-achieving organizations and executives around the world have been recognized as Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie® Award winners in The 22nd Annual International Business Awards®, the world's only international, all-encompassing business awards program.

Winners were selected from more than 3,800 nominations submitted by organizations in 78 nations and territories.

A complete list of all 2025 Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners by category is available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

More than 250 professionals around the world serving as Stevie Award judges on nine specialized juries reviewed and rated nominations to determine the winners.

The top winners of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards are HALKBANK and pladis, both of Türkiye, with 21 wins each.

Winners of three or more Gold Stevie Awards include pladis (11), HALKBANK (10), Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd. (9), CarrefourSA (7), Lounge Group (7), PJ Lhuillier Inc. (7), Mang Inasal Philippines (6), Megaworld Lifestyle Malls (6), Tata Consultancy Services (6), Abu Dhabi Customs (5), ATREVIA CORPORACIÓN S.L (5), ExtendMax Vietnam Company Limited (5), Manila Electric Company (5), Pan American Energy (5), ZIMAT (5), Addvox (4), Enerjisa Enerji (4), HeyMo® The Experience Design Company (4), IBM (4), Miral Destinations (4), Partner.Co (4), Viettel (4), İş Sanat (3), A.S. WATSON (3), Bank of the Philippine Islands (3), Community Development Authority (3), DDB Group Philippines (3), Dr. Phone Fix (3), Dubai Digital Authority (3), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (3), Kendra Scott (3), Lenovo (3), Netcracker Technology (3), Türk Telekom (3), The City of Sydney (3), and WNS (3).

All organizations worldwide are eligible to compete in the IBAs and may submit any number of nominations in a wide range of categories for achievement in management, marketing, public relations, customer service, human resources, new products and services, technology, websites, apps, events, and more.

Winners will be celebrated during a gala event in Lisbon, Portugal at the Corinthia Hotel on 10 October, 2025. Tickets are on sale now.

Nominations for the 2026 edition of the IBAs will be accepted starting in February.

Stevie Winners to be Celebrated 10 October at Lisbon Ceremony

The Stevie^® Awards, organizers of The International Business Awards^®, announced today that the final entry deadline for the 2025 (22nd annual) edition of the awards has been extended through 24 July by popular demand. The original final entry deadline was 11 June.

The International Business Awards are widely recognized as the world's premier business awards competition, attracting nominations from organizations in over 70 nations and territories each year.

All individuals and organizations worldwide—public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small—may submit nominations to The International Business Awards. Entry details are available at www.StevieAwards.com/IBA. 

“The extended entry period will give organizations additional time to prepare and submit their nominations," said Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller. 

Juries featuring more than 300 executives worldwide will determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners. Winners will be announced on 13 August and celebrated at a gala banquet in Lisbon, Portugal, at the Corinthia Hotel on Friday, 10 October. Grand, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and People's Choice Stevie Award trophies and medallions will be given to winners in Lisbon. Tickets for the awards banquet will be available starting 13 August, when the winners are announced.

“We are thrilled to announce that this year’s International Business Awards banquet will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, added Miller. We anticipate over 300 executives from more than 20 nations to attend the awards ceremony.”

The International Business Awards recognize achievement in every facet of the workplace. Categories include:

• Management Awards
• Sustainability Awards
• Entrepreneur of the Year Awards
• Company of the Year Awards 
• Customer Service Awards
• Human Resources Awards
• Marketing Awards
• New Product Awards
• Corporate Communications and Public Relations Awards
• Website, App, Event, Video, and other Media Awards
• Social Media Awards
• Technology Awards
• Thought Leadership Awards
  
  

There are many new and revised features of The International Business Awards for 2025:

• There are two entirely new category groups
  • Individual Professionals
  • Podcasts
• There are many new categories in existing category groups including Achievement in Global Collaboration, Achievement in Health and Safety Excellence, Best Mobile App for Social Good, Best Mobile-First E-Commerce Experience, Most Innovative Use of Mobile Technology, Best Crisis Response in Customer Service, Best Innovation in Management Practices, Emerging Leader of the Year, Excellence in Diversity Management, and many more.

Stevie Award winners in the 2024 IBAs included Halkbank, Istanbul, Türkiye, Tata Consultancy, worldwide, Viettel, Hanoi, Vietnam, Akbank, Istanbul, Türkiye, DP DHL, worldwide, Miral, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, IBM, worldwide, Cathay United, Taipei, Taiwan, Data Dynamics, Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA, PLDT and Smart, Makati City, Philippines, Abu Dhabi Customs, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd. Taipei, Taiwan, China Resources Land Limited, Shenzhen, China, Lounge Group, Budapest, Hungary, and Manila Electric Company, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Stevie-winner Yedir is a technology-driven company operating in the food delivery sector in Türkiye with a unique focus on connecting local home chefs with nearby customers.

