The ICEAwards UK are calling this years’ event one of the most positive in its now 10-year history, following recognition of a ‘new kind of event standard’ at the awards. Both the organisers and the judges noticed a shift in quality, scope, reach, and creativity of events this year, and an overwhelming feeling of impetus for the wider experience industry.
The event took place alongside the organisation’s critically acclaimed ICEDay, as well as a new activation and experience programme, the ICEExpo, which bought together members of the ICE community in a unique format, to discuss and debate key trends, concerns, and opportunities the industry faces looking forward to 2025.
The awards themselves reflected this feeling of energy, recognizing brands such as NatWest Group, ITV Studios, BBC Studios, Co-Op, Barclays, and Deloitte. However, it was the quality of the entries that pleased the organisers. Commenting on the awards, Anita Howard, Founder & CEO, ICE said: “We really feel we’ve reached a new kind of event standard with the quality, scope, creativity, and reach of the entries this year. We’ve seen some amazing campaigns, brilliant results, and a real faith in what we do, across many different corporate sectors.”
BBC Studio’s were one of the biggest recipients of the evening, scooping three awards, including Best Creative, Innovation & Discovery Award, sponsored by Cvent, for its Planet Earth III Global Programme Launch, and Logistical Challenge of the Year, sponsored by Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, for its Future Facing Expo. The event professionals behind these activations were also recognized as the Best Team of the Year, sponsored by SEC, which went to the BBC Studios Global Events Team.
NatWest Group were also double winners at the ICEAwards UK, receiving both Best Motivational Event, sponsored ICC Belfast, and Best Hybrid Event, sponsored by Encore, for its NatWest Digital X Launch.
Meanwhile, following the broadcast and banking themes, ITV Studios picked up Best International Event, sponsored by Austria Center Vienna, for its ‘Experience Everything’ activation, while Barclays claimed the Best Customer Experience, sponsored by Convene, for its Games Frenzy 2023 event.
The Best Environmental, Social and Governance Event, sponsored by Maritz, was won by BioNTech SE, for its ‘Working together to promote vaccine equity for Africa’ activation, which also gained recognition earlier in the week in the ICEAwards Germany. The Best Agency Collaboration, sponsored by ACC Liverpool, was picked up by Deloitte for its UK Partner Meeting 2023 – 27Unlocked.
Finally, the Best Brand Experience, sponsored by DRPG, was taken home by PwC for the PwC: AI for Government Hackathon, and the Best Community Engagement, sponsored by Tobacco Dock, was won by The Co-op for its Aylesham Pantry activation.
Anita concluded: “This has been our 10th ICEAwards and we feel we’ve really gone 10x when it comes to the quality of what we’re seeing, the impact events are having on businesses, and the creativity and drive of the people behind these experiences and activations. It’s such an energetic and positive time to be part of the ICE community.”
