Key Takeaways
- 70% of awards ceremony problems originate in the pre-event checklist phase — content not received, presenters not briefed, winner names mispronounced
- The highest-risk single item: winner list confirmed by client and issued to MC — this must happen at week 2, not week 1
- The post-show checklist is as important as the pre-show — social media handover, trophy logistics for absentees, post-event documentation
Pre-event (week 6–2)
All award categories confirmed and locked ✓ — All nominees confirmed ✓ — Winner list confirmed by client (authorised signatory) ✓ — Trophy procurement confirmed (make, quantity, personalisation lead time) ✓ — Sizzle reels commissioned and production timeline confirmed ✓ — MC confirmed and winner list issued ✓ — All presenters confirmed ✓ — Presenter briefing document issued (pronunciation guide for all winner names included) ✓ — Run of show version 1 issued ✓ — Stage design approved ✓ — Lectern design approved ✓ — Category graphics designed and approved ✓ — Winner announcement graphics designed and approved ✓ — Entertainment confirmed (format, duration, position in programme) ✓ — Entertainment technical rider fulfilled ✓ — Seating plan confirmed ✓
Show day
Sizzle reels loaded and tested on playback system ✓ — Category graphics loaded for all categories ✓ — Winner announcement graphics queued in correct order ✓ — Winner music stings confirmed on playback trigger ✓ — IMAG cameras positioned and white-balanced ✓ — Lectern microphone positioned and gain-set ✓ — Photography position confirmed and briefed to photographer ✓ — Trophy table position confirmed (stage-adjacent, accessible) ✓ — Winner order confirmed with show-caller ✓ — MC briefed on programme changes since initial brief ✓ — Entertainment briefed on position in programme and timing ✓ — Technical rehearsal completed ✓ — Social media team briefed on embargo (if applicable) ✓
Post-show
Trophies for absent winners packaged and dispatched ✓ — Photography edited selects delivered within 24 hours ✓ — Social media photography delivered for post-event post ✓ — Post-event report drafted and issued within 72 hours ✓ — Client debrief scheduled ✓