4 ideas for throwing an awards ceremony to remember

In charge of planning? Well, with awards season fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to get the wheels in motion.

Whether you’re throwing a huge ceremony – inviting the biggest names in your industry – or a more intimate affair which really puts those A* employees in the spotlight, take a leaf out of Ultimate Experience’s book and follow these four tips for an unforgettable night.

Whether you’re throwing a huge ceremony – inviting the biggest names in your industry – or a more intimate affair which really puts those A* employees in the spotlight, take a leaf out of Ultimate Experience’s book and follow these four tips for an unforgettable night.

1. Forget tradition

Awards ceremonies generally focus around one stage with bright lights shining down on the winners as they pick up those glittering trophies. But this year could be the perfect year to forgo the ordinary in favour of something a little bit different. If you’re planning something smaller and more personal, make the middle of the room your focal point and let your guests get closer to the action – as long as they don’t heckle the winners, of course.

2. Make it techy

Nothing gets an overexcited bunch of event goers talking quite like cutting-edge technology, and there’s so many engaging ways to introduce it at your next event – from mind-boggling VR tech that takes guests into another world to amazing augmented-reality gadgets.

Focus on interactivity to make the most of new tech, like creating an awards category that lets guests vote for the winner on the night. Try designing an event app with a voting function or handing out voting keypads to attendees as they arrive. Keep the winner a secret until the end of the night to build suspense as the evening goes on.

3. Stand out

If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to turn your ceremony into a total snooze fest, it’s the same thing year after year. Events are getting bigger, better and more impressive by the day, so make sure yours never stands still.

Give your guests fresh, new experiences every time they attend, and up the ante on entertainment and styling. Choose a brand-new venue every year and take guests to areas of the capital they might not have explored before. Take a look at Ultimate Experience’s awards venue collection for some Insta-worthy inspiration.

4. Feed ’em good  

Catering might not seem like a hugely important part of a star-studded awards ceremony, but it really is. We guarantee you that if guests’ stomachs are left rumbling, they’ll be in the first black cab to a less-than-reputable chicken shop before the night is over. Keep them full and happy with delicious food that they can’t help but tuck into – think street food and bowl food through to fine-dining menus, buffets and picnics