A team from the University of Aberdeen responsible for events and conference planning has been recognised with a top national accolade.
The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Events Services Team were awarded the Best Public Sector Events Team at the E Awards, held in Edinburgh last week.
Run by the EVENTIT network, which connects events planning professionals across the UK, the ceremony honoured the outstanding achievements of Scottish companies, event professionals and suppliers, as well as organisations who have delivered exceptional events within Scotland.
The CPD and Events Services Team picked up their award in recognition of their efforts to navigate the emergence of hybrid events and conferences involving in-person and online participation, as well as their comprehensive approach to events planning – from inception to delivery and beyond.
Over the last 18 months they have successfully staged a series of small and large hybrid and in-person events, from short courses to networking events and large academic conferences.
Examples include a virtual short course in decommissioning, the UK Archaeological Society Hybrid Conference, and UK Dynamics Days – an in-person physics conference.
CPD Services Manager Nikki Pearce heads the team of seven which includes Rachel Elliott, Heather MacDonald, Cara Nicolson, Monika Dimitrova as well as Julie Dixon and Jade McGowan – both of whom attended last week’s ceremony.
Nikki commented: “One of the biggest challenges the team has faced in recent years has been the move to more hybrid delivery, and the team has worked tirelessly to develop the knowledge and understanding required to navigate the challenges this has created and ensure delegates have a great experience – whether online or in person.
“As a result our event diary is fuller than it has ever been, and we have a long list of happy clients and repeat business. Following the uncertainty created by the pandemic, this is testament to the work of the team in supporting our colleagues in the University to deliver the type of event they envisage.
“We are more used to working behind the scenes than being in the limelight, so it is fantastic for our team to receive this award in recognition of our work.”