Changes are coming to the Battlefords Business Excellence Awards, which will be moving to the fall and will see a number of format changes.

The 19th annual event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts.

It promises to be a big departure from the previous format, which had seen the awards presented at a banquet during the month of May. The move to the fall is expected to be a permanent move to the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving every year.

As well, the event will not be a traditional sit-down banquet event but is described as a different take on a gala event in the community, according to the media release issued Monday.

The selection of the Dekker Centre venue is designed to be a showcase for the new facility, part of the Credit Union CUPlex. It is anticipated the Dekker Centre will be open this summer.

“The BBEX Awards Committee was very excited about the opportunity to host this annual event at the new Dekker Centre. We are looking forward to a great new location, great food, and a great awards ceremony celebrating excellence in business,” said BBEX co-chair Leah Milton.

Nomination kits will be available soon event, and tickets will be available approximately six weeks in advance. Awards are presented in seven categories.