Our Presentation and Symposium event took place on 26 October 2011 at a great new venue - the Parabola Arts Centre in Cheltenham. First to speak was young artists collective Biografiktion from Germany, represented by Till Hafenbrak and Paul Paetzel. They treated us to a graphically illustrated talk which described how they met, the advantages of illustrator's collectives, the ups and downs of screen printing your products and what to do when you can't get a stand at the BD festival! Our next speaker was acclaimed artist and illustrator Anne Howeson (pictured right) who gave us an overview of her 30 years experience of image making. Students found this perspective enlightening and inspiring. The awards prizes were then awarded (winners pictured above left,clockwise from left: Brittany Molineux, Sandra Dieckmann, Blair Frame, Merlin Evans)

After lunch we had an entertaining whirlwind ride through Paul Gravett's new book , "1,000 Comics You Must Read before You Die", by the man himself - so many images and inspiring artists from all around the world, accompanied by anecdotes and fascinating facts.

Top right: The speakers wind up the day by taking questions from the audience. Special thanks go to our Master of Ceremonies Brian Love who as ever provided continuity, warm words of support and a convivial atmosphere. And finally we would like to express our grateful thanks to our sponsor for the past 5 years, David Elyan, who was there as always to present the prizes and without whom the Awards would not have been possible.