It’s that time of year again where the awards nominations, shortlists and finalist announcements are in full swing, meaning that all of the functions are fast approaching.
We wanted to start this next statement with ‘picture the scene’ – but, the thing is, when it comes to awards dos, we bet you already can. You walk into a reception room where there’s arrival drinks. After some chatter and gathering around a table plan, you are allowed into a bigger space with banqueting style seating and find your seat. You’ve got half a bottle of wine each on the table and you’re served starters. Cue a comedian/celebrity figure to introduce the night and host the activities. Then it’s time for the first few award winners to be announced, main course is served, the rest of the awards are announced with the addition of dessert and teas and coffees. By this point, everybody is either very ready to go home or has been taking full advantage of the wine at the table, the celebrity/comedian host does a hilarious sign off and a band then comes in to close the night out with some dancing.
Add in a photo booth, some sort of gif/360 camera and a videographer and photographer wondering around to capture the evening and, ta da, you have yourself the basic awards function. We’ve all been to them, most more than once, and they always seem to be the same.
Here’s our question – why is that? Sure, there’s always the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, but are we really that out of ideas that we just want to repeat the same event each year?
We get it, it’s sometimes scary to change the pattern and go against the crowd – so, let us help with thinking outside-the-box and share our top five ideas for making your awards do stand out from the crowd:
- Mix Up Your Venue
Hotels are great, they have amazing function rooms, and they give people the choice of accommodation on site – however, they’re not the only option. There are other venues that stand alone with accommodation options, or venues that have nearby accommodation for people to taxi or even walk back to, should they want to stay.
For example, why not explore going outdoors? What if you did a festival-style event with gorgeously lit tipis for a bar and activities with a Glastonbury style stage?
Or, for the colder months, why not look at something like a museum? Could you use some of the exhibits to do a themed activity for guests and keep them engaged?
Or even simply change up the décor and get something like indoor lit trees for a different atmosphere. The world really is your oyster, don’t be afraid to explore!
- Change Categories
‘Best in Business’, ‘Biggest Sustainability Pledge’, etc. Yes, these are massively important to any industry, but what about the other areas that never get noticed? What about that one person who is always there to support everybody in the office and never gets thanked for it? Or the manager who really stepped up to make everybody feel included and valued in the team? Why don’t we give opportunity for the little things to be celebrated, as well as the wider company achievements?
This would not only help more people be engaged with your event and feel appreciated, but it would mean more people actively wanting to attend!
- Reimagine Your Host
You want people laughing, we get it – but why go with the usual suspects?
Get creative, we dare you! Think outside the box. Why not choose a host who’s not only funny, but also inclusive and engaging? There are countless brilliant personalities out there who can bring inspiration, warmth, and originality to your event – not just comedy. Remember, inclusivity matters, so keep that front and centre when selecting your host.
- Make It Fun
We all love a photo opportunity and we’re by no means suggesting you don’t have a photo booth and photographer/videographer to capture the event – but why not mix it up a little and include other activities too?
A lot of these events focus on drinking, but what about those who aren’t taking part in that? Why not include other activities so they also feel welcome for the duration? Think of mixing up your event entertainment, everyone loves a nice surprise and there are endless options that can be provided. How about interactive entertainment, along with mini challenge that each team/table can take part in, with overall winners getting a prize?
- Don’t Be Afraid
This really is the most important point we have to make. Don’t be afraid to make changes. Worst case scenario, you get more ideas for what to do or not do for your next function. Either way, you get people talking and give them something different to remember – and standing out can never be a bad thing!
If you’re looking to host an awards function but don’t know where to start, give our team a call!
You can reach us by phone: 0330 223 3176 or email: hello@sheeredge.co.uk
