Well after a three-month build up the #UnAwards17 is almost here. Here’s your guide to the big day.
by Darren Caveney
I genuinely don’t think there has been a more important time to salute, recognise and celebrate the work of communicators across our industry. Some of you are working under pretty tough conditions. Some of you are adapting to smaller resources and increased demand. And others are just delivering damned fine work.
The UnAwards is my way of giving a little bit back to an industry which has been very good to me. I take huge pride and pleasure in being able to take a decent chunk of time out each year away for the day the day consultancy work to organise the UnAwards and to help fly a flag – in my own little way – for the communications community.
The big day
If you have managed to secure a ticket to the #UnAwards17, well done – you’re in for a treat.
The event is sold out. The 141 tickets have been in huge demand and I could have sold double that. Should we get a larger venue next time? Maybe, but then if we’re not careful the UnAwards would become the very thing it set out not to be. As my Dad used to say - they don’t make diamonds the size of house bricks.
Win or draw you’re in for a great day
The UnAwards is my favourite work day of the year. It’s quite unlike any other industry event I’ve been to.
Not winning…
Of course if you’re shortlisted but don’t win you’ll be disappointed.
With 414 entries and 70 on the shortlist it’s stating the obvious in saying that not everyone can win.
If you’ve been to a traditional awards event, paid handsomely for it, and left empty-handed it can feel like a massive anti-climax. I know, I have experienced that.
The UnAwards is different.
The day is designed so that win or not you can genuinely enjoy a fun event and a unique opportunity to network with industry colleagues new and old. That in itself is reason to be there.
Twitter will be buzzing
If you can’t be at the UnAwards17 follow it on Twitter using the #UnAwards17 hashtag.
Announcing the winners and snaps of the big day
We’ll be posting the winners names to the UnAwards17 website after the event.
We also have the fab Nigel Bishop taking snaps and filming the event and we’ll get these online as soon as possible.
Timings, ceremony, film and food
The venue for the UnAwards17 is the very cool Everyman Cinema up on the third floor of Birmingham's Mailbox, B1 1 RF
If you’re coming along aim to be at the venue at 9.30am for registration, a mug of fresh coffee and a croissant. The #UnAwards17 ceremony begins at 10.00am.
After the ceremony we’re watching a brilliant film and one which captures the theme for the #UnAwards17 – being brave, doing things differently, swimming against the tide.
For those of you badgering me for the title or a clue, my lips are sealed – only three people in the world know what it is. You’ll find out 30 seconds before you watch it. But it’s a good one, trust me.
After the film you’ll tuck into hearty bowl of veggie chilli and be done by 3pm.
And the dress code is…
Whatever you fancy. Literally. This is NOT black tie, as you’ll have guessed J But if you want to come in your fancy clobber then go for it. Albert Freeman and I will, as always, be donning our deep blue velvet jackets for their annual airing.
Saying thanks
Thanks so much for your support again this year, it means a lot.
Special thanks too to the official UnAwards17 partner, Granicus UK, and our official sponsors the Local Government Association, Alive With Ideas, the NUJ PRCC, SocialSignIn, Social Simulator, the Council Advertising Network and Perago Wales. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – there would be no UnAwards without you.
I look forward to seeing lots of you on Friday 1 December
#BestWorkDayOfTheYear
Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0 and organiser of the UnAwards17
Image by Tullio Saba
