Challenge
To host the annual Tech South West Awards digitally for the first time during lockdown, bringing together tech businesses and individuals across the South West, raising the profile of the region’s tech sector and showcasing talent and achievements.

Solution
Tech South West launched in 2015 alongside local tech clusters and companies to help connect, celebrate and showcase the sector, providing a platform for members to communicate and collaborate. The Tech South West awards were launched in 2019 to shine a light on the many tech success stories across the region.
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic meant the awards had to take place online for the first time. The Astley Media team were determined to build on the success of the previous year and recreate all the excitement and networking opportunities of a physical event.
Astley Media managed every stage of the process to deliver a slick, engaging digital awards ceremony including planning, launch, marketing, sponsor engagement and event management.
Hopin was used for the event itself – the perfect platform for the dynamic, interactive and multi-faceted ceremony to suit the Tech South West brand.

Outcomes
Digital Ceremony
- Registrations: 222
- Attendees: 213
- Total chat messages: 1200
- Stage visitors: 189
- Session visitors: 139
- 17 Partners and Sponsors involved in Expo
- Expo visitors: 63
- 67 1:1 networking meetings
- Average user rating of event: 10 out of 10
Media coverage
- 30 articles – launch, announcing shortlist, winners revealed