The platform offers fresh, homemade meals while enabling individuals, particularly those who have not previously participated in the delivery sector, to do so. By harnessing advanced technologies like AI, the Yedir App has created a solution that supports both customers and chefs, transforming the way food delivery services function.

Founded in May 2023, Yedir quickly gained attention for its innovative approach. The platform launched its final, improved version in May 2024, bringing with it a host of features designed to enhance the customer experience. These include ingredient-based meal suggestions, optimized pricing for chefs, and personalized recommendations for customers. Yedir’s success stems from addressing an unmet need in the market—connecting customers with healthy, home-cooked meals while offering local chefs the opportunity to build and grow their businesses.

Since its launch, Yedir has experienced impressive growth. By May 2024, the app had expanded to onboard 152 home chefs across 18 cities in Türkiye, with a daily growth rate of 7%. This rapid expansion was fueled by a clear market demand and a non-advertising spread strategy that saw the app reach over 1,000 users.

The platform actively contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including economic empowerment, food security, and gender equality. By offering home cooks, many of whom are women, a way to monetize their cooking skills, the app provides them with financial independence and professional development opportunities.

Moreover, Yedir ensures the health and safety of customers by adhering to stringent hygiene standards, collaborating with the Food Engineering and Gastronomy departments at İzmir University of Economics to provide training programs for chefs. This holistic approach not only improves the culinary landscape but also supports the broader goal of sustainable and inclusive growth.

In addition to its technical innovation and social impact, Yedir's success also lies in its ability to address challenges faced by home chefs. Many chefs were previously unaware of how to start and scale their businesses. Yedir created solutions that allowed these chefs to work within a flexible framework, choosing their own menus, days, and times to sell meals, which gave them more control over their business operations.

This business model, along with Yedir’s collaboration with local food companies and authorities, helped to establish home cooking as a recognized profession in Türkiye. The app’s allergen filters, calorie content display, and other health-conscious features ensure that the meals offered are safe, nutritious, and compliant with EU standards.

Yedir won a Bronze Stevie Award for Startup of the Year – Consumer Services Industries in The 2024 International Business Awards.

Interested in entering for 2025?

Stevie-winner Beyond the Valley LLP (btvadventures), founded in 2022, is a premier provider of active adventures and cultural experiences in Pakistan’s stunning Karakoram region. Headquartered in Lahore, Pakistan, the company operates with a team of 10 employees and specializes in offering sustainable and responsible travel services.

Founded by Hina Umer and Umer Latif, Beyond the Valley emerged from their shared passion for travel and admiration for the serene beauty of the mountains. Despite Pakistan's awe-inspiring landscapes, the country remains an underexplored destination for many global travelers. The founders' vision was to create a company that not only provides exceptional travel experiences but also helps raise awareness about the unique cultural and natural treasures the Karakoram region offers.

Beyond the Valley seeks to change the narrative about Pakistan by promoting tourism in a way that respects both the environment and the local communities. By focusing on sustainability, the company strives to attract international visitors who are looking for responsible travel options in less discovered, yet remarkable regions of the world.

Support for Local Communities and Businesses
One of Beyond the Valley’s primary goals is to ensure that its tourism efforts benefit the local communities in the Karakoram region. The company employs local guides, transportation services, and support staff, including porters and cooks, from locally owned businesses. This approach not only enhances the authenticity of the trips but also creates direct economic opportunities for the people who call the Karakoram home.

The company employs two permanent guides (full-time) from local areas, Hunza and Skardu, respectively, which is a unique feature not found in any other organization in Pakistan, as guides are typically only employed part-time there. The guides receive regular salaries and benefits, ensuring they are well-compensated year-round, even during the off-season. These guides undergo ongoing training at the company's office, helping them stay prepared and knowledgeable about the region, its history, and its culture.

Through this holistic approach to tourism, Beyond the Valley has succeeded in providing a platform for local businesses to thrive. By integrating local products and services into their travel offerings, the company ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are shared broadly across the region.

Building Strong Partnerships and Gaining International Recognition
Since its inception, Beyond the Valley has made significant strides in expanding its reach within the global travel industry. In its first year, the company secured partnerships with leading travel companies. Clients from countries such as the UK, the USA, Austria, and Belgium have praised Beyond the Valley’s all-inclusive travel packages, awarding the company’s services with high ratings. Customers particularly highlight the hospitality of the local people and the authenticity of the experiences provided.

