Award Ceremenoies
Award Ceremenoies
what we’ve done > Co-op Pioneer Awards 2023
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
type of event:
Award Ceremenoies
location:
Freight Island
attendees:
600+
client: Co-op Pioneer Awards
date: Sept 2023
industry: Retail
CLIENT BRIEF
Co-op approached us with an exciting challenge: reimagine their traditional annual Supplier Awards Show into a bold, immersive experience. The event needed to celebrate supplier achievements, preview the kind of energy Co-op Live Arena would bring, and raise funds for Barnardo’s. The key challenge was to move away from the usual seated dinner format and create a vibrant 360-degree guest experience unlike anything seen before in the Co-op events calendar.
WHAT WE DELIVERED
We transformed Freight Island in Manchester into The Pioneer Awards—a multi-zoned, sponsor-supported event space packed with variety, energy and unexpected moments. Each area of the venue had its own personality, thanks to creative collaborations with key partners. From BrewDog’s Pie & Ear Pub to the high-octane Monster Energy Stage, we delivered a journey of discovery and delight at every turn.
The evening culminated in a headline performance from Basement Jaxx, bringing the house down and leaving guests talking long after the event. We worked closely with all partners and sponsors to ensure a cohesive brand experience and maximised fundraising efforts for Barnardo’s through thoughtful activations and donation points throughout the night.
KEY RESULTS & IMPACT
Traditional format reimagined into a fully immersive, standing-style experience
Hosted at an unconventional venue with seamless sponsor integration across multiple zones
Overwhelmingly positive attendee feedback—many cited it as the most memorable event they’d ever attended
Major brand moment for Co-op and successful preview of what’s to come with Co-op Live Arena
Significant fundraising contribution made to Barnardo’s
A NOTE FROM OUR TEAM
“This was an event that redefined what a supplier celebration could be. It was a thrill to create something so boundary-pushing with Co-op—every zone, every partnership, every performance played a role in building the bigger picture. Seeing the energy in the room, the surprise on guests’ faces, and the joy from start to finish was unforgettable. The future of brand-led celebration looks a lot like this.”
Head of Design at Make Events