After a three-month build-up the #UnAwards18 is almost here. Here’s your guide to the big day…
by Darren Caveney
Now in their fifth year, there has never been a more important role for the UnAwards in saluting, recognising and celebrating the work of communicators across our industry. Some of you are working under tough conditions. Some of you are adapting to smaller resources and increased demand. 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 little way – for our communications community.
The big day
If you have managed to secure a ticket to the #UnAwards18, well done – you’re in for a treat.
The event is sold out. The 141 available tickets have been in huge demand. The fact that this year’s event is a week closer to Christmas makes them even more special.
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 420 entries and 70 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 UnAwards18 follow it on Twitter using the #UnAwards18 hashtag.
Announcing the winners and snaps of the big day
We’ll be posting the winners names to the UnAwards18 website after the event.
We also have the fab Nigel Bishop taking snaps and filming the event and we’ll get these online as soon as possible.
Timings, ceremony, film and food
The venue for the UnAwards18 is the very cool Everyman Cinema up on the third floor of Birmingham's Mailbox, B1 1 RF
If you’re coming along aim to be at the venue at 9.30am for registration, a mug of fresh coffee and a croissant. The #UnAwards18 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 you’ll tuck into hearty bowl of veggie chilli 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.
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 UnAwards18 partner, Granicus UK, and our official sponsors the Local Government Association, Alive With Ideas, the NUJ PRCC, Orlo, the Council Advertising Network and Perago Wales. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – there would be no UnAwards without you.
I look forward to seeing lots of you on Friday 7 December
#BestWorkDayOfTheYear
Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0, owner of creative communicators ltd and organiser of the UnAwards18
image by me