On April 22, event professionals from across the globe tuned in to watch the Virtual Events Institute’s inaugural Virtual & Hybrid Event Awards. Recently launched to celebrate the innovation and excellence of digital and hybrid events around the world, the event was broadcast from ExCeL London’s hybrid event studio, with technical support from audiovisual and entertainment technology company Anna Valley.

Hosted by VEI Co-Founder Simon Burton, who presented accolades across 15 categories, the Awards’ entries were judged by an expert panel of 47 industry leaders comprising a diverse mix of corporate entities, associations, exhibition organizers and agencies. The judges came together for a combined total of more than 200 hours to determine the winners, runners-up and those deserving special merit.  

“We have been overwhelmed by the number of exceptional entries we received for our first VEI Awards,” said Sophie Ahmed, VEI CEO and co-founder. “The inspirational and purposeful work that comprises this year’s winners and shortlist is a testament to the adaptability, talent and teamwork of event organizers and technology providers.”

She continued, “As virtual and hybrid experiences became an integral and established part of events, it has never been more important to recognize and celebrate outstanding talent, create a forum for education and showcase leading event technology.” 

The winners of the VEI Virtual & Hybrid Event Awards 2021 are as follows:

Best Virtual & Hybrid Consumer Event: Hub Exhibitions for Women in Business Expo Virtual

Best Virtual & Hybrid Association Event: National Council of Teachers of English for NCTE 2020 Annual Convention 

Best Virtual & Hybrid Employee Engagement Event: Live Union for Arm 30 House Party/ Special Merits: Employee Engagement Event for Marks & Spencer “Unique Peak”

Best Virtual & Hybrid Business Festival: INVNT for Effect 2020 by SAP ANZ 

Best Virtual & Hybrid Marketing Campaign: Pageant Media for EGR Operator Awards 2020

Best Virtual & Hybrid Brand Activation: SharpEnd for Fly Campari Group

Best Virtual & Hybrid Sales Team: Pageant Media for Pageant Media Commercial Team

Best Virtual & Hybrid Organizer Team: Vitafoods for Vitafoods Virtual Expo & Summit

Best Virtual & Hybrid Awards: Pageant Media for EGR Operator Awards 2020

Best Virtual & Hybrid Specialist Event: Matrix Events for Oktoberfest Bash/ Special Merits: University of the Pacific for Women’s Rights are Human Rights Exhibition

Best Virtual & Hybrid Event Start-Up: The Carrot Collective

Best Virtual & Hybrid Event Technology: Kudo

Best Virtual & Hybrid Event Platform: Glisser/ Special Merits: SURREAL and ExpoPlatform

Best Virtual & Hybrid Conference: DRPG for DRPGBIGtalk World/ Special Merits: JMB Consulting / Fundraising Everywhere for BAME Online 2020

Best Virtual & Hybrid Trade Show: Informa for Spark Change 2020: Powered by Natural Products Expo 

The event also featured magician Peter Wardell, a photo booth, prizes and networking opportunities. Cvent served as the exclusive registration and virtual event platform provider and headline sponsor, while full-service video production firm Pond Ripple Media and awards management software provider Award Force served as production partners alongside Anna Valley and ExCeL London.

“The level of creative innovation, sponsorship engagement techniques, the key performance indicators exhibited and the sheer determination of some sales and marketing teams left me in awe,” said TSNN Marketing Manager Arlene Shows, who served as judge. “If these entries are any indication of the plethora of technology at our fingertips and the human talent we are amongst, the future appears brighter than ever!”  

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