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Awards Ceremonies

Awards ceremonies are often the jewel in the crown of corporate and association events. This is when the verbiage of those dry mission statements comes alive with living, breathing examples of what excellence in the workplace looks like. By recognizing these efforts, an organization sets the focus on what is really important to them and shows others that, with persistence, their similar efforts will be rewarded also. The positive reinforcement value of an award doesn't stop at the ceremony's end, either. Everytime someone notices the award, whether customers, co-workers or the winners themselves, the behavior that won the award is remembered and recognized.

In many cases, awards ceremonies may be the most challenging type of event a planner will have to face. Being recognized for one's achievements probably ranks right under weddings for the most memorable events in one's life. It is important to not only make the event and client look good but to also make the winners look their best. Remember-the spotlight is truly on them.

During your preliminary meetings with the client, ask what type of people will be attending. Will it be couples or will the winners be there alone? This will dictate whether dancing afterwards will be appropriate. Are the guests top executives, sales pros or wide range? The executives may feel perfectly comfortable in black-tie, but if the awards are going to the best of the construction crew, evening or business attire may be more suitable. After all, it is hard to feel honored when you are uncomfortable. If there is time and politics permit, ask the nominees what they would like to see in their awards ceremony. Their answers may surprise you and your client.

Highlighting the award winners can take many different forms from the subtle to the extreme. Tony Conway, CMP and president/partner of Legendary Events in Atlanta, recently planned an awards ceremony at Atlanta's Fox Theater for American Textile Industry to honor Swift Denim, the largest manufacturer of denim material. To give everyone their chance up on the stage, Conway reversed the seating, placing the attendees on the stage and the audio visual and entertainment out where the audience would normally be. To showcase the honoree's product, nearly everything was made out of denim. "We coordinated everything for them from the actual production of the event, to the guest's transportation, to the speaker (retired Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz) as well as incorporating specially made denim tablecloths and linens to give the look of their product. Since Swift Denim as receiving the Innovation Award for unique uses of their denim product, we wanted to showcase the many uses. In addition to the handmade tablecloths and linens, we also used recycled denim paper for the program and invitations, as well as a multimedia production of all of their commercials. Their departing gifts were mugs that had been produced from denim products and placed in denim bags. The whole evening was denim and it encompassed a little bit of everything." states Conway.

Ellen Michaels Presents, likes to focus on what is a very memorable moment for the attendees. "Most often we use the general session room so we can use the stage and lighting. As the dramatic opener, we try to do something special like a light show and use upbeat live entertainment such as gospel singers for the music. We also like to get the client involved in the ceremony. Maybe we'll go to complete black at the opening and then have the CEO come out on the stage. Depending on the group, maybe the CEO will ride onto the stage on a Harley with 'Born to be Wild' playing in the background or a magician will have the CEO magically appear out of a box. We always try to work with the executives because once the guest see their leaders getting into the spirit, they really get into it also," EMP states.