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Debt Review Awards Gala Moved to September

The Global CoVid-19 Pandemic has everyone rethinking large gatherings due to government restrictions and health concerns. The Organisers of the Annual Debt Review Awards Gala have just announced that they will be shifting the event to September 2020 (from July 2020) to allow more time to pass.

Recently the organisers notified roleplayers that they had put in place different protocols for different levels of local challenges with regard to CoVid-19. As local infections have escalated the organisers have followed these plans and will now be hosting much of the event via online streaming.

What Does That Mean?

This means that the event will be hosted mainly online with a very small (but spacious and well sanitized) physical footprint. Founder Zak King say:” We have been looking for ways to increase attendance at the event over the years. Unfortunately, the cost with a Red Carpet Gala are high even when it is held in the modest style the Awards likes to stick to each year – after all, our industry is not a rich one, with most role players working for love rather than money. It seems that this global Pandemic has finally pushed us to expand part of the attendance remotely“.

The idea of remote attendance has been spoken about for many years and has always been pushed to a future date. This year that dream will become a reality with the help of fancy software and extra team member’s help for execution on the day.

‘This year that dream will become a reality with the help of fancy software and extra team member’s help for execution on the day’

“We are now able to invite entire companies to attend. The idea will be that guests – even the remote log in ones – get dressed up on the night and jump in front of a screen to enjoy the event“. Guest will be able to share their outfits on social media using particular hashtags (like #debtreviewawards2020). Companies will be able to set up whatsapp groups to chat during the event and celebrate their Awards or argue about who they think should have been the highest rated in different categories this year.

Speakers

You may wonder how speakers who are coming to attend from overseas or from across the country will be able to get to the event given the many travel restrictions rolling out across the world?

In the past, at the event, there have sometimes been video presentations and short films played over the audiovisual set up for the attendees. This year there will be some of the same, as well as, some of the guest speakers logging in live to present their speeches to the expanded audience online. Others who are based in the Cape Town area may well be able to attend the venue in person and present (subject to restrictions at the time).

‘Test runs with the technology are already underway’

Test runs with the technology are already underway so that the organising team are very familiar with the software before the event. Remote guest will also be able to test logging in and checking out the interface prior to the event with access to a helpline so that they are able to be ready on the day.

The Awards Proceed As Normal

There has been no interruption to the Debt Review Awards Peer Review Process (which happens online already) and the system is progressively compiling the results as reviews are made. The results will be announced on the night and will be audited in advance of the event. Those who are the highest rated by their peers will be awarded on the night.  It seems that this year, however, more people than ever will be able to be part of the excitement.

‘more people than ever will be able to be part of the excitement’

Want to be part of the fun on the evening of the Debt Review Awards Gala? Email: DebtReviewAwards2020@debtfreedigi.co.za