It’s Thursday morning and, between (expensive) errands like taking the dog to the groomers, I am working away on some UnAwards work. Given that they’re in their 11th year now - and pretty popular with the comms community - I thought I might share a few behind the scenes insights to reveal some of what goes on working on my number one passion project.
by Darren Caveney
Like all good comms projects I have a to do list. I have tried all sorts of approaches to ‘to do’ lists over the years. I have a spreadsheet for the attendees list, for example. But I have to be honest, my favourite to do list method these days is the simple notepad and pen. I can scan it into an AI platform and do all sorts with this, should I want to. But I am partial to paper, still. So that’s where we begin.
My UnAwards top 10 to do list currently includes:
1. UnAwards entries
I check the dashboard daily: Which categories are most popular so far, and which might need an extra push? As always, I would like there to be more entries in the bag, but the data each year tells me that communicators tend to enter towards the end of the window.
2. Ticket sales
I checked progress today – they are ticking along nicely. It’s the tricky balance of getting as many organisations in the 141 capacity cinema as possible vs ensuring as many shortlisted people are there as is possible.
3. Sponsor check-in
There are 12 official partners and sponsors. Wonderful people, with services which help us all. I need to update them with the latest on the UnAwards and also promote the fact they are once again supporting the UnAwards.
4. The Judges
I don’t judge the UnAwards. I never have and I never will. There is a team of 35 independent judges who give over their time to judge around 600 entries each year. It’s vital that the process is pure and transparent. Having recently judged the Orlo awards I know that this is an important job which requires care, attention and time. So, I need to message all of the judges and check they are still happy to be involved again this year.
5. Venue liaison
Our fabulous venue – The Everyman Cinema, Birmingham - is all booked and deposits are paid. I need to confirm the catering but that can wait. I also need to arrange a tech test the week of the ceremony. And, I need to confirm the film choice (to see if it’s possible and affordable)
6. The film
Oh the film choice. Probably the single most difficult thing I do. Choosing a film for myself would be simple. Choosing one for 140 other people to enjoy is much trickier. I currently have four films on a shortlist. And this year, for the first time, I’m thinking it would be good to have a small selection group to run the options by. I think I may have a gem. But getting a second set of opinions probably makes sense. So, I need to contact this group.
7. The Website
This is just basics each week, like checking the analytics, ensuring everything is still working, adding new blog post content. So far, so good.
8. Artwork: Winners certificates and ceremony slide deck
Alive with Ideas have done outstanding work here. If I was still in-house I would badly want one of these hanging on my wall and would try hard to win one. I have seen a glimpse of some new artwork for this and it looks so good.
9. Prizes and goodies
Still on my to do list is the sourcing of prizes for winners, and goodies for attendees. A fun thing to have to do but something I need to think about, order and tick off the list.
10. Indian Streetfood
It’s tradition that we have a pre-UnAwards gathering at the Indian Streatery in Brum, the evening before the ceremony. It’s a lovely place – family run with delicious food. I have booked it for UnAwards and Masterclass events almost 20 times now and they always deliver. I just need to check in on our reservation, the costs, and how many places we can have. Normally around 26, though we have had as many as 35 there.
That nagging feeling…
Do you ever get that nagging feeling that you have forgotten something on your to do lists? Hmmm, I currently have that…
Get entering now
There are 22 categories and it’s free and simple to enter.
You can enter multiple categories on a single entry form too.
Entries close on 29 October, midnight – please note they are never extended
More info at the dedicated UnAwards website HERE
Darren Caveney is creator and owner of both comms2point0 and the UnAwards, and the owner of creative communicators ltd
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