This article is taken from the the special Relocate Awards 2020 supplement – the must read for HR, global managers and relocation professionals.Click on the cover to access the digital edition, read all of the articles on our website, or order your printed copy.

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Now more than ever, it’s important for the global mobility community to come together with other disciplines working in the international context to work out the way ahead in these times of unprecedented change.Collaborating and sharing knowledge across different industry sectors means we can learn from each other and build even better solutions. This is where the Virtual Relocate Awards are showing the way forward in a truly global market sector that has come of age.This year’s Think Relocate and Think Global People Awards attracted entries from a wide range of organisations from across the world; some operating locally, others regionally and more still globally. All were showcasing brilliant achievements.When it came to the question of how to honour the 50 shortlisted organisations all meriting recognition for their high-quality services and amazing people outcomes, we knew we simply couldn’t let them down. Known for our innovation and collaborative outlook it was a natural choice to take a leap of faith, keep driving forward and take our annual awards celebration to a new level.This year’s Relocate Awards were the first virtual awards in global mobility, if not people management. The unbounded spirit of our judges, sponsors and shortlisted entrants won through to create something lasting and memorable.We are a sector of change makers, with the integrity, cultural awareness and knowledge across multiple disciplines to show the way ahead and help create sustainable, flexible and healthy workplaces where talented people can thrive.

Promoting the Value of Global Mobility

We are already a global community, so let’s keep pushing on to celebrate all those working in a global context. People like you working around the world can and do make a difference to the working lives of individuals doing whatever they need to do to support organisations and their economies to grow.Holly Creed, co-founder of NextGen GM, said: “It’s amazing that Relocate Global put together a virtual awards ceremony to bring global mobility professionals together for an opportunity to celebrate during these unprecedented times. “It is important that we all work together to help one another with the many different requests that are required of us all at present. It’s not just about the employees we send abroad, but showing that kindness and support to each other.”“I have worked in research, consultancy and education in the field of relocation for some 40 years and have been involved with the Relocate Awards since their inception,” reflected Dr Sue Shortland, head judge.“Recognition of inspiring and exceptional practice by organisations moving people locally, regionally and globally is both well-deserved by those winning awards and motivating to everyone in the global mobility and people management arena.”Dr Shortland was instrumental in helping to remodel these prestigious Relocate Awards for 2020 as we prepare for new working practices and as we widen their relevance to all involved in international management. 

Capturing the spirit of innovation

One of the hardest aspects of any virtual ceremony was always going to be around how to make people feel included and part of the action. Yet, the 2020 Relocate Awards delivered. “I think the real challenge was to recreate the live event for the audience that shared viewing experience,” said video producer Leigh Emmerson, of production company Persistence of Vision.“I think we managed that. It was lovely to see the comments rolling past and people were clearly engaged. It really is an international community."I do feel we have been trailblazers with this project. No one has done anything quite like this before because before the pandemic no one needed to." We were thrilled that renowned BBC broadcast and BAFTA-nominated journalist, Jayne Constantinis, was able to host the ceremony, bringing humour and professional expertise that delivered a world-class occasion with soul.“One of the best things about the show was the fact that people had taken part from all corners of the world,” said Jayne Constantinis. “It gave it a global feel and yet, because we were in their homes, there was an intimacy about it.  And I think that was a real strength. I’ve hosted many live events, but never one from my office. I was very happy to be part of it. “I was impressed by the vision and creativity of Fiona and the team, by the excellent contributions of everyone who appeared on screen, and by the technical wizardry which went into making it happen. It was no mean feat, but they pulled it off with great skill and composure.”

Bamboozle original music to lift the spirits

Another first was the fabulous original music from popular band, Bamboozle, who normally wow retro-loving and modern audiences with their combination of 20s to 50s style music with a modern twist at festivals, theatres and international events. Their musical generosity was integral to the success of the 2020 virtual celebrations.There was no room on this occasion for the band’s singer/songwriter Serena Sykes’s daring double bass stunts, but her high-energy performance with partner Jim Knowler, guitarist and singer, added an uplifting and unique dimension to the programme.From their home near the coast in Kent they performed two of their original tracks xxx and xxx, which set the upbeat tempo and had our global audience swinging along. Even the music announcing the awards was recorded just for us by Bamboozle from their makeshift studio. Go and buy their music now to keep your spirits high and book them for your next toe-tapping event. You won’t be disappointed – just check out those winners dancing on the Awards playback!“Selecting the winners for each category was an inspiring undertaking for the panel of judges.”Dr Sue Shortland

Celebrating excellence in international management and talent mobility

The Think Relocate Awards covers every aspect of the global mobility supply chain: from HR and global mobility policy and procedure, international leadership, technology and analytics, immigration and taxation, finance and banking, business travel, education and schools, removals, partner and family support, health and wellbeing, serviced apartments, to residential and commercial property.Each entry across the 15 Think Relocate and Think Global People Award categories showcases innovation and dedication to the Relocate Global and our wider community’s cause: supporting businesses, their employees and families to make their international assignments and career development plans a reality in an age of talent shortages and globalisation.The global pandemic now more than ever is putting the focus on people’s wellbeing. People are at the heart of our sector. As well as striving for and achieving excellence, what all our award winners share in common is all are truly making a difference to people’s lives. We are so proud to be able to honour every one of them.Our purpose at Relocate Global and across our media over the next few months is to keep the spirit of the Virtual Think Relocate and Think Global People Awards alive as together we evolve the “new normal”.We are here to inspire and connect you, and to facilitate easy and accessible ways of sharing international insights, as we learn how to respond to today’s challenges and find solutions that ensure people and organisations rebound, flourish and grow.

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Find out more in the Relocate Awards 2020 section!

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