Organising an awards night is a great way to recognise and reward talent within your business or sector. However big or small your awards night is, there are many factors to consider before planning your event. Here are our top five tips for organising an awards night:
Decide on a budget
Before you start your awards night planning, it’s a good idea to set a realistic budget for your event.
There are many expenses to consider when organising an awards night such as the prizes, the ceremony, speakers, catering and entertainment. Whatever your budget, there are lots of options available, but having a realistic figure in mind will ensure that your awards night doesn’t leave you out of pocket.
Choose a venue
Is your awards night a big lavish affair or a small intimate gathering? Do you plan on holding a pre-ceremony dinner, or a drinks reception for your guests? Choosing a venue can seem daunting, especially when there are so many options available. Using a venue finder such as Secret Spaces will help to narrow down your search and find the perfect venue in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For larger awards nights, venues such as the Three Counties Showground or Sudeley Castle are perfect for events needing a variety of spaces. For smaller ceremonies, Rendcomb College and Bowerchalke Barn provide exclusive access to their venues and have fantastic facilities on offer.
Pick a theme
Picking a theme for your awards night will get guests talking and provides the perfect opportunity to make your event as memorable as possible. Themes don’t have to be cheesy and are a great way to help determine options for food and evening entertainment. For example, a circus theme might include canapes such as candy floss and popcorn with an acrobatic or aerial performance before the awards ceremony. If in doubt, a black-tie theme always goes down well – and gives your guests a chance to dress to impress!
Consider your catering
Whether your awards night includes a three-course dinner, lunch or canapes to snack on, food and drink is very important to get right. 34% of event planners spend most of their budget on catering. Food is one of the most memorable parts of any occasion, and you want your guests to be talking about yours for the right reasons. It’s advisable to schedule in a tasting session if you will be serving a sit-down meal, so you can sample the menu and ensure you will be catering for all dietary requirements.
Don’t forget the tech!
Technology can make or break an awards night. It’s advisable to always have a back-up plan if your technology fails. An overwhelming majority of event marketers (86%) believe that technology can have a major positive impact on the success of their events. If your budget allows, we recommend working with a professional AV team who will be able to look after everything from the set design to the audio and lighting. If you are looking after the event technology in-house, don’t forget to factor in items such as ceremony music, lighting for your entertainment and the necessary cables for playing video. 60% of smartphone users are using their devices at social gatherings and events, so consider tech options such as streaming or live tweeting your awards night to reach an audience beyond your event venue.
If you are looking to organise an awards night for your business, Secret Spaces can help you find the perfect venue depending on your needs. Contact us today to find out more.
References:
Bizzabo, 2016
Event MB, 2017
Event MB, 2017
