Planning a Showstopping Awards Ceremony

In London

We have spent years helping clients bring their biggest nights to life in the form of a showstopping awards ceremony. This is always a highlight for our corporate clients as awards ceremonies are the perfect way to recognise and reward those for their hard work and dedication and also the perfect reason for co workers to get together for a celebratory event. With London’s wealth of venues, suppliers and creative potential, there is ample opportunity to host something exceptional in the city.

The Right Format for Your Audience

Before selecting the right venue, it’s crucial to decide on a format that suits your audience. Some of our clients want a formal, theatre-style set-up with tiered seating and a high-impact stage, followed by drinks, canapés and an epic party. Others prefer guests seated at tables from the start, integrating dinner and awards into one.

We’ve planned sleek presentations at iconic venues like 8 Northumberland, Old Billingsgate and The Londoner, to glamorous sit-down dinners and awards in unique spaces such as the Natural History Museum. Each format comes with its own detailed brief, but we ensure that it always exceeds the clients objectives and guest expectations.

Choosing the Venue

When it comes to choosing the venue for awards, London has so much choice - contemporary ballrooms and urban style spaces to historic buildings that have an abundance of character. Our team begins with a deep dive into the event brief,  looking at guest numbers, production requirements, catering preferences and the kind of atmosphere we are hoping to create. We then shortlist venues that have the perfect look and feel, in addition to being able to meet the production requirements of the awards ceremony..

The Importance of Production

Awards ceremonies are theatrical, and so production plays a central role in the event. Lighting, sound, stage design and screen content all need to work together to create a slick and dynamic evening.

We work with elite production companies to design the right look, from the walk-on moments to mood lighting, as this sets the tone for guests. Our goal is always to make sure everyone stays engaged during the ceremony, that the presenters shine, and the award winners feel fantastic during their spotlight moment on stage.

If the venue is being transformed throughout the night, then timing, transitions and logistics need to be expertly managed to keep things running smoothly and on schedule.

Guest Experience

Awards ceremonies can be long, and keeping guests comfortable, fed and entertained throughout is just as important as anything happening on stage. We work closely with venues and caterers to design menus that suit the pace of the evening. For seated dinners, service needs to be prompt, discreet and well-coordinated alongside the timings of the awards. For standing receptions post-ceremony, we focus on impressive canapés, stylish drinks stations and comfortable areas for socialising.

Entertainment plays a key role and we love to incorporate live music acts and immersive experiences to elevate the event for those attending.

Brand & Purpose

An awards night isn’t just about recognising individuals for our clients, it is an opportunity to showcase the brand. This may be using a branded stage design and content along with subtle details forming part of the decor. It’s the attention to detail that makes the event more valuable than just a nice night out, and it encompasses the wider brand identity.

Why Work With a Planner

Planning an awards ceremony needs intricate and dedicated planning. There are hundreds of communications around suppliers, timelines, budgets and technical elements involved in large scale events like an awards ceremony. Experienced event planners like us act as the central point, managing and coordinating everything to save you time and stress.

We are always creative with a calm approach, and the London network that Neon Touch has built up over the years gives you access to exclusive dates, costs, and preferential services for your event.

With the right vision, venue and team behind you, an awards ceremony becomes a night to remember. If you’re looking for help with a large scale event in London, then chat to us HERE about creating something incredible.