Awards: make your company and your teams shine.

More and more companies are adopting positive management practices by organizing awards ceremonies. Receiving an award for a job well done or a successful project is always rewarding and boosts motivation. The prospect of a reward and recognition creates a virtuous circle for all employees. Find out how awards ceremonies are organized in this article on the subject.

What are awards?

Awards are a ceremony at the end of which prizes are presented to nominees. Usually organized to reward the world of culture (music, cinema, theater, etc.), this type of event now has its place in HR strategies as well as in the image strategies of many companies. There are many examples of awards: award for the best project, award for the best employee, award for the best salesperson, award for the best service provider, award for the best team, award for the most eco-friendly project... there are many opportunities to highlight the expertise, results, and values that are important to your company.

How to organize successful awards?

Before considering any logistical aspects, there are some important points to consider to ensure your awards are a success.

1. First, the context.
   Organizing this type of event is not insignificant. Make sure that the idea will be well received internally and that it meets your employees' expectations... otherwise you risk missing your target.

2. Next, the objective.
   The essential question is: why do you want to organize awards? HR strategy? Image strategy? Both? To highlight the company culture? The answers to these questions will determine the format of the awards and the nature of the prizes awarded.

3. Thirdly, the prizes.
   Determining the prizes you want to award is the very essence of this ceremony. They will be all the more meaningful if you have answered the previous two steps. Be sure to describe what they correspond to so that there is no ambiguity in the conditions of participation and awarding. It seems obvious that they must correspond to your company's activity and be accessible enough to generate strong engagement.

4. Fourthly, the terms and conditions for registration, voting, and prizes.
   Now that the awards have been determined, it is time to write the rules for participation and voting. As with any competition, without common rules, it is impossible to identify an “undisputed” winner. As part of these rules, the voting procedures must also be clearly specified. Will the winners be chosen by other employees? Will a jury choose them? Will voting take place in a ballot box or digitally? Will voters be able to vote for multiple awards? When will voting open and close? What are the prizes?

5. Fifthly, information.
   Now that the general framework for the awards has been established, success is not guaranteed. You will now need to mobilize, inform, and motivate your employees. A genuine internal communication strategy (or external strategy, if you open the voting and participation to “outside” parties) will need to be put in place. Specific communication during the launch phase, follow-ups, alerts, focus on applications... Be convincing, fun, and creative so that the ceremony is perceived positively and its outcome is eagerly awaited.

6. Sixth, the ceremony and announcement of results.
   Once voting has been completed and closed, you must announce the results. This is when the weeks of internal mobilization come to fruition. What format will it take, in-person or remote? Where will it be held (on-site, at a specific location)? Who will present the awards? When will it take place (a special evening event, seminar, etc.)? It may seem obvious, but don't forget to send a formal invitation to each employee involved in the awards ceremony. Finally, don't forget to decide on the format of the awards (trophy or other) that is sure to please the winners... it's up to you to choose the most appropriate one. This reward must be commensurate with the work done. So, give free rein to your creativity!

7. In closing, thank you and congratulations. Often forgotten because the ceremony is over, the post-event is just as important. A thank-you email to all voters and participants, reminding them of the prizes awarded and the winners, is standard but essential if you want to repeat the project the following year.

Why use an event communications agency to organize awards ceremonies?

Awards ceremonies have a significant impact on your brand image, both internally and externally. It is therefore essential to prepare this type of event carefully. But this requires time and specific skills. An event communications agency can offer you personalized support and a turnkey solution to ensure your event is a success.

So, if setting up an awards project is part of your strategy, Agence I.S (an event and marketing communications agency based in the Paris region), through its IS Corporate division, specializes in consulting, support, and management for this type of project. Whether your project is local, national, or international, if you have an idea, we can answer your questions and help you bring it to life in the best possible way. Contact our expert team for more information!