Having been on full lockdown for over a month, the awards and events industry have had to react, adapt, and adopt in response to the current Coronavirus crisis.
Back in March, we shared how the awards industry is being affected, and we told you that ‘the show must go on.’ And that is still true.
Award organisers around the world are utilising online entry platforms, video judging sessions, and live-streaming their awards ceremonies so that you can still win the awards you deserve.
Because at the end of the day, the value of winning awards is in the recognition you receive and what you do with that new power. The winner's logo is just the start!
Here’s how just a few of our top industry awards have reacted to the crisis and the opportunities this gives you to get involved and recognise your own business’s ability to React. Adapt. Adopt.
EUROPEAN CONTACT CENTRE & CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDS
Just one of the awards making a change is the European Contact Centre and Customer Service Awards (ECCCSA).
During this time, getting your customer service right has never been more important, or more challenging. Your customers will remember how you treated them during this time, and that will play a huge role in whether they stick with you or not!
The ECCCSAs is one of the longest-running and largest awards programmes in the customer contact industry. The awards recognise organisations across Europe that are leading the way in delivering exceptional service to customers.
Chair of the Judges Ann-Marie Stagg has introduced new categories so that you can thank those teams that have gone above and beyond to respond quickly to the coronavirus outbreak;
- Best Homeworking Programme
- Responding to a Crisis – Supporting Colleagues
- Responding to a Crisis – Supporting Customers
- Responding to a Crisis – Providing Leadership
- Responding to a Crisis – Supporting the Community
- Responding in a Crisis – Best Partnership Solution
LLOYDS BANK NATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS
The Lloyds Bank National Business Awards are considered THE business award to win in the UK.
With backing from Lloyds Bank and other fantastic partners including Elite Business, SME Guidance for Business Growth and Institute of Export & International Trade. Plus media partners including The i, Yorkshire Post and The Scotsman, the National Business Awards continuously support their entrants.
This year they are continuing as normal, with judging scheduled for September and their awards ceremony taking place in November. But as a special thank you, they will be adding an extra special tribute to the heroic work of the NHS during the crisis.
Awards Director Sarah Austin said;
OTHER RESPONSES
Some of the other things award organisers are doing is extending their submission deadline. They understand people are collaborating on entries remotely, causing delays, people are furloughed and writing award entries may not be a priority right now (or it might be the perfect time!).
But they still want to see those entries and make sure the companies that deserve to win, have a chance to get their entries in!
Awards International, who run the Digital Experience Awards and UK Business Awards amongst others, have taken their full process online for some of their awards. They've also added the ‘Awards International Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Heroes' award, for finalists to nominate their colleagues or suppliers who have gone above and beyond to contribute to their organisation during the crisis.
WINNING AWARDS IN 2020
There is no doubt that awards this year will be different, and the recognition they bring is more valuable than ever for motivating your people and strengthening your brand.
If you don’t enter this year, you will miss out on a whole year of recognition for the success you have already achieved in 2019. Awards look back not forward – they want to see results, evidence and case studies of what you have achieved until now – so don’t give up on all that because of the current storm.
We are all in this together, and awards programmes over the coming months and years will reflect this time period and shine a light on those who persevered, showed resilience, and had the strength to help others and themselves.
We are still open and working to support the best businesses to win the awards they deserve. Get in touch today to book your free consultation, and we can discuss how awards will help you grow in 2020 and beyond.
