The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2018 announce nominations.
Stadium Experience is pleased to announce that 70 football and rugby clubs across the UK and Ireland have been nominated for awards in the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2018.
The awards, sponsored by Heineken, will take place in the Amex Stadium, home to Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club on Thursday 31st May 2018. Over 400 guests will experience a fine dining four course menu, awards ceremony, followed by an exclusive onsite after party until the very early hours.
The prestigious event aims to recognise the efforts and dedication shown by the catering, conference and events teams at every football and rugby stadium across the UK and Ireland.
There will be a total of 13 different award categories, with a Bronze, Silver and Winner award for each presented on the evening, meaning a potential 39 awards are up for grabs. This year’s categories include:
Non-Matchday Mystery Shopper Award
The Non-Matchday Mystery Shopper Award category will be judged by HGEM in a mystery shopper style sales call.
*New for 2018* Best Digital Enquiry Award – Sponsored by Wanda 3D
The Best Digital Enquiry Award category will be judged by HGEM in a mystery shopper style email enquiry.
Best Sales or Marketing Initiative Award – Sponsored by Oliver & Graimes Creative Marketing
This award category aims to recognise the very best sales and marketing ideas created and introduced within any stadium team. Judges are specifically looking for brave new ideas which have led to increased support for stadium activities.
Shining Star Award – Sponsored by Kingdom of Sweets
The Shining Star Award category aims to recognise those individuals who are simply outstanding at what they do, and continuously shine. This may be someone at the start of their career, making great strides in their roles, or someone in a more senior role leading the way in excellence.
Operations Team of the Year Award – Sponsored by Kraft Heinz
The Operations Team of the Year Award aims to recognise the often unseen behind-the-scenes teams that make stadium events run so smoothly. Judges are looking for teams which go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the very best service to customers.
Chef Team of the Year Award – Sponsored by Piglets Pantry
This award is judged by Salon Culinaire chefs as part of the live kitchen event which took place at the Hospitality Show at ExCel, London. Chefs teams had one hour to prepare, cook and present a three-course menu suitable for their Club Chairman to entertain the Head of the FA or RFU to dinner.
*New for 2018* Best Stadium Events Venue Award – Sponsored by Conference News
The Best Stadium Events Venue Award aims to recognise the very best stadium events venue within the UK and Ireland. Judges are specifically looking for a stadium venue which consistently displays exceptional venue facilities and outstanding guest experiences.
*New for 2018* Visiting Directors Awards (Football & Rugby) – Sponsored by fcbusiness
The Visiting Directors Award categories are voted for by Directors at each club. They are asked to nominate the club where they had the best away experience when travelling with their team. They are specifically asked to consider the welcome, service and catering when casting their votes. There will be an award for both rugby and football venues.
Matchday Hospitality Award – Sponsored by Verteda
Reported by professional Salon Culinaire chef judges who experience hospitality at UK and Irish clubs this season using strict criteria. This is divided by size of hospitality offering with an award for:
Matchday Hospitality Award – Small Stadium (up to 1000 hospitality seats)
Matchday Hospitality Award – Medium Stadium (1001 – 2000 hospitality seats)
Matchday Hospitality Award – Large Stadium (2001+ hospitality seats)
Overall Matchday Hospitality Award – Sponsored by Stadium Experience
This award pitches all sized clubs against all, to announce the overall winning UK or Irish stadium.
Stadium Experience Chair Person Collette Salmon, from Liverpool Football Club, commented: “Stadium teams work tirelessly, striving to bring excellence in their venues for both matchday hospitality and non-matchday events. These awards aim to recognise and celebrate all of this hard work and commitment. Congratulations and best of luck to all of this year’s award nominees – We look forward to announcing the results at the Amex Stadium in Brighton on 31st May!”
More information on the awards, and tickets for the event are available online at – www.stadiumexperience.com/awards.
