AIMIA boss admits awards ‘didn’t cut it’ as most attendees missed winner announcements
The new CEO of the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA) David Holmes has admitted last week’s awards event “didn’t cut it” after most of the 550 attendees struggled to see and hear who the winners were.
Source: AIMIA/ Facebook
As part of a move to “try something new” and inject “more camaraderie and co-operation” into the evening AIMIA had moved last Thursday’s ceremony to The Argyle bar in The Rocks, Sydney. However, fears over the weather led the audio visual team to decide to host the ceremony indoors rather than in the courtyard, as had been planned.
Because of the layout of the pub, which has low wooden beams and support pillars, most of the attendees could not see the screens, whilst the sound was not loud enough to hear any of the speeches or who had won the awards.
Holmes told Mumbrella: “The AV guys really let us down. It would have been a perfect evening if we had set up as we wanted, outside, but the AV guys thought it was going to rain. that stopped us doing what we wanted to.”
The AV was handled by an external company, not The Argyle.
Today Holmes sent a note to attendees thanking them for their participation, and urging them to go to the AIMIA website to view the presentations which “we have worked hard on”.
However, he said he was “very happy” with the new format, and said the awards had “broken even” after several years of losing money.
He added: “We are looking at how we can involve the Queensland and Victoria chapters more for the national awards, and are looking at hooking up satellite venues for 50-100 people in both cities to take part in next year’s awards. We’re the interactive industry, if we can’t do that we have to take a look at ourselves.”
Holmes’ note to attendees:
“I was pleased to see so many members networking, celebrating and enjoying each others company. In fact, we had just under 550 turn up on the night.
The feedback has been great and most members I’ve spoken to realise we are trying something new to maintain the energy and keep the awards moving forward after 20 fantastic years.
Next year we will be working to maintain the fantastic sense of camaraderie and community spirit that was achieved this year but will be ensuring a greater focus on the work, winners, finalists and judges.
The weather forecast moved the awards inside which just didn’t cut it from an a/v perspective and I would encourage everyone to view the winners, finalists and photos from the event on the new AIMIA website. We will ensure the presentations are prominent and clear next year. The calibre of entrants was brilliant and a source of great inspiration so if you missed anything check it out via the site.
We will also be working with Queensland and Victorian AIMIA State Chapters to develop a more National event for the first time next year.
Finally, a huge thank you to our patrons and sponsors whose support meant the 20th AIMIA Awards broke-even ensuring other member programs are not impacted by the event.
Thanks again for making the night so memorable.”
Were you there on the night? Tell us what you thought using the comment feature below.
Alex Hayes
yeah, blame the AV guys, not the organisers for not having a plan b if the weather turns nasty.
It was the AV guys fault for choosing a venue that couldn’t hold an indoor event.
It was the AV guys fault for not wanting to having their expensive equipment damaged if it rained.
It was the AV guys fault!!! It wasn’t our fault!
User ID not verified.
The AV guys didn’t let you down. You let yourself down by planning an outdoor event without a suitable plan B if weather became an issue.
The AV guys are responsible for OH&S and very expensive equipment.
Don’t pass the blame! You are the boss – it is YOUR FAULT, YOU LET DOWN THE INDUSTRY!!!
User ID not verified.
“The AV guys really let us down.”
No David, I think you’ll find it was the budget that was your problem. If you want to have an outdoor event you need to spend more money on equipment that is designed for inclement weather. Asking your AV company to take the risk of having their equipment ruined (not to mention safety liability) is unfair and the you blaming them is even more so.
It was a bad decision to have an outdoor event without either budgeting for it or having a decent Plan B up your sleeve.
I hope they’re not named publicly because I don’t think they deserve the blame or damage to their reputation.
User ID not verified.
Also AIMIA events and talks are a bit too expensive these days, can you reduce the price please?
User ID not verified.
I think I’ve been pretty honest about the event and not hiding anything or shifting blame. For the record the plan B was planned but a/v plan B didn’t cut it. I was happy with the venue, the great food, the new format and most of all the great turn out and community atmosphere. It’s on me if it’s not 100% and that’s the focus for next year.
User ID not verified.
Having proudly produced the AIMIA Awards for 8 years, and therefore it being well known in the industry that we do, I feel compelled to point out that neither Our Friends Electric or any of our suppliers were involved in the event’s delivery this year.
Since delivering a very successful event in 2013 we were working on an outdoor execution for 2014, but, one not in the venue used and with a wet weather contingency. Having delivered three rounds of creative we were told in January that due to the need to cut costs our services were no longer required and the event was to be run in–house. A decision we respected, despite the way it was handled, as we understood it was to ensure the future of an event that is very close to our hearts.
While everyone has thrown a birthday party or two a tray of party pies and a plasma TV does not an Event Producer make. In taking ticket money from attendees or marketing and sponsorship dollars from brands you have an obligation to deliver – and if you take on the role of running the event you’re responsible for every element – including everyone’s plan B.
I hope the many friends we’ve made along the way in the digital industry continue to support AIMIA and the Awards as they are both a great industry body and platform for recognising great work. I also note the plan for next year is to integrate satellite links with other state capital cities.
We happen to produce one of the largest and most intricate satellite events in Australia – Tropfest.
Our phone number is on our website if you need a hand.
User ID not verified.
How awesome. Nice one Tim.
User ID not verified.
@David – here’s a tip: choose one of the many, many nice indoor function venues all over Sydney , and no one has to worry about the weather and move things at the last minute.
Best Wishes,
Common Sense
User ID not verified.
Inside or outside, there was no way that set up was ever going to work.
Shoulder to shoulder for the whole night, the venue was at capacity. Half in and half out, indoor or outdoor, 50% of attendees would have still missed the awards. Perfunctory, self aggrandising and without joy or any celebration the star of the show was none of the work or brilliant minds in the room, but the invisible shark. Jumped over by all on our way out, Sharky was better treated and had the most fun.
User ID not verified.
Let’s assume the AIMIAs are intended to be an interactive experience.
The first rule of producing a good interactive experience is to understand the user needs.
Putting business needs first is a noob mistake. Being cool and different is your agenda not that of the attendees. They measure success differently.
Some formats work for a reason, and if you are going for cool and different, invest in experience. @Tim makes excellent points.
Please, next time remember who and what the awards are for.
Please also do not blame others.
User ID not verified.
@david I’m really concerned that you where happy with the venue. Having attended the event with a number of colleagues and clients i can tell you it was the worst AIMIA event I have ever attended. Why does a night to celebrate the best of our industry need to be a piss up at a pub. You need to get out and talk to your members and the clients that attended to really see what they thought of the event. I for one felt embarrassed for you, Tim O’Neill, my clients, my profession and all associated with what was a disaster.
Get some class next year.
User ID not verified.
If the CEO believes that it is 100% on him why stick the knife into an unnamed bunch of AV guys, particularly as it sounds like it was due to his own cost cutting decisions? Is he new to Sydney? Did he not realise it quite often rains? Lazy.
User ID not verified.