What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 1 August 2016

Welcome to another week and we are in Awards mode here at Cloud 9 Towers with the Midlands Media Awards for the Birmingham Press Club and prepping for the launch of the 2017 CHS Awards which we run for Emma Cartmell and her team, and our Fresh Awards brand which is also having a major overhaul.

Although Awards Ceremonies are not our only focus, it’s how Cloud 9 began so we do still relish the delivery of the actual events themselves even though the process can be quite arduous as any good Awards organiser knows.

From appointing a credible jury to orchestrating a workable timeline, to marketing, to entry processing and to generating sponsorship and involvement from stakeholders, there is a considerable number of elements to include to successfully run an awards programme. 

Many entrants view awards with a certain amount of cynicism and we’ve been very stoic in our approach to making all of the awards events we run as transparent as possible, with good communication at each and every stage. From acknowledging entries, to announcing shortlists, finalists or nominees, making sure that everyone, irrespective of their own success within the awards is kept up to date.

One of the questions we are asked most is about feedback and this is where it can be a little tricky. It’s great to be able to provide a positive commentary from the judges about a job or project that has been well executed but when it comes to anything even remotely critical, it can be a bit tough.

Yes, we all operate in a business environment, but let’s be honest, we have all a personal investment in our work, and even more so when it comes to awards which are an emotive subject at the best of times.

Before you actually put your work out there for scrutiny, it’s likely that you are proud of the job you have done and the effort you have invested so to be told it’s not up to standard, is way behind the campaigns, products or creativity of your peers, can be a pretty crushing experience.

From an Awards organisers perspective this is perhaps the most difficult element when running awards, as to deliver good news, encourage attendance at the awards and have lots of positive stories to tell, is great. But to have to share disappointment or any levelling commentary is not so good, no matter how constructive. 

So perhaps its worth considering that Awards organisers are not always the baddies in this scenario, they are simply working with the results they have and the findings of the juries they work with.

Awards remain a great way to promote your business though, and a great way to motivate your teams and your staff. Even if you don’t enjoy massive success in the world of awards, it is worth remembering that if your business is prepared to invest in an entry or two, then your employer must think you are doing something right to have supported your quest for a gong or two.

Have a great week, enjoy!