Tips for Successful
Award Banquets & Gala Presentations

1. Timing and production is everything. Remember to run through the entire award presentations (with stand-ins for the award winners) at least once. Nothing takes as long as you think; you need to rehearse first. Carefully review the script for potential time-wasters and have A/V set up a day prior for a realistic run through. All parties should have specific timelines and these should be followed closely.

2. Don’t look so bargain shop on audio/visual and get bad microphones and speakers. If the sound system doesn’t work well your guests will not be able to follow the event and focus their attention on your message. A screeching mike will ruin your program, no matter what else goes on. Professional sound and video can make your guests feel like they are in a home theater, even if there are 3000 of them. Quality audio visual will set your Awards Gala apart from others.

3. Use at least two presenters. Two many award ceremonies are ruined by having one presenter shuffle back and forth between speaking at the podium, and presenting the award to the winner. Use one presenter to describe the award, and another to actually hand it to the speaker.

4. Use support help. In addition to the presenters, you need people backstage to help the winners go on, and come off successfully. In addition, for large events, crowd control and direction can be crucial when direction large groups. In particular, be sure you have help near any stairs that need to be used.

5. Limit number of speakers. You do not want to see your audience snoring because there are simply too many award winners and too many speakers. Limit both, even if you must give some awards out at a "pre-event."

6. Capture professional photos and video. Those hurried onstage snapshots with eyes half-closed and the head half-turned, or with sub par equipment just won’t do, especially if they’re meant to ever end up in a newspaper or other form of publicity. Where budget allows, arrange for a professional photographer or an edited video of the evenings events.