After a three-month build-up the #UnAwards22 is almost here. Here’s your guide to the big day…

by Darren Caveney

Now in their seventh year, there has never been a more important role for the UnAwards in saluting, recognising and celebrating the work of communicators across our industry. Most of you are working under tough conditions. Some of you are adapting to smaller resources and increased demand (and a demand which has stuck around post-peak Covid) And others are just delivering damned fine work.

The UnAwards is my own 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 from the day-to-day consultancy work, to organise the UnAwards and to help fly a flag – in my own small way – for our communications community.

The big day

If you have managed to secure a ticket to the #UnAwards22, well done – you’re in for a treat.

There are a handful of tickets left for the ceremony so if you’re quick you can be there – you can grab tickets HERE.

Win or not 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 nearly 350 entries and over 100 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 connect 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 UnAwards22 follow it on Twitter using the #UnAwards22 hashtag.

Announcing the winners and snaps of the big day

I’ll be posting the winners names to the UnAwards22 website after the event.

We also have a new photographer snaps and filming the event and I’ll get these online as soon as possible.

Timings, ceremony, film and food

The venue for the UnAwards22 is the very cool Everyman Cinema up on the third floor of Birmingham's Mailbox, B1 1 RF.

If you are driving I recommend you park in the Mailbox car park – not the cheapest but nearest and best. Sat Nav code is B1 1RS.

If you are coming by train the Everyman Cinema in the Mailbox is a 10 minute walk – leave New street Station via the Victoria Square exits and turn left. Cross the road carrying straight on at the lights and you’ll see the Mailbox straight ahead of you.

If you’re coming along aim to be at the venue by 9.30am for registration, a mug of fresh coffee and a croissant. The #UnAwards22 ceremony will begin at 10.00am.

After the ceremony we’re watching a brilliant film, kept a closely-guarded secret until the day.

After the film we’ll have food in the diner – there’s a selection of veggie and non-veggie sharing plates to tuck into and be done by 3pm. I expect plenty of you may the stay behind for a pre-christmas celebratory tipple. And why not.

And the dress code is…

Whatever you fancy. Literally. This is NOT black tie, as you’ll have guessed 😊 But if you want to come in your fancy clobber then go for it. I will, as always, be giving the annual outing to my UnAwards velvet jacket.

Fancy a pre-UnAwards social gathering?

If you’re coming to Birmingham the day before I have reserved spaces at Brum’s best restaurant - The Indian Streatery. Tables are booked for 7.30pm. If you would like to be there please add your name to this Google list. There is a limit on numbers so please be quick as there are only a couple if places left. Their smoked aubergine curry is a thing of beauty. Just saying.

Saying thanks

Thanks so much for your support again this year, it means a lot. Everyone who entered, tweeted and endorsed.

Special thanks too to the official UnAwards22 partners, CAN Digital and Hello Lamp Post, and to our official sponsors the Local Government Association, Alive With Ideas, Orlo, Perago, Sorted Communications, DigiKind, Amanda Coleman, Ruth Dale and Vanilla Ruffles. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – there would be no UnAwards without you.

I really look forward to seeing lots of you on Friday 2 December

Darren Caveney is owner and creator of comms2point0, creative communicators and organiser of the UnAwards