Beyond the Valley’s philosophy is not just about providing exceptional adventures, but also about creating lasting connections between travelers and local communities. The company’s emphasis on integrating cultural, educational, and experiential elements into each trip has contributed to its growing reputation as a responsible and impactful travel provider.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Adventure Travel in Pakistan
Beyond the Valley is helping to reshape how adventure tourism is viewed in Pakistan. By focusing on sustainability, cultural exchange, and responsible tourism practices, the company is playing a key role in promoting the Karakoram region as an exceptional travel destination.

As the company continues to expand its reach and influence, it aims to help change the global perception of Pakistan and inspire more travelers to explore the natural wonders of the Karakoram region.

Beyond the Valley won a Bronze Stevie Award for Best Small Hospitality & Leisure Company of the Year in The 2024 International Business Awards®. They also won a People's Choice Stevie Award for Favorite Companies in the Hospitality and Leisure category.

Interested in entering for 2025?

John R. Miles is a former US Navy Officer and Fortune 50 CEO who transitioned into entrepreneurship with the launch of Passion Struck, a coaching and media company focused on helping individuals, especially leaders, live intentionally.

Drawing from his own experiences overcoming obstacles—including a childhood traumatic brain injury—Miles developed a coaching platform that combines personal insights with research to guide individuals toward living purposeful, fulfilling lives. By melding compelling storytelling with expert insights and actionable strategies, Passion Struck offers a diverse range of content—including podcasts, videos, TV shows, educational materials, and live events—designed to spark the inner fire of passion and purpose.

In 2024, Miles published Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life, a book that expands on the principles of intentional living and leadership he has advocated for through his coaching company.

Overcoming Challenges and Shaping a New Path
Miles’ background is marked by his ability to overcome significant challenges. As a child, he sustained a traumatic brain injury that affected his cognition, speech, and memory. Despite these setbacks, he went on to serve as a US Navy Officer and later took on a leadership role in the corporate world. His career progression illustrates a commitment to resilience and reinvention. After his time in corporate leadership, Miles sought a new way to help others. In 2021, he founded Passion Struck with a focus on supporting individuals in designing their lives intentionally and embracing personal growth.

Passion Struck and Its Twelve Principles
Miles’ book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life, provides a structured approach to intentional living, focusing on principles that promote both personal and professional development. The twelve principles Miles outlines include strategies for overcoming challenges, embracing originality, setting boundaries, and engaging with others in a meaningful way. These principles are informed by both scientific research and Miles’ personal experiences, making the book a blend of theory and practical application.

Each principle is designed to guide readers in becoming more intentional in their daily lives. For example, the "Anxiety Optimizer" teaches individuals how to harness anxiety in a productive way, while the "Originality Embracer" encourages embracing unique perspectives and ideas. Miles also advocates for "Boundary Magnifiers," which emphasize the importance of setting personal limits, and "Outward Inspirers," encouraging individuals to lead with empathy.

A Platform for Growth
In addition to his book, Miles has expanded his platform with the Passion Struck podcast, which further promotes the principles outlined in his book. As of 2024, the podcast has surpassed 40 million downloads in over 169 countries. The podcast features interviews with a variety of guests, including experts in personal development, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Whether through his podcast, book, or coaching company, Miles provides resources for those looking to unlock their potential, embrace personal growth, and lead with purpose.

John R. Miles' book Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles To Unlock Your Purpose And Ignite Your Most Intentional Life by John R. Miles won two Silver Stevie Awards for Best Business Book and Best E-Book in The 2024 International Business Awards®.

Interested in entering for 2025?

The skincare industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with some consumers prioritizing sustainability alongside effectiveness. One company leaning into this change is Botanical Skincare Lab, an Australian-based brand founded in 2022 by cosmetic chemist Kim Guseli. With a commitment to creating eco-friendly, high-quality skincare products, the company has quickly gained recognition for its dedication to zero-waste beauty.

A Mission Rooted in Sustainability
Kim Guseli's journey began with a love for creating and a fascination with cosmetic chemistry. This passion led her to become a cosmetic chemist, committed to formulating skincare products that truly make a difference.

She says, "Every product I craft is a labor of love. I take great care in formulating, using natural ingredients that are carefully chosen for their benefits. My aim is to provide you with skincare that’s both luxurious and practical, helping you look and feel your best every day."

Botanical Skincare Lab was established with a clear mission: to offer clean, effective, and environmentally responsible skincare options. The brand's focus on botanical skincare means harnessing the natural benefits of plants to promote skin health, while minimizing synthetic additives. Their dedication to sustainability is evident not only in the formulations but also in the packaging and overall business practices.

The skincare industry is known for its heavy reliance on single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials, contributing significantly to global waste. In fact, the industry produces an estimated 120 billion tons of packaging waste each year. Botanical Skincare Lab has responded to this challenge by introducing a zero-waste product line, designed to reduce packaging waste without compromising product quality.

