Unique Custom Award Ideas for Corporate Events

Corporate events are a great time to recognize excellence, create moments for celebration, and motivate your employees. An award serves a purpose beyond recognizing achievement; it has the potential to create a lasting impression.

When thinking of custom awards, it’s important to step outside of the ordinary. Unique designs, shapes, and some creativity will add some personal value and will allow the award to be a little more memorable.

Here, you’ll find a range of ideas that inspire you to create unique awards with distinguishing characteristics. We will discuss unique materials, new and distinct designs, themed awards, and ways to make your next corporate celebration memorable and unique.

Creative Custom Award Concepts for Corporate Events

1. Wearable / Functional Awards

The old way of viewing awards is to think of them as something that goes on a shelf. Design some awards that serve a purpose! Products that function as an everyday item will go a long way to remind the recipient of the achievement every time they use it. Think of drinkware, engraved desk, or a corporate branded tech gadget.

2. Environmentally Conscious Awards

Environmentally responsible awards, send the right message about your company and its values. You have a variety of different solutions for creating awards from recycled components, for example, recycled glass, reclaimed wood, and metal composites. You can always include a small note explaining the sustainability feature, making the award that much more meaningful.

3. Creative Personalization

Engraving a name is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to personalizing an award. Did the recipient make a special contribution that you feel like you want to publicly acknowledge? Include a small message about it. If relevant, include details about the event, the date, or a specific quote that applies to your company values. Taking the time to add a personal touch goes a long way in creating perception and emotional sentiment.

4. Award Themes that Enhance the Experience

Have awards made to continue the theme you had for the event. For example:

This draws everything together visually and helps the experience feel more deliberate.

5. Awards That Incorporate Company Culture

Have awards created based on your company values, icons or slogans. For example:

Custom awards that are infused with company identity help reinforce brand values with a recognition and awards process.

6. Artistic and Handcrafted Designs

Another way to recognize people is to have a local artist or artisan create custom awards. Hand-blown glass, carved stone, or sculptures take the ceremony to a different level with art. You also support small creators, and add uniqueness and originality to the awards presentation.

7. Experiential Awards

Instead of giving a trophy, give an award that has an experiential connection. For example:

The award component also makes the award presentation feel new again and gives award recipients something beyond a tangible item.

8. Interactive Awards With Digital Features

Using technology as part of the award design is another way to break from traditional design. Incorporate QR codes that link to a video speech or team photos to offer digital components that are unexpected and a new interactive/modern addition to the experience.

9. Recognition for Team Efforts

Sometimes an award will only be an individual award, not every award can be a one-off and several people are recognized. Create a larger piece of art that includes groups, like departments or teams. Think about creating something modular whereby each member is given a piece to link together to create the full award. This can represent collaboration and togetherness which could be fun.

Tips for Designing Meaningful Awards

Quality Over Quantity

One well-executed award can have more purpose and meaning than 5 mediocre awards. Always think about the materials and finishes you make your award with and what could provide value and earnest consideration.

Engraving, But Not Too Much

Keep the engraving to a minimum; only engrave the name of the recipient, the title of the award, the date of the event, and possibly a short phrase. Keeping it simple can create a professional-looking and timeless award.

Balance Creativity and Professionalism

Creative and unique designs are fun, but remember, if for a civil or formal event, then it shouldn’t be too casual or playful in look, as the awards should match the tone of your company, the occasion, and most importantly the intended audience.

Table: Award Material Options and Their Impact

Final Thoughts

Custom awards can recognize achievement while reinforcing your company’s values. By using creative designs, quality materials, and thoughtful personalization, you can create pieces that feel meaningful and memorable. These ideas offer practical options for making your next corporate event feel well-planned and respectful of the people you celebrate.

Key Points Recap