It's just under nine weeks until the advertising industry's annual creative showcase, The Loerie Awards (I know, so soon already and I haven't decided what to wear yet either, doll!), and preparations in the seaside town of Margate are in full swing as the locals get ready to welcome back the industry. The town is getting a lick of paint according to local organisers and a public meeting is taking place in 10 days with local business owners to ramp up their support to the industry. The big news is that the entire weekend awards and aligned fun events will all take place around Margate's beachfront area on 16/17 September - so no buses and no hikes in high heels to get back from the venue this year! Loerie entries have just closed with 2800 entries received. This is 20% down on the previous year after the streamlining of the judging process which disallowed duplicate entries. Accommodation started filling up months ago, but there is still place, although you need to book your special cut-price Loerie flights on Kulula.com soon to avoid being disappointed. Go to www.theloerieawards.co.za for all booking info. Bizcommunity.com will be bringing you all your Loerie news and events over the coming weeks - look out for the judging appointments tomorrow. Enjoy! Louise Marsland, editor, www.bizcommunity.com