TAMPA, Fla. - The premier award given at the grand finale of Motorcoach Expo is being restructured for next year's show.

The third annual United Motorcoach Association Vision Awards Banquet, which brings together operators, exhibitors and other Expo attendees for a gala evening, will be Jan. 20. The show opens Jan. 18.

Amidst the event's food and entertainment, numerous industry awards are to be presented to outstanding motorcoach operators, with the highlight being the presentation of the prestigious UMA Vision Awards.

This year, for the first time, Vision Awards will be presented in two categories, with one going to a small operator company and the other to a large operator company.

"Recognizing that small companies and large companies differ greatly, UMA wants to recognize outstanding small motorcoach businesses that exhibit exceptional standards and performance," said UMA President and CEO Victor Parra.

The criterion for the small-operator category, which is being developed by the Vision Awards Committee, is expected to be in the range of 20 or fewer coaches.

Candidates for the UMA Vision Awards are nominated each year by the association's associate members, based on specific criteria. Each nominee must:

· Engage in sound business practices

· Have an excellent safety record

· Regularly employ innovative marketing, operations and customer service approaches

· Be a good corporate citizen within its community

· Raise the standards for all motorcoach companies

· Raise the profile of the motorcoach industry

Last year, two companies tied for the Vision Award, Carl R. Bieber Tourways and its president, Steven Haddad , and The Martz Group and its chairman, Frank Henry. Both companies exemplified the award's values.

Following the presentation of the awards, the celebration will continue with entertainment reflecting the heritage of Tampa, the 2006 host city. Tampa is the former cigar capital of the world, so there will be cigar rollers, plus Cuban music and dancing.