Undoubtedly the industry most impacted by the pandemic, key players from a wide range of event companies and organisation came together to celebrate their talent, effort, and accomplishments.
Now in their 13th year, the Event Industry Awards saw 19 prestigious trophies handed out, with 36 companies represented at the ceremony held on October 27th. The winners were announced to a live, virtual audience hosted by broadcaster and comedian Colm O'Regan.
Events like this are only made possible thanks to the generosity and support of sponsors. The Event Industry Awards are particularly thankful to their 2021 sponsors, which included AVC and Amarach Research.
One of this year’s finalist’s was 1 Plus Events. managing director, Shea McNelis said; “In a year where our industry was last to open, it was nice to see some companies acknowledged.”
Titan Experience & Leaders Lounge joined this year’s winners with their CEO, Eoin Conroy saying; “Leaders Lounge was developed to confront the global challenges presented by an ever-evolving business landscape. It is a forum for world-class leaders to give unique windows into their stories of leadership across sport and business. I’m extremely proud of our Leaders Lounge team as it continues to trailblaze and gain recognition from awards such as these.”
The addition of a full online broadcast of the live event has added a new dimension to the awards ceremony. Entrants to the awards can now receive comprehensive video collateral of their engagement on the night which is of huge value in their own social media communications activity.
Head of judging, Darragh Feirritear added, ‘We also now provide judges feedback reports which give finalists information on how their entries faired against their competitors. This data provides insights on where improvements are needed to win more consistently at the awards.’
The full list of the 2021 winners is:
Best Live Corporate Event
Winner: Irish Fest
Best Live Public Event
Winner: Airfield Christmas Experience 2020
Best Live Awards Ceremony
Winner: 2019 Northern Ireland Health and Fitness Awards
Best Virtual Brand Event
Winner: CUPRA Formentor Irish Launch
Best Virtual Charity or Cause-Related Event
Winner: National Workplace Wellness Day
Best Virtual Awards Ceremony
Winner: ARIIX Awards 2020
Best Virtual Conference or Exhibition
Winner: TYTalks21
Best Virtual Corporate Event
Winner: PayPal All Together Gathering
Best Virtual Public Event
Winner: Leaders Lounge
Best Virtual Audience Engagement Strategy
Winner: Quarantini Cocktail Masterclass - CATCH Events
Team Achievement Award
Winner: Grooveyard
Best Adaptation of an Existing Live Venue to Facilitate Virtual Events
Winner: UCD O'Reilly Hall
Best Hotel Event Venue
Winner: Clontarf Castle
Best Unique/Private Wedding Venue
Winner: Luttrellstown Castle Resort
Best Event Infrastructure Provider
Winner: Silk Road Tents
Best AV Company
Winner: Conference Services
Best Event Management Company
Winner: Grooveyard
Best Virtual Event
Winner: ARIIX Awards 2020
Best Live Event
Winner: Airfield Christmas Experience 2020
The 2021 judging panel was comprised of:
- Ruth Craggs (judging co-ordinator), lecturer, School of Hospitality Management and Tourism, TU Dublin
- Rachelle O'Brien (judging co-ordinator), assistant lecturer, School of Hospitality Management and Tourism, TU Dublin
- Mary O'Rawe (judging co-ordinator), lecturer in Management and Innovation, School of Hospitality Management and Tourism, TU Dublin
- Karen Brosnahan, general manager, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau
- John Carty Lecturer, GMIT
- Lorraine Dunne, lecturer & programme director, Dundalk Institute
- Rose Finn, general manager, Galway Convention Bureau
- Becky Hargrove, manager, Kerry Convention Bureau
- Dr. Kelly Maguire, lecturer & researcher, Athlone Institute of Technology
- Niamh McCrystal, event sales & marketing manager, Seasons at Guinness Storehouse
- Emmet McLoughlin, programme director for Tourism Studies, Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK
- Evelyn O'Sullivan, manager, Cork Convention Bureau