After a three-month build-up the #UnAwards23 is almost here. Here’s your guide to the big day…
by Darren Caveney
Now in their eighth 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 still working under tough conditions. Some of you are constantly adapting to smaller resources and increased demands. And most are just busy 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 UnAwards 2023, thanks and well done – it’s a total sell out.
Win or not you’re in for a great day where we can come together to celebrate your hard work across the year.
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 450 entries and 124 on the shortlist it’s stating the obvious in saying that not everyone can win. Some incredibly good work wasn’t shortlisted such was the volume of entries and sheer competition.
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 UnAwards aims to give everyone a fun day whatever the results.
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.
Social media will be buzzing
Share pics of your journey and your day. If you can’t be at the UnAwards follow it on social using the #UnAwards23 hashtag.
Announcing the winners and snaps of the big day
I’ll be posting the winners names to the UnAwards website after the event.
We also have a photographer snapping and filming the event and I’ll get these online as soon as possible.
Timings, ceremony, film and food
The venue for the UnAwards 2023 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 10-12 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 large red Mailbox buillding 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 UnAwards ceremony will begin at 10.00am sharp.
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 an UnAwards velvet jacket.
Fancy a pre-UnAwards social gathering?
If you’re coming to Birmingham the day before our friends at Orlo are hosting drinks at The Lost and Found from 5.30pm. Drop in and say hello.
You have snapped up all of the 26 places we have reserved at Brum’s favourite restaurant - The Indian Streatery. Tables are booked for 8pm. If you would like to be there too you could see if there are any tables free and come and join the fun. Their smoked aubergine curry is a thing of beauty. Just saying.
Saying thanks
Thanks so much for your support again this year, it means an awful lot. Everyone who entered, posted and supported.
Thanks to the panel of 28 external judges, who tackled an enormous challenge this year.
Special thanks too to the official UnAwards 2023 partners and sponsors: CAN Digital, Hello Lamp Post, the Local Government Association, Alive With Ideas, Orlo, e-shot, Perago, Sorted Communications, Whetstone Communications, Omnisis, Grey Fox Communications and Marketing, Seashell Communications and the Behaviour Change Network. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – there would be no UnAwards without you.
I really look forward to seeing you on Friday 1 December
Darren Caveney is owner and creator of comms2point0, creative communicators and organiser of the UnAwards
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