Rhiannon Downie Hurst’s Post

I don’t usually question things too much, but there’s something I’ve been thinking about that I’d love to get some perspective on. And whilst I’m at it let me throw my disclaimer: I’m not discrediting any award(s)……So, we’ve all seen this recent rise in awards and recognitions, right? While it’s always nice to be acknowledged for hard work, I can’t shake the feeling that these awards are starting to feel a bit... off. Let me explain. It seems like a lot of these awards nowadays are becoming more about which company can sponsor the event, rather than who genuinely deserves to win. It’s like the more you sponsor, the bigger the chance you’ll walk away with the “Best of the Best” trophy. It’s almost as if some of these awards have turned into profit-making machines in disguise, rather than true merit-based recognition. Take, for example, that one time you see a company win "Best Customer Service" after being a top sponsor, even though everyone knows their customer service is questionable at best. Or when you notice that only those who paid for a table at the awards dinner are up for the top prizes. I mean, how does that work? And, honestly, why should we have to pay to be recognized for doing a great job? If it’s really based on merit, shouldn’t we be the ones getting the reward, not handing over cash for a plaque? Let’s not forget the kicker: you get nominated, don’t sponsor the event, and somehow—surprise, surprise—you fall just short of winning. 😂 But maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m missing something here. However, I do think it’s worth asking: when we celebrate excellence, shouldn’t it be for actual excellence, not for how much we’ve sponsored? What do you think?

What's stopping you from entering your event or your company for an award this season? You worked hard to produce a fantastic event. Now it’s time to get the recognition you deserve; you are ready to enter either the ACE Awards, which are more geared towards caterers, or the Gala Awards, which feature categories for all types of events and producers.   Winning an award, and even receiving a nomination, has myriad benefits: * Build team morale within your company and with your creative partners * A nomination and win are tantamount to a third-party endorsement * The write-ups can be repurposed for content for months to come * It looks great in all your promotional material But, for some reason, the deadline comes and goes and so does another year for your chance to win an award. Why? As someone who has written, and judged, many awards over the years, I've addressed some common questions and concerns you might have have about entering awards in this article published today in Catersource. https://lnkd.in/gZP8NZfQ #awards #benefitsofawards #eventprofs

Let's talk about awards. I'm involved in multiple events that involve awards, and I'm interested to hear what people have to say about their expectations. If you have a minute, please tell me your thoughts on one or all of these (or send me a DM if you'd prefer to keep your thoughts private): Should an award nomination cost money and, if you are okay with a fee, what's reasonable to you? What kind of an event do you expect to have tied to the presentation of the awards? Reception? Gala? What are your expectations for the award itself? Trophy? Plaque? Certificate? Do you still display the industry awards you have won, and if you do, how do you display them? I won't be quoting anyone here on anything. I'm just trying to do a little research courtesy of my colleagues here on LinkedIn.

There aren’t enough Northern businesses winning awards. 🥇🥈🥉 I’ve been fortunate to attend a number of conferences and award events, which are typically held in London, and every time I come away feeling that there is a real lack of representation from the North. Being a Northern lass I can confidently say there are some incredible brands and individuals doing really great things up here, but more often than not, they’re not winning, they’re not shortlisted, they’re not nominating, but most importantly they’re not even aware of them.. I rarely see any content about awards until they’ve happened and someone I follow on LinkedIn shares their new accolade, or the chance to catch up with friends. I can’t help but wonder if we are losing our invites in the post OR need do we need to shout louder about what we’re doing up ‘ere. What do you think the barrier is? 🤔 Are we celebrating our wins enough? 🤔 Do we know which awards to enter? 🤔 Do we value winning awards? 🤔 Is it purely because they’re mainly held in London?

