Awards are essential – we have already established that.
But what about the ceremonies?
11 months ago, Don’t Panic were forced to postpone the upcoming Award ceremonies due to COVID-19 – it was a very, very sad day.
Nicky Wake, MD and the Don’t Panic team decided very quickly that cancelling permanently was not an option. In our mind the Search, Content, Biddable, Dev and Social agencies, in-house teams and businesses that enter in, and benefit from Don’t Panic run awards, were continuing to deliver incredible, brilliant and outstanding work despite the pandemic, so we would too. Award recognitions, rewards and celebrations were even more deserving than ever.
Like many companies the key to survival was adaptation. We took our first steps into the virtual awards world with the Global Digital Excellence Awards back in June 2020. It seems so long ago! From that first event we have traversed the world with the Search Awards Series, the Content Awards, the Social Media Awards and launched several Global Awards virtually. In total 25 virtual events to date and counting.
What can you expect from a Virtual Awards?
Our Virtual Awards vary depending on location, time zones and entries. All Award categories are announced live with an online build up, so the anticipation and excitement can be felt in the virtual ether. Some awards have filmed production with your celebrity host coming live to you in your living room/study/bedroom/makeshift office and others have animation based production where your host introduces the awards and judges make the winners announcements via video clips. Either way the awards are your chance to come together and live the moment, socially distanced of course.
From a business perspective you can expect all the usual ROI: Pre- and post-event marketing opportunities, industry and client recognition, new business, new talent, motivation and the accolade itself which can be purchased via our online trophy shop, will be sent to you by special delivery, instead of being handed over in person.
From a social and personal angle? Well, here is where we have had to hand it over to you… We have encouraged you to get together via social mediums; we have suggested dress up and dress down themes; we have recommended fine dine, takeaways and nibbles (who wants to cook anyway); we have advocated Champagne, cocktails and cocoa (with marshmallows and cream), we have ordered your participation in events via social walls or social media and we have demanded you share your party with your compatriots.
And we salute you! We have seen you make celebrations of your own in the virtual world we live in and we have loved what you have shared. Thank you for making our virtual awards journey so much fun.
With the vaccine roll out taking place across the world and with positive news on the horizon, we are already working on future live events across the UK where you can expect a return to the fun and frivolity associated with Don’t Panic events. And when the world opens again we look forward to delivering awards internationally and celebrating your win in person.