Recognition awards are more than just accolades; they are a strategic tool for elevating both personal and organisational branding. Whether it’s recognising an individual’s contributions or celebrating an organisation’s achievements, the impact extends far beyond the ceremony itself. Awards create lasting impressions that boost credibility, increase visibility and open doors to new opportunities.

Why recognition matters for Branding

For individuals, being recognised for their work enhances their personal brand, reinforcing their reputation as experts in their field. In fact, 89% of professionals who are recognised for their contributions report a notable increase in career opportunities within the following year. For organisations, recognition offers validation from respected external sources, solidifying their position as industry leaders, attracting top talent and strengthening relationships with clients and partners. Organisations that prioritise recognition experience 31% lower voluntary turnover, with employees feeling more engaged and committed.

But beyond simply winning an award, the process of preparing, maximising the awards ceremony and post-recognition activities can further enhance the impact of the recognition, both for individuals and organisations. Here’s how to make the most of it using insights from my tried and tested Event Engagement Model.

How to Prepare for a Recognition Award

Preparation is key to maximising the impact of recognition. From an Event Engagement Model (EEM) perspective, preparation should begin with understanding the award criteria and aligning your personal or organisational brand with the values the award represents.

1. Tailor your application: Ensure that your submission or nomination highlights the specific contributions, leadership and innovation that align with the award’s focus. Whether it’s demonstrating measurable impact or showcasing leadership, your application should clearly reflect why you’re the ideal candidate.
2. Build awareness: Prior to the ceremony, raise awareness of your nomination through internal and external communication channels. Leverage social media, internal newsletters and industry networks to inform key stakeholders and increase engagement.
3. Engage key stakeholders: Make sure your key stakeholders, whether colleagues, clients, or partners, are aware of your nomination. Invite them to attend or support the event. Their endorsement strengthens your visibility within your industry.

Maximising the Awards Ceremony

The awards ceremony itself is a pivotal moment to elevate your brand. Whether attending in person or virtually, the way you engage during the event is crucial to how you are perceived.

• Prepare a strong acceptance speech: If there’s a chance you’ll win, plan an authentic, brief and impactful acceptance speech. Your speech is an opportunity to reinforce your message, express gratitude and communicate your core values.

Top Tip: Ideally, no more than three paragraphs.

• Network with purpose: The ceremony brings together influential leaders, key decision-makers and potential collaborators. Approach the event with a clear goal of who you want to meet and how you can leverage those connections. Make the most of this opportunity to build relationships that could lead to future partnerships.

Top Tip: Connect with them (who you want to meet) on LinkedIn and exchange introductory messages prior to the event.

• Leverage social media during the event: Live-tweeting or posting updates on platforms like LinkedIn can amplify your presence at the event, engaging your wider network and creating real-time impact.

Top Tip: Take pictures (with who you want to meet) and tag them in your posts, using the official hashtag of the event.

What to do Post-Recognition

The work doesn’t end after the award is handed out. To sustain the momentum, a strategic post-recognition approach is essential. Here’s how to use the EEM principles to make the most of your recognition:

1. Celebrate and share: Acknowledge the award publicly. Post on your social media platforms, feature the recognition in newsletters, and communicate it to your stakeholders. Include press releases or blog posts to highlight the achievement and its relevance to your on-going work.
2. Strengthen relationships: Use this moment to reconnect with the people you met at the event. Follow up with them through personalised messages or LinkedIn connections. This keeps the momentum going and positions you as a recognised leader in your space.
3. Leverage the award for future opportunities: Awards can be used as a springboard for new opportunities. Update your credentials and bio to reflect your recognition. Leverage it when applying for speaking engagements, collaborations or leadership roles, showcasing your expertise and validated success.

Recognition awards can transform both personal and organisational branding, offering validation, boosting visibility and reinforcing your values. By focusing on the preparation, maximising the event, and executing a post-recognition strategy, you can extend the impact far beyond the ceremony itself. It’s not just about receiving the award – it’s about how you engage at every stage, leveraging recognition as a catalyst for growth.

If you are preparing an award ceremony for your organisation and want to maximise your impact, let’s explore how Strategic Event Design and Capacity-Building can help you make the most of every opportunity.

Reference
Enakimio, B. (2024). Access Granted: Mastering Strategic Meetings and Events. Blé Publishing, Chapter 7: Event Engagement Model (EEM).