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Jane Irwin - Events ManagerKaren Hoey - Events Co-ordinatorPeter Morrow - Managing DirectorAnne Jamison - Events Director

Award Ceremonies and Gala Dinners

Innovation & Export Awards 2009

18th February 2009, BBC Blackstaff Studios

The Brief:

The Innovation and Export Awards 2009 were designed to celebrate the success of Invest NI client companies by rewarding and recognising the innovators and thought-leaders whose commitment, vision and talents have been instrumental to the growth of the Northern Ireland economy. 2009 saw the first year of this event, and its success guarantees it a significant date in Invest NI’s event calendar for the coming years.

The Event:

BBC Blackstaff Studios was the recommended venue, chosen for its “blank slate” appeal and unrivalled technical capacity. As it was the first year of this event, we were determined to create a “wow” factor for the guests, many of whom had never been to the studio before. We transformed the studio into a sophisticated, elegant venue using subtle branding and effective lighting to create a celebratory and refined atmosphere.

With six awards to be presented through the evening, along with a keynote speaker, not to mention a three course meal, it was essential that all elements were carefully considered and timetabled prior to the event to ensure that everything ran smoothly – which it did!

The Result:

The Belfast Telegraph says it better than we could…..

“How’s this for an innovation? The function starts promptly at 7.30pm, the feasting is interspersed by the speeches, the awards are dished out with some alacrity and the whole bash finishes 15 minutes early at 10.15pm.

That was how it all worked out at Invest NI’s Innovation and Export Awards, which was staged at BBC’s Blackstaff Studios last week.

The event ran with military precision and the welcome result was that guests had time to stay on for a bit of networking instead of having to rush for the doors. It was certainly a refreshing change from the weary format of a late start, a lengthy comfort break and a succession of four speeches to endure before stumps are drawn……So well done to Invest NI and let’s hope function organisers elsewhere can show the same innovative thinking.”

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