Awards aren’t just a side show — they’re one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in an organization's toolkit. In this episode, Tess and Keith pull up with their longtime friend and industry pro Cecilia Lavin from Evessio to talk about why awards deserve their own spotlight, how tech is transforming the process, and how AI, data, and creativity can turn recognition programs into engagement and revenue engines. It’s part strategy session, part candid chat between friends — and packed with insights you’ll want to use at your next event.

What We Talk About

• Why awards are more than an “add-on” – and how they can become their own event ecosystem.
• The truth about budgets and pricing – how the industry’s lack of transparency has created a disconnect between planners and tech providers.
• Tech stack strategies – why specialized tools working together often outperform “all-in-one” platforms.
• Integrations and connectors – how Evessio plays nicely with the rest of your tech stack.
• Creative revenue models – from directories to league tables, how clients are monetizing beyond event day.
• AI in awards and abstracts – real-world examples of AI reducing judging time and improving accuracy without losing human authenticity.
• The future of feedback – using benchmarking, judge comments, and even public voting data to deepen engagement and improve entries.
• Voice-first tech and accessibility – why voice input and multilingual features are the next frontier.
• Roadmap & future vision – how Evessio is using data and generative AI to support organizers, sponsors, and entrants year-round.