Founded three years ago by Sarah Austin, Empowered Events, has swiftly risen to prominence in the world of large-scale event management.
Their company’s flagship project, the British Business Excellence Awards—sponsored by Lloyds Bank—has become the UK’s largest and most respected annual business awards programme. Yet behind the scenes, Empowered Events faced a significant challenge: how to enhance the judging process to meet the high standards of both judges and entrants.
The Challenge of Excellence
Behind the scenes organising an event of the size of the British Business Excellence Awards is no small feat. Over a three-week period, more than 50 judges convene in London to assess hundreds of submissions from the nation’s top businesses. The judging process is rigorous, demanding meticulous attention to detail and thorough evaluation.
In previous years, judges relied on laptops and tablets to review entry submissions. While digital devices offered convenience, feedback from judges highlighted significant drawbacks. The sterile nature of screens couldn’t replicate the tactile experience of paper. Judges missed the ability to flip back and forth between pages effortlessly, make handwritten notes in the margins, and compare documents side by side.
“Digital just wasn’t cutting it,” recalls Sarah Austin. “Our judges felt disconnected from the material. They wanted to engage with the submissions in a more tangible way.”
Seeking a Solution
The decision to revert to printed documents presented new challenges. Printing hundreds of multi-page submissions required a reliable, high-capacity solution that could handle the volume without compromising on quality or efficiency. Outsourcing was considered but quickly dismissed due to concerns over cost, control, and confidentiality.
“We needed a solution that was in-house, secure, and could deliver high-quality prints at scale,” says Austin. “That’s when we began exploring our options.”
After extensive research and consultation, Empowered Events chose the HP LaserJet 3000 coupled with HP EliteBook Ultra AI laptops. The choice wasn’t made lightly; it was the result of careful consideration of the products’ capabilities, reliability, and alignment with the company’s specific needs.
Why HP?
Several factors influenced Empowered Events’ decision to partner with HP. The HP LaserJet 3000 stood out for its exceptional speed, high-resolution output, and robust handling of large print jobs and for a company still in its infancy both affordable and one which would not take up too much office space.
“The LaserJet 3000 offered features that other printers in the market simply didn’t,” explains Austin. “Its ability to produce high-quality prints quickly and efficiently was unmatched. Plus, the ease of maintenance and HP’s customer support were significant advantages.”
The HP EliteBook Ultra AI laptops complemented the printers by enhancing the team’s productivity and streamlining operations. Equipped with cutting-edge AI capabilities, these laptops provided advanced data management, security features, and seamless communication tools.
“The EliteBook Ultra AI transformed how our team collaborated,” notes Austin. “From real-time document editing to secure data handling, it integrated perfectly with our workflow.”
Implementing the Technology
While transitioning to the new technology required planning it required very little by way of training. Empowered Events invested time in familiarising their staff with the HP systems to ensure a smooth integration.
“Our team undertook the online training tutorial provided by HP,” says Operations Manager Laura Clarke. “The support we received was excellent. Within a short period, we were fully operational and reaping the benefits.”
The HP LaserJet 3000 printers were set up to handle the massive print volumes required for the judging process. With features like automatic duplex printing, high-capacity paper trays, and energy-saving modes, the printers operated efficiently around the clock.
“We printed over 18,000 pages during the judging period,” Clarke reveals. “The printers performed flawlessly, with no downtime. This reliability was crucial for meeting our tight deadlines.”
Enhancing Productivity and Efficiency
The impact of HP’s technology on Empowered Events’ productivity was significant. The HP LaserJet 3000’s speed reduced printing times by 40% compared to previous methods. The EliteBook Ultra AI laptops enabled staff to manage tasks more effectively, with AI-powered scheduling, task automation, and enhanced security protocols.
“Routine tasks that used to take hours were automated,” says Event Coordinator Jessica Carter. “The AI features helped us prioritise workloads, detect potential issues before they became problems, and communicate more effectively with the judges and entrants.”
The combination of high-quality printed materials and advanced computing power elevated the overall quality of the judging process. Judges received neatly organised, professional-looking documents, enhancing their ability to focus on the content rather than logistical distractions.
Judges’ Experience
Feedback from the judges was overwhelmingly positive. The return to printed submissions was universally welcomed, enriching their evaluation experience.
“Having the physical documents was a breath of fresh air,” says Judge Andy Webb, founder of Connectopia. “I could annotate, highlight, and compare submissions with ease. The print quality was excellent, which made reading and analysing charts and diagrams within the entries much more engaging.”
The improved process also fostered better collaboration among judges. Physical documents allowed for more interactive discussions during their during panel sessions, leading to more informed and balanced decisions.
“There’s something about gathering around a table with papers in hand,” adds Judge Alison Stewart-Allen. “It encourages dialogue and a deeper level of engagement.”