AND ANOTHER AWARD GOES TO… Opening up my LinkedIn feed this morning and I was greeted with more of what seems like endless self-acclaim for winning some industry award of which there are now apparently thousands. Okay – I get it. LinkedIn is now a platform for narcissism, self-aggrandizement, back slapping and just general “Look at me how great I and my team are” posts. But the whole award thing has gotten out of hand. Because business has fallen into the trap of feeling compelled to compete and give folks the chance for industry awards, the whole industry awards business has become expert at tapping this vein – creating award after award, and an endless tier of prizes within each award category to feed a greedy industry that serves no true benefit. Ahh, but “awards make us feel good” you’d argue. They say who we are in the vast competitive pecking order. Well, I’d argue – “Uh don’t we all work for the collective goal of driving business – ours or the clients?” “Isn’t the actual reward just seeking SATISFACTION – creatively, emotionally and intellectually – ACHIEVED WITH A JOB DONE TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES?” “And then when done often enough – and measurably enough – that we see the financial rewards through promotions, raises, bonuses (clients renewing contracts?) et al?” There’s a term called “scarcity value” that applies here. Think of awards like pies. The first one you dig into is great. But the more and more you have of them, the less and less you derive joy from each, therefore diminishing the value (but likely increasing your stomach ache!). Personally, I’d rather receive or dole out the occasional and sincerely offered “Great job [NAME HERE]” than almost anything else. But then I grew up with one boss especially stingy with compliments – but each rare pronouncement making me feel like I could walk on water. So how about it people? Less sharing of awards on this platform (if you want to keep paying for the privilege of displaying more shiny statues go ahead), more meaningfully recognizing rare and true achievement. Oh, and if you enjoyed this post, please no awards or bouquets – a simple “like” is all the affirmation I need. #TOOMANYAWARDS #SUCCESSISITSOWNREWARD

What does your awards cabinet look like? Entering awards can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Having an award on your company mantle can do wonders for attracting new clients and talented people for your team. Read our guide on the benefits of entering awards, tips for a solid submission and a handy calendar for planning your year ahead. 🔗 Link in the comments.

From industry-specific accolades to national headline-grabbers, the allure of awards recognition is undeniable. But amidst this celebratory frenzy, a critical question emerges: are we, as businesses, succumbing to an oversaturation of Business Awards? Have these once-coveted symbols of achievement become diluted by sheer quantity? The answer, like most things in business, isn't a simple yes or no. Recognition remains valuable. A well-deserved award can elevate your brand profile, attract talent, and bolster customer confidence. However, a scattergun approach – entering every award under the sun – can backfire. Not only does it spread resources thin, but it risks devaluing the very recognition you seek. Here's why a strategic approach to awards is crucial for Australian businesses.➡️ https://lnkd.in/gbdWH9kD

What’s an award worth these days? In the age of participation trophies and endless accolade inflation, it seems like everyone has a shiny statue to show off. But let’s be honest, do these awards truly represent excellence, or are they just another checkbox in the race for recognition? Don’t get me wrong, being acknowledged feels great, but when every other post is about yet another ‘industry award,’ it makes you wonder about the real value behind these honors. Are they driving genuine innovation and setting industry standards, or simply boosting egos and marketing campaigns? Maybe it’s time we shift our focus from collecting accolades to creating real impact. After all, true success isn’t measured by the number of trophies on your shelf, but by the difference you make and the legacy you leave behind. #IndustryThoughts #RealImpact #BeyondAwards

How are you recognizing top producers? Award ceremonies hold a significant place in the workplace by fulfilling employees' deeper needs for recognition and validation. The Economist explores the value of industry awards, emphasizing the sense of collective purpose they impart. Check out the article to delve deeper into the importance of recognizing excellence in the workplace: https://lnkd.in/gGKkBi9d

Could you win a King’s Award? 👑 The King’s Awards for Enterprise are considered the most prestigious awards in the world and can catapult your brand to real hlobal heights. Here’s 5 things you need to know that could make you a winner: 👑 The awards are open to UK businesses of all sizes, starting from just 2 employees. Many winners are small businesses - all entrants are in with a chance of winning. 👑There are just 4 categories: *International Trade *Innovation *Sustainable Development *Promoting Opportunity in Social Mobility 👑 There are hundreds of winners across the UK every year, it’s not one per category like other awards, giving many businesses the opportunity to win. 👑 Winners benefit from fantastic PR opportunities including, a reception at Buckingham Palace, use of the KAE logo on your marketing materials for 5 years, you can even fly the King’s Awards flag at your premises, and much more 👑 The deadline is Midday on 12th September. But it’s a robust entry process, so it’s never too early to start! We love joining brilliant companies in celebrating their success every year, take a look at the Kings Awards magazine for inspiration from last years winners. Think you could be in with a chance? Or would love to enter but don’t know where to start? Check out our simple guide here and take our free eligibility assessment form to find out if you’re ready to enter ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eT2gW_rv