In March and April 2021, the Australian Event Awards Team reached out to the industry across the country for input about the Australian Event Awards for 2021, whether it should go ahead and what it should look like.

A wide range of judges, partners, past entrants, and wider members of the community provided their input. The resounding messages received were:

The Event Awards should go ahead in 2021 as a show of strength and resilience of the Events Industry

There should be a substantial rework to reflect the nature of the changed industry

The Event Awards should recognise the struggles of the industry, the achievements and resilience of all players in surviving the challenges brought about by Covid-19

The Event Awards should strive to bring the industry together for consultation, collaboration and comradeship in whatever way is possible

It is in this spirit that the Australian Event Awards will go ahead in 2021, adapted to recognise and accommodate the transformations of the industry.

“The resounding support and encouragement that we received from the Industry was fantastic to see. We will strive to do whatever we can to acknowledge the resilience and accomplishments of our Industry.” Ian Steigrad, Managing Director of the Awards.

The Event Awards have made changes to the list of categories to reflect the Industry as it is in 2021, found ways to acknowledge all entrants (rather than just finalists) for their resilience, and created new initiatives such as ‘Australian Event Industry Month’ as a focal point for activities which highlight the industry’s strength and success.

Entries for 2021 are open now. Events (virtual, hybrid or live), technical triumphs, design, service, and organisational achievements from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 are able to enter the 2021 Awards.

Do not miss out on the chance to be a part of a new and innovative Event Awards Program. Enter Now https://eventawards.com.au/entering/

“In 2020 we saw an impressive array of entries come through despite the effects of Covid-19. There is no doubt in my mind that the Event Awards 2021 will be even better.” Peter Rix AM, Co-Chair of the Judging Panel.

Key Changes for 2021

2021 EVENT AWARDS CATEGORIES

Following detailed feedback, the Event Awards team has collaborated with the Co-Chairs and Judges to rework the Awards categories.

“The 2021 categories aim to be inclusive of all types of event delivery and to reflect the way the industry now operates. This will provide an opportunity for those who have produced virtual, hybrid or live events to showcase their accomplishments, highlight their innovations and acknowledge the changes they have had to make.” Brenda LaPorte, Co-Chair of the Judging Panel.

New additions to the Best Event categories in 2021 include Best Live or Hybrid Public Event / Best Virtual Public Event which recognises sporting events, tourism events, festivals, public exhibitions, etc that provide an innovative experience for the public and demonstrate excellence in their event delivery. Furthermore, Best Live or Hybrid Brand Event / Best Virtual Brand Event has been introduced in 2021 to recognise events designed to further the brand of a client by increasing sales, building brand loyalty or launching a new product.

In the Achievement sphere, the Event Awards have strived to be inclusive of innovations relating to the delivery of virtual (or hybrid) events. Specifically, Best Online Event Delivery Platform recognises an online platform that has demonstrated an outstanding and innovative achievement and has benefitted the industry. Likewise, Best Achievement in Studio Management has been introduced in 2021 to recognise exceptional studio management that has enhanced and supported the delivery of an event.

The Headline Categories have largely remained the same in 2021 aiming to recognise small or large event management organisations that have delivered events at an exceptional level since 1 July 2020.

For the full list of categories head to the Event Awards Website.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF EVERY ENTRANT

The Events Industry has come a long way over the past 12 months, demonstrating its resilience, strength and tenacity in enduring the uncertain times.

In 2021, the Event Awards has decided that the works, achievements, and accomplishments of every entrant that wants to be acknowledged, will receive recognition throughout the month of October.

During October, the Event Awards will showcase short highlights of every entrant and their accomplishments since 1 July 2020. These highlights will include an image or video of the event or achievement, accompanied by a short overview and recognition of a few of the individuals that were integral to the operation.

Each highlight will be published predominantly on the Event Awards social media channels. Attention will also be drawn to the highlights through their e-newsletters to the database and their media partners. This means that National Finalists for 2021 will be announced just prior to the winner announcement instead of ahead of time, allowing the focus during October to be on every entrant.

AUSTRALIAN EVENT INDUSTRY MONTH

In 2021, the Australian Event Awards will strive to recognise the achievements and resilience of the industry. To do this, the month of October 2021 will become ‘Australian Event Industry Month.’

The Australian Event Awards will participate in this initiative by highlighting every Awards entrant thereby showcasing the individuals and organisations in the industry and what they have been able to achieve despite Covid-19.

“Australian Events Industry Month is a fantastic initiative, not just for the Event Awards but for the Australian Events community as a whole. I strongly urge everyone in the industry to find ways to participate in this concept and make October a month for the Industry to reflect and celebrate as one.” Brenda LaPorte, Co-Chair of the Judging Panel.

The Awards are also inviting the industry to participate in #AussieEventsMonth by asking anyone who is interested to reach out to them with thoughts and input on what other initiatives might be included. https://eventawards.com.au/contact/

The Australian Event Industry Month will culminate in the Awards Ceremony held at the end of October 2021 (*See Below).

EVENT AWARDS CEREMONY 2021

It is the Awards’ intention to stage a single, live event in an Australian capital city towards the end of October. The Ceremony will serve to acknowledge every entrant who attends, recognise the finalists of each category and celebrate each winner.

However, given the uncertain times, should a live event not be possible, achievements will still be recognised in an online format and trophies will still be awarded.

“It’s a great achievement that we as an industry have been able to adapt to the changing times and we recognise that, for some, it has been an extremely difficult 12 months. We believe that the Australian Event Awards 2021 is an opportunity for the industry to band together, help each other, learn from others and celebrate our own.” Ian Steigrad, Managing Director of the Awards.