The E Awards, Scotland’s only dedicated awards for events and festivals, returned on Thursday 27 April, proving that the Scottish events sector is well and truly back.
Winners from the north of Scotland to the Netherlands included Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Maggie’s Dundee, Newsquest Events Scotland, GetAbout Aberdeen Cycling Festival and Nook Event Pods.
Held at the O2 Academy in Edinburgh, the 2023 E Awards were a testament to the resilience of the Scottish events industry and the excellence demonstrated by the shortlisted organisations and individuals involved, with over 230 people in attendance.
The event marked the first E Awards ceremony since 2019, and was timed to ensure that there was a year of post-pandemic affected events to celebrate and champion.
Judith Wilson, Director of the E Awards said ‘We’re still buzzing from the night! Such a wonderful atmosphere as so many of our peers celebrated the outstanding achievements of this amazing industry. Our festival inspired format offered the perfect opportunity for guests to reconnect and a enjoy a truly memorable experience.’
The E Awards entries were assessed by an independent panel of the industry’s leading figures who have helped shape the sector through their influence and expertise.
Tough criteria and a commitment to rewarding excellence meant that the judging panel only shortlisted the very best entries, even if that meant a single shortlisted entry in a category. Each of the winners has demonstrated excellence, creativity, innovation and delivery which has set them apart from their contemporaries to win one of these highly prestigious and coveted awards.
Jenny McMahon, Senior Event Manager at VisitScotland said: “Our team was honoured to have won the Best Public Sector Event for Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone during COP26. Delivering an event for event organisers comes with a certain amount of pressure and the EVENTIT team delivered something really special, challenging the standard award format and ensuring little touches of magic were sprinkled throughout the night.”
Tom Clements received the award for Outstanding Contribution to Scottish Events. Tom is President of the National Outdoor Event Association (NOEA) and Director of Specialized Security and worked tirelessly during the pandemic to fight for the events industry.
Judith Wilson said: “Tom remains a fierce advocate for events, a protector of event businesses, and an innovator in the way they acted then, and need to react now and is so deserving of this award as a true pioneer of the industry.”
Event sponsors included hosts O2 Academy Edinburgh, caterers Saltire Hospitality, AV and tech specialists Sparq, registration partners Eventsforce and 360 Event Hire who decked out the venue.
The Enchanted Forest theme of the evening was perfectly encapsulated by Saltire Hospitality, a key sponsor and provider of the fabulous main course and dessert table.
Becky Landells, Director of Sales at Saltire Hospitality said: “The team at Saltire Hospitality was delighted to be able to showcase their creativity and culinary artistry, using some of Scotland’s best locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. It was an honour to deliver this for our industry peers and receive such amazing feedback on the night.”
The E awards were also sponsored by key industry names – Bridge Systems Radio Hire, ADIPS, NOEA, PR sponsor BIG Partnership and Catch the MICE. Welcome drinks were provided by Tigerlily and Sober & Curious.
For the full list of winners, go to eventit.org.uk/e-awards-2023/
The 2024 E Awards will be held on Thursday 25 April 2024 at the O2 Academy Edinburgh.
EVENTIT will be held on Tuesday 8 February 2024 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. For more information visit eventit.org.uk
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