Business awards lock in digital format

ORGANISERS of this year’s Bendigo Business Excellence Awards have bowed to the inevitable and, rather than postpone the gala awards evening for a second time, will now conduct it online.

The qwards, which cover 15 categories – including the Regional Women’s Business Award, the hugely competitive, much coveted Hospitality Excellence gong, the Social Change Maker prize, as well as the Business of the Year Award – were first earmarked for 6 August, postponed to 23 September, and will finally be delivered to people’s screens and monitors on the evening of Wednesday, 6 October.

“After much discussion, the awards committee believe that moving to a digital awards presentation is now the only option, and are assembling what we believe will be a dynamic, exciting and interactive on-screen awards experience,” Be.Bendigo CEO Dennis Bice said.

“The announcement of category winners, and the 2021 Business of the Year is well overdue, and in respect to our finalists and our category sponsors, we believe our winners should be announced as soon as possible.”

“We have assessed a number of digital delivery options, and will create an online event that is engaging, and provides access to a much broader audience to be part of the excitement.”

Mr Bice said Be.Bendigo is currently working with “some of the local industries that have been hardest hit during the pandemic”, including catering, hospitality and musicians, to involve them in the event via “at-home awards meal packs for pre-order and entertainment.”

“The awards committee and events team are working to release key information rapidly, however we do ask for patience and understanding as we navigate the new requirements and the third review of the awards format,” he said.

Further details will be announced on the Awards website in the lead up to the event. Visit bbea.com.au for more info.