12 Award Ceremony Ideas: How to Host Your Own Company Awards.

Summary/Overview

A company award ceremony is more than just a glitz and glam affair to celebrate talent – it’s an opportunity for organizers and attendees to create unforgettable memories.

From acknowledging top performers in an industry to celebrating employees’ achievements, discover what it takes to come up with a successful and memorable award ceremony with Adobe Express. Use our tips and template ideas to help you start planning the perfect theme for your next award ceremony.

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What is an award ceremony?

An award ceremony is a special event set up to recognise the hard work and success of individuals or employees who have excelled in a specific field. They can range from a local community award to an international award ceremony.

A company award ceremony is more specific – focusing on the achievements of staff in an organisation. Company ward ceremonies are important because they:

• Inspire other professionals to strive for excellence.
• Serve as an ideal opportunity for industry professionals to network and collaborate with peers.
• Provide exposure to nominees and winners, who can further bolster their career and put their name out their in the industry.

Editable award ceremony posters and invites.

12 company award ceremony ideas.

Planning an award ceremony is different from planning other events. From choosing a venue to creating a theme, you’ll have to find the right balance between making the event engaging and memorable to attendees – but also meeting the needs of your company, sponsors, associates or clients.

While your award ceremony doesn’t have to be as lavish or glamorus as the BRIT awards, it must have a wow factor. With this in mind, let’s look at 12 award ceremony ideas that can help your company awards stand out.

1. Make it an annual event that people can look forward to.

An annual award ceremony not only shows employees or professionals that their hard work is recognised, but that they’re also part of something bigger. It let’s them know that they’re appreciated and valued. Taking home a custom award can also keep them motivated for the rest of the year.

2. Use the ceremony as a networking opportunity.

Many professionals will attend an award ceremony to mix and mingle with their peers. Arrange the layout of your award ceremony such that the reception, refreshments bar or seating creates more room for guests to network and chat with one another. You could even arrange a designated networking activity as part of the event schedule.

3. Make sure your attendees feel involved.

Remember, your award ceremony isn’t just about those receiving the award, but your audience too. It’s important that you turn them into active participants during the award ceremony. Activities such as having a trivia award show encourages the audience to collaborate with one another, and tap into the synergy of other attendees.

4. Host a virtual award ceremony for remote workers.

We’re living in a digital age where events can be attended by anyone in any part of the globe. By hosting a virtual award ceremony or livestreaming the event, participants worldwide can share in the enthusiasm of the big night.

Adding virtual activities like real-time reactions, live polls, Q&A sessions and online quizzes can make online attendees connect with the audience and share in the excitement. You could also customise your own award ceremony background to make the virtual event even more special.

5. Include personalised awards – not just certificates.

Nothing beats the feeling of having a nice shiny plaque with your certificate, or a trophy boldly displaying ‘manager of the year’ in your office.

By designing an impressive award for recipients to take home, it can make your award ceremony look more professional and memorable.

6. Experiment with fun and creative award categories.

Your award ceremony can go beyond just recognising high achievers. Just like The Dundies episode from The Office US, you can include fun and quirky awards like ‘The Whitest Sneakers Award’ or ‘The Always on Time Award’. These awards can help recognise those often overlooked heroes in the office.heroes in the office.

7. Feed your guests well.

Rumbling stomachs at an award ceremony aren’t exactly conducive for an evening of fun and relaxation. As the organiser, ensure your attendees have pleny of food and refreshments during the event. Mind you, it doesn’t have to be an expensive buffet or a lavish sit-down banquet. A decent catering service and a refreshments bar should do the trick. Design your own menu so guests know what to expect.

8. Ensure convenient and efficient ticketing.

It’s not just the actual event that should be well organised, but having an efficient ticketing process can improve the outlook of your award ceremony even before it begins. Customise your own tickets or invitations for the event, then keep track of RSVPs to help organise seating arrangements and ensure all the award winners are in attendance.

9. Hire a special keynote speaker.

An award ceremony is the perfect place to get high profile speakers in your specific industry to offer words of wisdom or encouragement. Ensure to select a speaker who is well-known in the industry and who your audience will instantly or easily recognise.

10. Bring in live entertainment acts.

Entertainment is crucial to making an award ceremony memorable, especially a gala event. It creates a lively atmosphere, provides natural breaks in the evening and engages guests throughout the event. Entertainment can include live music, dance performances, an MC, or a full orchestra – basically anything that adds glamour and energy to the event.

11. Roll out the red carpet.

Renting out a red carpet to welcome attendees can make them feel special on the big day! But don’t stop there – hire a photographer to take press photos that people can post on social media, making the event all the more memorable.

12. Offer some branded freebies.

‘Freebie’ is a word that everyone loves. Providing brand goodie bags at the event is a great way to raise the excitement about your event. Think practical items decorated with your logo – such as reusable water bottles, branded T-shirts, or even a box of chocolates.

Free award ceremony certificate examples.

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Useful things to know.

What makes a great award ceremony?

Many factors come together to make a memorable award ceremony. Your selling point may be anything from the venue, theme, food, entertainment, award design or even the MC that’s hosting the event. Ensuring these factors are streamlined can turn your event into an unforgettable experience for attendees.

How can you make a company awards ceremony more interactive?

You could look to include special interactive activities such as live performances, event quizzes, networking opportunities and prize vouchers. These can make your audience more engaged with the event from start to finish.

Who should attend a work award ceremony?

This can depend on the type of event and whether it’s an invite-only affair. Generally, attendees of a work event can include:

• employees
• employers
• company affiliates
• company clients
• event sponsors
• special guests or keynote speakers.

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