Awards programmes have long been a cornerstone of association calendars, celebrating excellence, recognising achievement and bringing communities together. However, changing delegate expectations, evolving event formats, commercial pressures and advances in technology are prompting many organisations to rethink whether traditional Awards events still deliver the impact they once did.
This ABPCO roundtable will bring our community together to share experiences, challenge assumptions and explore what the future of Awards programmes could look like. Through open discussion, we’ll examine what's working, what isn't, and where the greatest opportunities for innovation lie.
We’ll explore whether gala dinners remain relevant, the rise of daytime ceremonies, hybrid and virtual models, and how different approaches influence attendance, engagement and perceived value.
We'll also consider whether Awards should be stand-alone flagship events or integrated into conferences, exhibitions or annual meetings. Commercial sustainability will be a key theme, exploring sponsorship, ticket pricing, production costs and demonstrating return on investment.
The discussion will also examine the role of keynote speakers, hosts and entertainment, strategies for creating memorable attendee experiences, increasing diversity and inclusivity in nominations and judging, embracing AI and digital technology, engaging younger professionals, measuring success beyond attendance figures, and ensuring Awards remain meaningful and prestigious in an increasingly competitive events landscape.
This roundtable offers an opportunity to learn from peers, exchange practical insights and help shape the next generation of association Awards programmes.
The meeting is being hosted by ABPCO Industry Member, the Hilton Birmingham Metropole and will include an optional site tour. Please note, the roundtable will take place in Sunningdale – Ascot Room on the 1st floor of the hotel with access via stairs only.
Hilton Birmingham Metropole provides ideal access to major network links, including the M42 and the M6 by car. Located on the NEC complex, just a five-minute drive to Birmingham International Train Station and the Birmingham International Airport.
Birmingham International Train Station is a seven-minute walk away, with Birmingham International Airport a twelve-minute walk through the NEC or a ten-minute commute via a monorail.
Prices
This event is free for ABPCO members. For non-members, please find a list of tickets for this event below.
| Ticket |
Price |
|
Any non-member
|
£30.00 |
Delegate Terms and Conditions
Delegate Terms and Conditions
Cancellation or postponement of event
In the unlikely circumstance that ABPCO has to cancel the event, we will refund the full cost of any pre-paid registration fees.
In the event of a postponement, all tickets will automatically be valid for the new date, or transferable to someone else in the same ticket pricing bracket. Refunds will be available if you are unable to make the new event date.
Cancellation of attendance at an event
Please let us know if you cannot attend an ABPCO event as soon as possible by emailing hello@abpco.org
Where a fee has been charged, you will be reimbursed as follows:
For cancellations on or prior to 2nd September 2026, a 50% refund will be given.
For cancellations received later than the 2nd September no refund will be given, but name substitutions can be made at any time.
To cancel a booking email hello@abpco.org
Name changes
Tickets are transferable: it will be possible to amend the name on your ticket to a colleague within the same ticket pricing bracket at any time.
To arrange for a name change contact hello@abpco.org
Event sponsor
This event may be sponsored. ABPCO may contact you via email after the event with messaging from our sponsor(s) however ABPCO will not share your details directly with the sponsor(s). To opt out of this messaging, contact hello@abpco.org
Force Majeure
For the purposes of these terms and conditions, "force majeure" means any cause beyond our reasonable control including, but not limited to, war, acts of terrorism, governmental requirements, acts of local or central government or other competent authorities, acts of God and industrial disputes.
We will not be liable to you for failure to perform any obligation under these terms and conditions or in relation to your booking to the extent that the failure is caused by force majeure.
Conditions of attendance
You must comply with instructions and directions given by staff, ABPCO and stewards and agents of the venue (where relevant) and any applicable policies and procedures of which you are notified.
We reserve the right to refuse access to, or remove any delegate from any ABPCO event who, in our reasonable opinion has, or is likely to affect the experience of the other delegates, in our reasonable opinion is acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or who behaves in a manner which may cause a breach of the peace.