Award ceremonies are on the rise. In fact, the number of awards ceremonies, particularly business awards in the UK, has been growing steadily in recent years. The UK awards market alone features over 4000 awards ceremonies and events including; National Business Awards, Industry Awards and Regional Awards.
From B2B industry awards to internal company ceremonies, there is no doubt that awards are an excellent tool for boosting brand visibility, networking and business growth. They are also a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams within a sector.
However, while awards ceremonies are often seen as celebratory experiences, they have frequently been criticised for not being inclusive or representative of the industries or businesses they serve. Whether it’s poor event design (only having stairs to access the stage) or a lack of non-alcoholic drink options, forward-thinking event managers are now working to improve the reputation of awards ceremonies by creating events that cater to personal preferences and additional needs.
Many awards event planners are proactively making changes with broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals in mind. The rise of opt-out vegan menus, for instance, is one way awards teams are enhancing event sustainability. Others are partnering with atypical entertainment providers, such as local performers, or collaborating with charities and community projects to shine a light on unsung heroes and local talent.
At TranslateAble, we’ve observed a steady increase in awards event managers engaging our services to provide sign language interpretation during ceremonies. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accessibility.
Sign language at events is becoming more common. Research from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) highlights that one in five people in the UK are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Sign Language interpretation offers multiple benefits beyond catering to diverse languages. It supports those with hearing difficulties and those who find themselves in loud environments where they might struggle to hear MCs.
At TranslateAble, we’re proud to have supported awards events teams by providing expert sign language professionals for a variety of awards ceremonies. These include prestigious events like The Northern Cultural Education Awards by Curious Minds, Charlotte Tilbury’s internal awards, and virtual ceremonies such as the Stantec Star Awards for Make Events. For the Stantec Star Awards, we delivered an innovative solution by creating a full recording of a sign language interpreter, seamlessly integrated over the event recording to ensure accessibility for all attendees.
As the awards industry continues to grow, so does the opportunity to make ceremonies more inclusive and representative. Incorporating sign language interpretation is a vital step toward creating events that everyone can enjoy. By embracing accessibility, awards ceremonies can not only enhance their reputation but also foster an environment where every attendee feels valued and included.
Looking to introduce sign language into your next awards ceremony or event? Drop the TranslateAble team the brief to get the conversation started.