Innovation in Action: The Zero-Waste Line
The zero-waste collection includes skincare products packaged in reusable or recyclable tins or offered completely without packaging. By prioritizing minimal and sustainable packaging, Botanical Skincare Lab aims to set a new industry standard for environmentally responsible skincare.

This approach has resonated with consumers who seek effective skincare solutions that align with their environmental values. The positive response has not only bolstered the company's reputation but has also underscored the growing market demand for sustainable beauty products.

One of their latest products is their Terra Pure Clay Face Mask Pods. These Terra Pure Clay Face Mask Pods offer a convenient and eco-friendly skincare solution. These single-use, solid clay pods are designed for easy application and are ideal for travel or at-home use. To use, simply add water or a hydrating mist to the pod, mix, and apply to the face. The natural ingredients work to detoxify and brighten the skin, leaving it refreshed and glowing.

Expanding Reach and Education
Beyond product innovation, Botanical Skincare Lab has also made strides in growing its market presence. The company has partnered with various organizations to reach a wider audience, extending its message about the importance of sustainable skincare practices.

Education plays a critical role in the brand's mission. By informing consumers about the environmental impact of traditional skincare practices, Botanical Skincare Lab hopes to inspire more individuals to adopt eco-friendly habits. The company actively uses its platform to share insights on sustainability and the benefits of botanical ingredients.

Looking ahead, Botanical Skincare Lab remains committed to continuous growth and innovation. The company aims to expand its product offerings while maintaining its focus on zero-waste and sustainable practices.

Botanical Skincare Lab won a Gold Stevie Award for Startup of the Year - Consumer Products Industries in The 2024 International Business Awards®.

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Stevie-winner Umbrella IT (UIT) is a global provider of web and mobile development services and IT consulting. Over its 14 years in the industry, UIT has completed more than 250 projects for clients across a range of industries, including retail, entertainment, and education.

In recent years, UIT has grown significantly, both in its workforce and geographic presence. The team has expanded to over 300 specialists, more than doubling in size in the last three years. The company also opened offices in the United Kingdom and Dubai in 2022 to better serve its growing client base.

Bridging Technology and Practical Applications 
UIT’s work stands out for its focus on practical solutions, especially in areas like AI, machine learning, and virtual reality (VR). One of its flagship projects, the Beyond Words platform, demonstrates this approach by addressing real-world challenges in education. 

Beyond Words is an educational technology tool designed to help users improve their speaking skills. The platform uses AI to analyze pronunciation and provide detailed, actionable feedback. Its standout feature is a phonemic analysis tool, which evaluates every word and sound spoken by the user. This makes language practice more interactive and targeted, helping users to address specific areas of improvement.

To increase engagement, UIT integrated VR functionality into Beyond Words. Users can interact with virtual environments and characters, enhancing the learning process by mimicking real-life scenarios. The platform also allows users to interact with content through multiple-choice answers and voice feedback, making the experience both immersive and intuitive. Since its launch, Beyond Words has been adopted in several European countries, where it has been credited with improving students’ language skills. 

Expanding Expertise in VR 
UIT has also worked on tools designed to make VR more interactive and functional. For example, the company developed a system that allows users to pause VR scenes, interact with characters, and provide responses in real time. This solution fills a gap in the VR market by making virtual environments more dynamic and adaptable to user input. 

Behind these developments is a custom AI module that UIT created to process data in real time. This module integrates multiple AI models into a single system capable of handling complex tasks like voice recognition and real-time interaction in VR environments. These features not only enhance the user experience but also highlight UIT’s commitment to applying advanced technologies in ways that have practical benefits. 

Growth Aligned With Client Needs 
Despite its focus on emerging technologies, UIT has remained committed to addressing the practical needs of its clients. The company has developed a range of customizable services designed to adapt to different project requirements, whether for large enterprises or smaller businesses. This flexibility has allowed UIT to maintain strong relationships with clients across industries.

In addition to its project work, UIT has implemented internal initiatives to improve efficiency. For instance, it has streamlined administrative processes through enterprise resource planning systems, which simplify tasks like approvals and travel orders. These changes not only benefit UIT’s internal operations but also ensure smoother collaboration with clients. 

As UIT continues to grow, it remains focused on balancing technological advancement with practical outcomes. The company’s work in AI and VR shows its ability to tackle complex technical challenges while delivering solutions that address real-world problems.

Umbrella IT won a Gold Stevie^® Award for AI Solution in EdTech and a Bronze Stevie Award for Company of the Year - Computer Services - Medium-size in The 2024 International Business Awards^®.

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