Inverness Chamber's Highland Business Awards set to reveal 2021 shortlist
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WITH tickets now on sale, the wait is almost over for the return of the Highland Business Awards later this month.
Organising body Inverness Chamber of Commerce has already noted an appetite for the return of an in-person event following the easing of Covid restrictions, and that has been borne out by the number of pre-sales inquiries for the awards lunch.
“We are very much looking forward to the event and what we are hearing from the business community is that they are very much looking forward to it too,” Chamber deputy chief executive and head of events Paula Nicol said.
“We certainly have had quite a bit of interest in attending in person, and all our sponsors are keen to attend in person as well, so that’s really positive.”
However, with Covid-19 still a threat, this year’s event, to be held at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness from noon on Thursday, November 25, will be a bit different with slightly reduced capacity and enhanced safety protocols.
“We encourage people to take lateral flow tests before they come along to anything, and we will be doing temperature tests on arrival as well,” Paula said.
“It’s just another level of reassurance. We will have the usual protocols around the use of hand sanitiser and wearing masks while circulating around the hotel.
“We will also be encouraging people when they arrive to settle themselves at their table to avoid too many bottlenecks of people.”
For the first time, the awards will also be held in hybrid form, allowing the business community to watch online as well as attend in person.
Not only will this allow anyone who might remain uncomfortable about attending large gatherings to still connect with the event, it also makes sense from a geographical point of view, Paula added, given the awards cover the whole of the Highlands and Islands, that for some it might not always be practical to make the journey to Inverness.
For those watching online, the Chamber is taking steps to make it more of an occasion than just a question of switching on a laptop.
While those attending the Drumossie Hotel event will be able to enjoy a welcome drink and three-course lunch, the online audience will not go hungry.
“We are arranging what we are calling a grazing box and a celebratory drink,” Paula said.
“For people local to Inverness, that will be delivered, but for others further afield that will be posted. It means that people can enjoy the event a little more, even if they are not with us in person.”
Just as those attending the live event will be able to join in groups, the online audience can book to attend as individuals or as their own virtual table of eight.
Paula said: “The people who are joining online will be able to see one another and will be able to mingle within the platform if they choose to do so.
“We hope that people will get into the spirit of the event, even if they are joining us remotely.”
The Chamber is once again working with local video production company HCVF, ensuring a polished visual event for both those at the event and online, she added.
To book in person or virtual tickets, please visit www.inverness-chamber.co.uk/events/event/highland-business-awards-2021
