Virtual Events Institute Announces Inaugural Virtual & Hybrid Event Awards Winners
April 30, 2021
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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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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