A Guide to Virtual Awards Ceremonies

So much of our world has changed during the past several months, and business operations of all types have become virtual — and that includes award ceremonies. Organizations and teams of all sizes and across all industries are adapting to help maintain social distance while still recognizing their employees’ hard work, and that means showing their recognition with virtual awards ceremonies.

Along with the huge advantage of keeping everyone safe, virtual awards ceremonies can offer other benefits. There’s no overhead cost of things like a venue, food, and travel expenses, and overall marketing budgets are reduced. These are all selling points for sponsors, guest speakers, and presenters as well, who may not have previously been able to attend due to schedule restrictions.

Just as was the case with traditional in-person events, virtual awards ceremonies require some prep and planning in order to go off without a hitch. These virtual events are also a great piece of content that your organization (and recipients) can share across their own digital channels, which also highlights the importance of getting it right. We’ve put together some top tips and best practices to ensure your virtual awards ceremony is a success.

Plan Accordingly

Like any other event, virtual or not, a solid plan is like a blueprint to follow for your ceremony. Choose a date and time that works for all attendees, and especially for guest presenters — a survey is a good way to get feedback from everyone involved. Once that’s established, you can create a schedule for the day of the event. These are all important details that you’ll be sharing when sending out invitations (either physical or digital) to the awards ceremony.

Choose Tech Wisely

Do your research and choose a video conferencing tool that will handle the number of attendees that you’re expecting. It may be that your organization needs to pay for the right tech, so make sure to budget accordingly. Let everyone know ahead of time which tech you chose; that way they can become familiar with the platform and avoid glitches the day of the ceremony. If you’re the host, check the network infrastructure and internet bandwidth of the workspace you’ll be hosting from.

Engage The Team

Depending on the nature of your awards ceremony, it could be a great idea to ask employees or other team members to weigh in (anonymously) on the winners instead of having a traditional panel of judges or letting managers pick recipients. Wait on announcing the results until the actual ceremony; this will go a long way towards keeping the whole team engaged and motivated.

Get In The Spirit

Just because the event is virtual, doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! Encourage attendees to wear their gala attire to help boost morale and excitement. You can even ask a band to play during your event, just like you would for an in-person awards ceremony. Additionally, skip the email invitations and opt for fancy paper invites that are sent through mail — it will make a lasting impression and give everyone a keepsake of the event. 

Make It Accessible

Record the ceremony as it happens live for those attendees who may not be able to make it. Add features like captions for speakers and large font that’s legible for those who may have visual or hearing impairments. Upload the finished product to your website or video platforms (like YouTube) in a way that everyone can share the content with their own website or social media accounts. Who doesn’t love subtly bragging about their accomplishments?

Choose The Right Award

Your event may be scaled back, but your awards shouldn’t. Invest in the same high-quality physical awards that you would if you were handing them out in-person; this goes a long way towards showing recipients you value the work they’ve been doing as part of your organization or team. Customize them with their names and have them shipped directly to their homes quickly and without any errors.

While planning your next virtual awards ceremony is up to you, providing the awards is our specialty. At the end of the day, your trophies, awards, badges, and signs should do more than simply honor someone. Our cutting-edge technology, experience, and commitment to your satisfaction make recipients feel truly respected and valued. No matter what accomplishments or talents you’re highlighting at your virtual awards ceremony, we will help you make it a success in style — get in touch with our team today.

Don't see exactly what you are looking for?

To explore our Master Catalog with thousands of options

CLICK HERE

Celebrate Success: Why Corporate Awards Matter

12 Apr, 2024
In today's workplaces, it's crucial to acknowledge and celebrate employees' accomplishments. Doing so isn't just a nice gesture; it's essential for keeping teams motivated and engaged. Let's explore why recognizing corporate achievements is necessary (and how awards stores can help). Fostering Appreciation Recognizing corporate achievements is about creating an environment where employees feel valued for their hard work and dedication. Team members who feel appreciated are more likely to be motivated and committed to their roles. Recognition reinforces positive behaviors and inspires employees to strive for excellence. Boosting Morale and Motivation Acknowledging employees' accomplishments boosts their morale and motivates them to keep up the excellent work. Whether meeting sales targets, finishing a project early, or showing great teamwork, recognizing these achievements makes employees feel proud and appreciated and shows that their contributions matter.

Welcoming in a New Team Member: Do's and Don'ts

12 Jan, 2024
Do you remember the first day of your first job in your industry or even your first job? It's a new environment, team members, and company policies and procedures. A first day is already hard, but it can feel less overwhelming with clear expectations, robust onboarding and training, and a strong welcome from the team. Let's look at some of the do's and don'ts when welcoming a new team member, and how a solid start at the company can lead to increased performance and retention. Do: Provide a Warm Welcome Welcoming a new team member begins with a warm reception. Assign a designated person or team to greet the newcomer on their first day. A friendly welcome sets the tone for a positive experience and helps the new employee feel valued. Orientation and Training A well-structured orientation and training program are fundamental to a successful onboarding process. Communicate company values, expectations, and policies. Equip the new employee with the knowledge and skills necessary for their role, and provide ongoing training. Assign a Mentor Foster a sense of belonging by assigning a mentor or buddy to the new employee. This designated point of contact can guide them through the initial phases, answer questions, and provide insights into the company culture. This personalized support enhances the onboarding experience. Introduce the Team Team integration is crucial for a new employee's sense of belonging. Organize team introductions or welcome events to facilitate connections between the newcomer and their colleagues; this builds professional relationships and creates a positive social atmosphere within the workplace. Feedback and Check-ins Regular check-ins during the initial weeks are essential for gauging the new employee's progress and addressing concerns. Encourage open communication, provide constructive feedback, and create a supportive environment. This ongoing connection helps the new team member feel valued and supported.
Share by: