AN UPDATE ON THE FANTABULOUS #UNAWARDS17

THE #UNAWARDS17 PUBLIC VOTE IS OPEN

November 9, 2017

After a record-breaking 414 entries a team of external judges are currently battling through a tonne of great work to draw up the 2017 shortlist.

But as you know, the UnAwards are different to other awards because YOU get the chance to choose three of our big winners through a public vote.

And that public vote is now OPEN.

You have a tough, tough challenge now to select our winners from three important categories:

>> LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

>> COMMS TEAM OF THE YEAR

>> BEST GUEST POST OF 2017

You can cast your votes here

The public vote closes on 22 November (midnight)

Choose wisely.

And good luck to all of you.

Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0 and organiser of the UnAwards17

AN AMAZING THING HAS HAPPENED - TAKE A LOOK…

November 2, 2017

The 4th annual UnAwards has seen an amazing response from the industry. And in the process created an enormous treasure trove of learning.

by Darren Caveney

There are many things I love about running my own business: The consultancy, the training, speaking at events and mentoring comms people. The vat bills I love a bit less.

But most of all I really love to fly a flag for the communications community – to shout about the great and important work you all do, from Dundee to Dorset, from Swansea to Suffolk.

The UnAwards gives me an amazing platform to do this in spades. I like to think it’s my opportunity to put a little bit back into an industry which has been very kind to me.

Now it’s fair to say that the UnAwards soaks up a lot of hours of work behind the scenes – ask Mrs C, who hasn’t seen much of me these past few weeks.

But I love it and I’m passionate about making sure that we recognise the efforts, skills and dedication of comms brothers and sisters across the sectors.

The #UnAwards17 closed at midnight on 31 October. And then…

when I closed my laptop at 1.30am I was a little bit gob-smacked to sit back and reflect on the massive 414 entries which had been submitted. 414. Gulp.

That makes it a record-breaker.

I thank very much everyone who entered.

You do these things and, in quieter moments, wonder if anyone will enter this year or turn up at the venue on the big day. Over 3k people had visited the dedicated UnAwards website in the weeks running up to the deadline so I was optimistic but I never ever assume anything in life.

I can stop worrying now.

What happens next?

Well an army of external judges have quite a job on now to review, score and shortlist this mountain of comms excellence.

Once they have done this I’ll be posting the shortlist on the UnAwards website on 21 November.

What else?

Three of the categories – best comms team, best guest post of 2017 and the lifetime achievement UnAward - are decided by public vote. These will go live on the site on 7 November and you can choose your own favourites.

What does the big day look like?

Well in short it is my favourite work day of the year.

Held in the very cool Everyman Cinema in Birmingham’s iconic Mailbox on Friday 1 December it features the winners’ ceremony, the watching of a film (kept secret until the big day) and a meal in the retro diner.

I’m not going to go on about ticket sales except to say it is first come, first served, there is a capacity of 140 tickets and it sells out every year.

This short film from the UnAwards16 will give you an idea of what to expect.

Saying thanks…

I want to say thank you to the people who make the UnAwards possible. My aim with the UnAwards is the make them the most accessible communications industry awards in the UK. But I can only do this through the help, support, belief and financial backing of the official partner and official sponsors.

So a big virtual high five to official UnAwards17 partner Granicus UK, and to the seven official sponsors: SocialSignIn, Council Advertising Network, Social Simulator, the Local Government Association, the NUJ PR and Communications Council, Alive With Ideas and Perago Wales.

They are a group of people who continually back our industry which, in the era of tightening resources, is vital to our ongoing learning and development.

On top of that they are all great people who I would recommend to you as suppliers in a heartbeat. So check them out, talk to them and see where they can help you improve, become more efficient and deliver your objectives.

414. I may get that printed onto a T-shirt.

Right, I’m off for a lie down.

Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0 and organiser of the #UnAwards17

image via Tullio Saba

SHARING GOOD PRACTICE IN DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND ETHICS IN THE #UNAWARDS17

October 24, 2017

unawards17 ethics diversity and equality.jpg

Diversity, equality and ethics. We talk about them a lot as an industry but where is the good practice? Here's a chance to shine a light via the #UnAwards17.

by Phil Morcom

If you've been involved in anything that demonstrates good practice in ethics, diversity or equality, then you are in with a shout of winning the UnAward sponsored by the NUJ PRCC.

I see lots of great work quietly being done by communications professionals to promote diversity and equality - from championing LGBT* equality to planning to ensure the workforce reflects the diversity of society, or that we ensure we properly meet the needs of diverse audiences. Sometimes they're little things, chipping away at the edges to make the bigger picture better, sometimes they're big campaigns. They're all important in their own way.

The last year has also seen the importance of PR being ethical taking prominence with the Bell Pottinger scandal gaining national prominence. Again, sometimes it is the little things which are important too. Those little steps on the journey to delivering PR in an ethical way. So have you set up a whistleblowing policy? Made sure that you've pushed back against pressure to do the wrong thing?

Last year saw Sarah Stimson pick up an UnAward for the Taylor Bennett Foundation PR Traineeship Programme, and an honorary mention made of the Government Digital Service's work on accessibility for communications.

I think a really important aspect of the 'UnAwards' is that they're free to enter. When we're seeing your budget has been cut (again) and you haven't funding for entering industry awards - it is great these are awards for real people, doing real stuff which adds value to society.

Phil Morcom is chair of the NUJ’s PR and Communications Council

image by ByeByeBirdie

NOMINATE SOMEONE BRILLIANT IN THE UNAWARDS17

October 4, 2017

We know that a common complaint from comms professionals is a lack of recognition for their work. The UnAwards17 is your chance to change that.

by Darren Caveney

Whether it’s a brilliant campaign, managing communications through a crisis, or just turning up every day of the year and being the best you can be, it’s not a lot to ask to get the odd ‘well done’ or ‘thank you’.

But it doesn’t happen often enough for many and that is one of the reasons behind the comms2point UnAwards17 - to shine a light on the professionals proudly flying comms, pr and digital flags across the sectors.

Now there’s only one thing better than being shortlisted for an award - that’s being nominated by someone else for an award. It’s a special thing. It means you’ve caught someone’s eye, demanded their attention or impressed them with your creativity, doggedness, enthusiasm and skills.

Know someone like that? Then why not nominate them in the UnAwards17?

There are two ways in which you can nominate.

Option one - If you think an individual or a team should be in the running this year just complete this short online form and hit submit. We’ll do the rest and contact them on your behalf.

Secondly, you can nominate an individual or a team in any of this year's categories and complete the entry form for them. Two which really lend themselves to nominations are:

- Best comms/digital team

- Lifetime achievement award

For this second option, all you need to do is complete the simple entry form here and email it through to admin@comms2point0unawards.co.uk

When we set up the UnAwards we were absolutely clear that they would be the most accessible industry awards around. Where the community were actively involved in shaping and deciding.

So, best of all you, the comms community, gets to choose the winners through a public vote in these two categories, as well as our 'Post of the year' category.

We’ll tell you more about the public vote soon.

HOW LONG HAVE I GOT TO NOMINATE SOMEONE?

The closing date is 31 October (midnight) so get nominating.

BE THERE ON THE DAY…

Want to soak up the atmosphere of the coolest comms, PR, marketing and digital event of the year in person? UnAwards tickets are priced at just £20 + vat each. See, we told you the UnAwards were really accessible.

Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and will sell out so don’t hang around.

Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point and organiser of the UnAwards17

image by Steve Snodgrass

WHY YOU MUST ENTER THE UNAWARDS

October 2, 2017

monthly comms report template best practice.jpg

You owe it to yourself and your team to enter the UnAwards17. It's free and easy to do and you have plenty of time to do it. So no excuses, right?

by Darren Caveney

Each year the UnAwards has a theme and this year - the fourth annual UnAwards – has a very important theme.

We’re looking for the comms aces who have done it differently – creating work which stands out from the crowd, be it an individual, a team or a project. It’s easy to churn out the same old, same old – we want to see the brilliantly brave, the truly creative and the work which made a genuine difference.

Whether you’re a team of one, a medium-sized team who’s taken some financial hits and trying to keep pace, or a large team with big expectation on your heads, it still comes down to delivering stand-out communications which delivers results.

Along with great planning, good use of research, brilliant execution, measured outcomes, and big slabs of creativity, it’s often the teams who do it differently and set the creative standard who make their comms, pr, marketing and digital work fly highest.

I have seen first-hand this year so much great work being delivered across the UK - this is your chance to showcase yours, and your team’s, best work to a wide audience.

Some reasons why you ‘might’ not enter…

I’m constantly impressed by the hard work, professionalism and creativity which keep organisational comms wheels turning.

In truth, I know that some teams are a bit brow-beaten. Some have been put under increasing pressure to deliver with smaller resources. Some individuals aren’t sure if they do work which is worthy of an entry.

My answer to this is simple: Be proud of the great things you do and give yourself a chance of being shortlisted by entering your work.

It’s really important to feel confident in your work. But if you’re in a team which has taken quite an internal beating it’s completely understandable that confidence gets knocked. The UnAwards are an opportunity to redress the balance – to remind yourself that you do good things, work which makes a difference to people.

There’s a truism that will never go away and it’s this:

“No one else internally is likely to shout about you and your work. You need to do it yourself.”

Of course nobody likes a show-off but putting your work forward to compete with the rest is a really good way to tackle this issue. I've seen the difference an award shortlisting or a win to can make to a comms pro, a team, even an organisation.

There has literally never been a more important time to shout about your work than right now, especially for those facing another round of annual cuts to budgets, and morale in some teams in need of a small boost.

I know you’re busy. Everyone is. But the people who get on - and get noticed - manage their time so that they give themselves an hour to nail a really strong award entry. You owe it to yourself and your teams.

So enter the UnAwards17 and let our judges decide whose work stands out.

OK, I’m in – how do I enter?

Easy. You simply complete a short word document form and you email it to us. That's it.

Take a look here for everything you need.

What are the categories?

There are 18 categories to choose from so absolutely something for everyone.

Can I enter more than one category?

Yes, absolutely.

And don’t forget you can put your entry into more than one category. So, for example. if you have delivered an effective campaign with great research, strong use of social media, backed by brilliant evaluation but with no budget there are literally four categories you could enter right there.

So make the next thing you do, right now, putting an hour in your diary asap to get the ball rolling with a brilliant entry or two.

Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0 and organiser of the UnAwards

Want to soak up the atmosphere of the coolest comms, PR, marketing and digital event of the year in person? UnAwards17 tickets are priced at just £20 + vat each. See, we told you the UnAwards were really accessible.

Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and will sell out so don’t hang around.

If you’ve forgotten how epic the UnAwards are, or you’ve not been involved in them before, here’s a short film of the UnAwards16.

oh yes. they're back.

September 28, 2017

The 4th annual UnAwards are OPEN

Oh yes, they’re back. The best comms, pr, marketing and digital awards in the UK

by Darren Caveney

The 4th annual UnAwards are officially OPEN.

This is your chance to showcase your best work this year in the most accessible awards there are - to fly a flag for you and your team and to celebrate your achievements in the unique UnAwards way.

The UnAwards17: Some numbers…

- 18 categories

- 15 judges

- 3 public votes to decide three category winners

Enter the UnAwards17

It’s free to enter the UnAwards. Always free. It’s also the simplest entry form you’ll complete this year.

This year’s theme

Each year the UnAwards has a different theme. This year we’re looking for the comms aces who have done it differently – creating work which stands out from the crowd, be it an individual, a team or a project. It’s easy to churn out the same old work – we want to see the brilliantly brave, the truly creative and the work which made a genuine difference.

You can enter here for free using our simple entry form. The closing date is 31 October (think Halloween) and remember that we NEVER extend the deadline.

Last year saw a record-busting 332 entries so use your entry form wisely and tell your story well to our team of judges. Top tip: Remember those outcomes.

Nominate someone brilliant…

As well as entering the work you’re most proud of we also want you to nominate people or organisations you think have done great things in the past 12 months. Nominate here with this simple online form and we’ll contact them for you and encourage them to enter.

Be there

The UnAwards sells out every year. The only way to guarantee being there is to buy your ticket early.

Ticket prices are held at the same low price for the fourth year running at just £20 + vat because, like I say, these are the most accessible awards around.

You’ll love the big day…

First there is the UnAwards ceremony and then we watch a film (which is a secret until the big day) along with bags of retro sweets. Then we’ll have tasty meal in the diner of our venue, the very cool Everyman Cinema in Birmingham’s iconic Mailbox.

If the UnAwards are new to you (where have you been?) you can watch a short film from the UnAwards16 to whet your appetite.

For more info take a look at our dedicated UnAwards website.

Don’t sit back and let others grab the glory – shout about your work and make sure you’re in the running to carry off a fancy award on 1 December.

Good luck and shout if you have questions at admin@comms2point0unawards.co.uk

Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0 and organiser of the UnAwards17

UNAWARDS16 - THE MOVIE

December 14, 2016

A short movie capturing the record-breaking 3rd annual UnAwards held at the Everyman Cinema, Birmingham, on 1 December 2016. Thanks to everyone who made it a special day. More at http://www.comms2point0unawards.co.uk/ Movie by Nigel Bishop of http://www.wnbishop.co.uk/

The UnAwards16 was a record-breaker and a little bit special.

Here's a cool short movie which captured the day.

Thanks to all who sailed in her.

And thanks to Nigel Bishop for making the movie.

By the way - Three regional 'Winners Masterclasses' are being organised for launch in March 2016 - we'll shout when we have ticketing news.

Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0 and organiser of the UnAwards16

7 REFLECTIONS ON THE UNAWARDS16

December 4, 2016

You know that feeling when a big project comes to an end. It’s a good time to reflect on the highlights as well as what you might tweak next time.

So here are seven reflections on the #UnAwards16

1. No one makes up the numbers

I'd said pre-event that win, lose or draw I wanted no one in the packed ceremony to feel like they were making up the numbers.

Hopefully pulled this off? Colleagues I spoke to after the event who hadn't won or hadn’t been shortlisted said they’d still got lots from the day. Some met Twitter followers IRL. Some arranged meetings with new contacts from their sector. Lots exchanged business cards.

We're a community and we should never lose sight of its importance and potential.

2. It's hard choosing a film for 141 people

I often get it wrong on a Saturday night when it's just Mrs C and I. I laboured hard over this year's choice but it seemed to work? Groundhog Day echoed nicely this year's theme of teamwork and collaboration.

3. Keeping it fresh

I’m keen that the UnAwards evolves to stay fresh each year. But keeping things fresh has to be balanced with what people enjoy. And, actually, sometimes in life it's good to have some traditions to look forward to. Particularly end of year traditions.

I’d had a few ideas on how to do it differently next time. I mentioned a chance to a dozen people and they all said no, keep the format the same.

So in my haste to keep the UnAwards from becoming a bit samey I've maybe got this wrong. If the format works and people enjoy it who am I to spoil it.

4. A lesson in being gracious

I hadn't known the team or their work before the event. Being shortlisted five times in the UnAwards16 and not winning was tough luck. Their grace and enthusiasm afterwards spoke volumes and is a lesson on how to conduct yourself. I expect to see them at UnAwards17.

5. Winning can take many forms

I met Karen Newman, who had been shortlisted for the lifetime achievement UnAward at the event.

There are some people you meet who you instantly like and I could see why so many people had voted for her. Being nominated for a lifetime achievement UnAward is a lovely accolade and something which would only happen to truly great people, who just happen room work in comms.

6. Supporting our young people

26 entries for best young communicator was so good to see. I wish I could have given them all an UnAward. As I said at the event - they're not the future, they're the now.

I floated the idea that we need to do something extra to support and recognise this important group of colleagues.

Then - and this is why I love the UnAwards - the three Lifetime Achieve the winners, who were all present, had a chat and had the idea that they could share some of their substantial learning and wisdom with these young communicators. What a brilliant idea.

One of our sponsors has said they may be keen to support the initiative too. If others want to chip in then great. I am happy to coordinate and facilitate it.

UNAWARDS16 - YOUR GUIDE TO THE BIG DAY

November 27, 2016

The end of any year is a time for some quiet reflection - what went well, what didn’t. Reflection is a good thing. But so is a great big celebration. And the #UnAwards16 is a day to celebrate all that’s brilliant about our industry and your hard work and achievements this year.

by Darren Caveney

Well after a three-month build up the #UnAwards16 is finally here.

If you have managed to bag a ticket, well done. They really have been in huge demand. Should we get a larger venue next time? Maybe, but then if we’re not careful the UnAwards would become the very thing it set out not to be. As my Dad used to say - they don’t make diamonds the size of house bricks.

Win, lose or draw you’re in for a great day

The UnAwards is my favourite work event of the year. It’s quite unlike any other industry event I’ve been to.

Of course if you’re shortlisted but don’t win you’ll be disappointed.

But the day is designed so that win, lose or draw you can genuinely enjoy a fun event and a unique opportunity to network with industry colleagues new and old. That in itself is reason to be there.

Not winning…

I spent a small fortune earlier this year to attend a London hotel awards event. You know the kind of thing - black tie and £300 a ticket. In truth we were never going to win the award and I left feeling a bit miffed. Not because we didn’t win – I’m a Birmingham City fan so I’m no stranger to defeats. I was miffed because I felt like I was a bit like room fodder, and for the amount of cash I shelled out I could have taken the family away for a long weekend.

I don’t want anyone to feel like that when they leave the UnAwards so a lot of thought and love has gone into the event.

Twitter and Snapchat use at the event

If you can’t be at the UnAwards16 follow it on Twitter using the #UnAwards16 hashtag.

We have a Snapchat filter for the event too so if that’s your platform it would be great to see your pics there.

Announcing the winners and snaps of the big day…

We’ll be posting the winners names to the UnAwards16 website directly 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, film and food

The venue for the UnAwards16 is the rather lovely Everyman Cinema in Birmingham's Mailbox.

If you’re coming along aim to be at the venue between 9.30am and 10am for registration, a cup of coffee and a croissant. We’ll ask you to take your seats at 10.20am.

After the ceremony we’re watching a cool film (for those of you badgering me for the title or a clue, my lips are remaining zipped)

After the film you’ll tuck into hearty bowl of veggie chilli and be done by 3pm.

And the dress code is…

Whatever you fancy. Literally. This is NOT black tie, as you’ll have guessed J But if you want to come in your fancy clobber then go for it.

Saying thanks

Thanks so much for your support – 332 entries and 4.6k public votes is a brilliant response from you.

And I’ll be thanking our UnAwards partner, GovDelivery, and our sponsors the Local Government Association, Alive With Ideas, the NUJPRCC and Social Simulator. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – we couldn’t do this without you.

Finally…

If for any reason you have a ticket but can no longer come along please let me know as we have a waiting list of eager folks bursting to be there.

I look forward to seeing lots of you on Thursday

Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0 and organiser of the UnAwards16

image via Thomas Leuthard

WHY I HAVE THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD - ANNOUNCING THE #UNAWARDS16 SHORTLISTS

November 21, 2016

Sometimes, in life, you have the opportunity to create something beautiful from nothing.

by Darren Caveney

Being able to make the UnAwards happen each year is the very best part of my job.

I had coffee with a comms colleague last week and he asked me how long I spend on the UnAwards. Truth is I don’t know – I don’t log it – but it would be in weeks not days if I were keeping a count.

You see it doesn’t matter. A key part of the original ethos behind comms2point0 was to fly a flag for comms people everywhere and shine a light on the great work I know you do, each and every day, all across the UK and beyond. That’s why I do it.

The UnAwards are an important way of recognising and celebrating the sung and the unsung no matter what size your team or budget, no matter what sector to do your thing in, and no matter whether you’ve been plying your trade for 20 years or 6 months. Anyone can win an UnAward. Anyone. But this year, more than ever before, you’re going to have to be blooming good…

Some numbers. Big numbers

You’ll probably know that we had 332 entries into the #UnAwards16. Enormous by anyone’s standard. It makes me beam when I look through the mass entries. I’m in such a fortunate position to be able to see the work you’ve carefully crafted and delivered this past year. My many hats are off to you all.

But this volume makes for even tougher decisions

I’m not exaggerating when I say that the competition has been fierce this year. One category exceeded 40 entries. Wow. There is work of a real quality not even making shortlists this year. This is a good thing because it helps us to raise our collective standards.

Saying thanks

A huge thank you to everyone who has entered this year.

A big thank you to ‘Super Luke’ Williams who has been masterful in his logging and categorising of all 332 entries. He deserves an award of his own.

And an extra special thank you to the judges this year who have worked minor miracles to get through the volume of entries the UnAwards16 attracted. I owe you all beer. Thank you kindly.

Don’t forget the public vote

If you haven’t already done so – tut tut - please do get voting in this year’s public vote. There are three categories you can choose the winners for: team of the year, post of the year and the prestigious lifetime achievement UnAward.

Voting closes on Wednesday 23 November (midnight) and you can vote here.

And now the bit you’re really interested in – the shortlist

Here’s the UnAwards16 shortlist. If you’re on it you should go out and treat yourself to a slap-up meal because that, I can assure you, is an amazing achievement.

Tickets to the big day…

Now comes the inevitable scramble for tickets. I’ve probably bored you senseless for the last two months by telling you not to delay on buying a ticket to the #UnAwards16. That’s because I know it will sell out again and because we have a strict limit on tickets. 141 to be precise.

I’ve held them at £20 + vat for the third year running to ensure they are totally inclusive. And for that opportunity we owe lots of gratitude to our partner, GovDelivery, and our sponsors Alive With Ideas, the Local Government Association, Social Simulator and the NUJ PRCC. I love you all for your continued support of our fine industry.

There are a few tickets left as I post this update. They are limited to two per organisation now, purely to try and get as many organisations there as is possible.

You can – currently – book your ticket here.

Looking forward to seeing many of you on the big day on 1 December at the fantastic Everyman Cinema in Birmingham.

And no, I’m not telling any of you what the surprise film is going to be. But you’ll love it :-)

Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0 and organiser of the UnAwards16

UNAWARDS16 PUBLIC VOTE OPEN - CHOOSE YOUR FAVES NOW

November 13, 2016

Here it is, the moment you've been waiting for. The UnAwards16 public vote is OPEN.

by Darren Caveney

In the 2015 UnAwards I was determined that I wanted the comms community to choose some of the winners.

You make these decisions and then sit back and hope things pan out well. Well, fortunately, it did go well - over 2.5k votes were cast. So I am delighted to launch the UnAwards16 public vote today to give you the chance to choose your favourites from three important categories...

Team of the year

You have 17 teams to choose from in this prestigious category and each has done amazing things this year. The entrants highlight the real spread of organisations who have entered the #UnAwards16, including six local councils, three NHS organisations, two fire and rescue teams and one from each of central government, police, housing and travel.

This is tough, tough competition - you've a difficult task to select a winner.

Post of the year

Here you have this year's top 10 most read posts from guest contributors in the running. There are some belters in the line up so have a good read and choose your favourite carefully.

Lifetime achievement award

You have two outstanding professionals to choose from, both with a long and successful track record of delivery and leading teams. Another difficult choice but choose you must.

So make your vote count by choosing your personal winners HERE.

The public vote is open until 23 November (midnight) so you have plenty of time to ponder on your choices. Happy pondering.

Darren Caveney is creator of comms2point0, owner of creative communicators ltd and organiser of the #UnAwards16

image via the Finnish Museum of Photography