Amidst COVID-19, Project Playground was created, an initiative by leaders in the events industry to innovate despite setbacks. In 2023, they reunited for '23 Choices', an event that focused on three key themes: Diversity & Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Technology & Innovation. On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 270 event professionals were welcomed at SugarFactory.
Project Playground: 23 Choices was more than just an experience; it was a networking event with a dual purpose. Organized by these five big names in the industry, Boozed, Hete Peper, Plugged Live Shows, The Fireflies, Bazelmans AV, and SugarFactory, their goal was to connect with the audience for both new and returning commercial opportunities while showcasing what they were capable of, centered around the three major themes.
The event consisted of various program components such as "The Maze," breakout sessions, and a networking reception, with entertainment, innovation, and thought-provoking lectures. At the heart of this immersive experience was the idea that personal choices would determine each guest's day. Upon arrival, each guest was offered a mask that they were (preferably) required to wear throughout the first part of the event, called 'The Maze of Choices'.
Noteworthy is the courage of the five organizing parties to tackle sensitive topics in an unconventional way, which drew both praise and criticism.
Project Playground: 23 Choices won no fewer than five awards at the Global Eventex Awards 2024 on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in the following categories:
- Immersive Experience – Gold
- Partner Engagement Event – Gold
- Kick-A** Experience – Silver
- Experiential Event – Silver
- Positive Change Event – Bronze
"As a B Corp, we are particularly proud of the three key themes that Project Playground visualized: sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. By bringing these to life in a non-profit, kick-ass experience, we have created a ripple effect of positive change in the events industry. The collaboration with talented partners leveraged the successful outcome of the event!" said Kim de Ridder, Creative Director at Boozed Experience Creators.
John Linssen, Sales Manager at SugarFactory, noted: "There was an urgent need to revive the spirit of the events industry after the pandemic. That's when this distinctive and memorable event was born—to showcase our resilience and our willingness to take the industry by storm together with our valued preferred partners. We really wanted to disrupt the flow and emphasize that Project Playground aims to provoke dialogue on important themes in the industry, such as challenging one's beliefs."
Nick Frinking, Operations Manager, and Martijn van Riel, Sales Manager at Bazelmans AV, on the awards: "One aspect we at Bazelmans AV are proud of is the way we were able to help all the different partners integrate audiovisual equipment into their part of the event. All this to reinforce the message and experience for the audience. In addition, the collaboration with these great partners made the event a success. In our opinion, this is the reason why Project Playground was nominated in five categories."
"We still look back on Project Playground with great pleasure and are incredibly grateful for the commitment and dedication of all our partners in making it an Eventex Award Winning Event!" says Carola Meijer, Brand Ambassador at Hete Peper.
"Winning an award means a lot," said Mendel Tuinder, Brand Manager for both Plugged Live Shows and The Fireflies. "All of our partners put in countless hours and funded this event out of their own pockets. Being rewarded with five awards is fitting recognition for the collective effort we all put in, and we believe it will certainly lead to greater brand awareness, both nationally and internationally."
About the Awards
Eventex Global Awards was created in 2009 to celebrate creativity, innovation, and effectiveness in the industry and has become a symbol of high achievement and excellence in the events world. The winners for 2024 were chosen from 1,207 entries from 62 countries worldwide.
More about the strategic partners:
Thanks to the sponsors
Applause for our valued sponsors, including Momice, Van Straalen, Planted en Decoraties, Liberate '96, Tim van Etten, Floris Heuer, Van der Kroft Events, Supa-Dupa, More2Safety, Better Future, Stage & Drapes Support, Fulin Robots, and Amsterdam The Style Outlets, along with everyone involved in making this creative dream a reality.