Measurable Business Improvements
“After deciding to introduce printed submissions to the judging panels, we looked at the various options available to us, and by bringing printing in-house, we saved on external costs and gained greater control over the process,” notes Sarah Austin. “The efficiency gains meant we could allocate resources to other areas, such as marketing and customer service.”
Customer satisfaction levels increased, evidenced by positive feedback from both judges and entrants. The professionalism and smooth execution of the judging process of the awards programme reinforced Empowered Events’ reputation in the industry.
“Our judges, partners and sponsors noticed the difference,” says Empowered Events PR Manager Megan Gibbs. “We received numerous compliments on how well-organised and seamless the judging process was this year. With paper you don’t have to worry about wi-fi passwords, access to power sockets, or judges being distracted by unplanned popups”
Entrant Benefits
Entrants to the awards programme also benefited from the improved processes. “As an entrant, I was impressed by how our submission was handled,” says Phil Parkinson, managing director of the Evergreen Group. “Knowing that the judges were engaging with our material in a meaningful way gave us confidence in the fairness of the process.”
Empowered Events’ commitment to excellence extended beyond their immediate operations, positively impacting the broader business community involved in the awards.
Future Plans and Industry Impact
Empowered Events is not resting on its laurels. The success of this new technology into their judging process has spurred plans to further upgrade and expand their use of these products.
“We are exploring the latest HP innovations to see how we can continue to enhance our operations,” shares Sarah Austin. “The technology landscape is ever-evolving, and we want to stay at the forefront.”
Austin believes that other businesses in the event management industry can benefit from similar solutions.
“The challenges we faced are common in our industry,” she observes. “High-volume printing, efficient data management, and secure communication are critical. HP’s products offer reliable solutions that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance client satisfaction.”
Specific Success Stories
One notable success story involves the introduction of AI-driven scheduling through the EliteBook Ultra AI. During the judging period, coordinating the availability of over 50 judges and 8 separate finalist businesses for their 45 minutes presentation and Q&A was a logistical nightmare in previous years. The EliteBook’s AI capabilities analysed judges’ schedules and optimised meeting times, reducing scheduling conflicts by 70%.
“Scheduling used to be a major headache,” admits awards co-ordinator Carter. “The AI took over the heavy lifting, and suddenly, everything fell into place smoothly.”
Another success was the enhanced security features of the EliteBook Ultra AI, which safeguarded sensitive information. With confidential business data circulating during the awards, security was paramount.
“Data breaches are a significant concern, entrants are providing us with highly commercially sensitive information about their business under NDAs” notes Clarke. “The EliteBook’s advanced encryption and biometric security features gave us and our finalists peace of mind.”
Empowering the Future
Empowered Events’ journey illustrates how embracing the right technology can transform a business. By addressing specific challenges with tailored solutions, they’ve not only improved their operations but also set a new benchmark in the industry.
“Our experience shows that technology is not just about gadgets; it’s about finding tools that align with your business goals,” says Sarah Austin. “HP understood our vision and provided solutions that empowered us to achieve it.”
Advice for the Industry
For businesses considering similar upgrades, Austin offers this advice: “Identify your core challenges and look for technology that addresses them directly. Don’t be afraid to invest in quality products that offer long-term benefits. And choose partners who provide excellent support and understand your industry’s nuances.”
Empowered Events’ partnership with HP exemplifies how technology can be leveraged to overcome operational challenges and drive business success. By thoughtfully integrating the HP LaserJet 3000 and EliteBook Ultra AI into their processes, they not only addressed immediate needs but also set a new standard for excellence in event management.
“The key takeaway is that technology should serve our goals, not dictate them,” reflects Sarah Austin. “By choosing the right tools, we’ve empowered our team, satisfied our judges and clients, and positioned ourselves for future growth.”
The success of Empowered Events with HP’s products highlights a broader implication for the event management industry, and businesses at large. High-quality, reliable printing solutions like the LaserJet 3000 and the EliteBook Ultra AI’s advanced features offer cost effective solutions that can streamline operations, enhance security, and improve team collaboration. For evolving businesses, these tools offer tangible benefits and scalable flexibility; HP solutions are a partner for business development and growth.
In an era where digital solutions often overshadow traditional methods, Empowered Events’ experience demonstrates the value of balancing both. By listening to their stakeholders and adapting accordingly, they’ve crafted a process that honours the preferences of their judges while leveraging modern technology to enhance efficiency and quality.
As businesses across industries grapple with similar challenges, Empowered Events’ approach serves as an inspiring model. By choosing solutions that align with their mission and values, they’ve not only improved their operations but also strengthened their position as leaders in their field.
Read more:
Empowered Events revolutionised the British Business Excellence Awards with HP technology
