FPS Awards

Date: Friday 22nd November 2024
Location: Hilton London Bankside
Client: Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS)
Event Type: Industry Awards Dinner

The Brief

Forum Court Associates was tasked in delivering a landmark FPS Awards evening that celebrated the Federation’s 60th anniversary. The evening would also recognise outstanding achievements across the piling and geotechnical sector and provided guests with a truly memorable experience. The event needed to blend high-end production, engaging entertainment, and seamless logistics while also maximising sponsorship opportunities.

Our Role

Forum Court Associates was proud to deliver the full management and creative direction of this landmark event. Our responsibilities included:

  • Creative concept development for this 60th anniversary event
  • Full event planning and on-site management
  • Entertainment sourcing and scheduling
  • Awards production and staging
  • Sponsor and guest liaison
  • Show calling and stage scripting
  • Event promotion and marketing

  • Theme & Creative Direction: designing a celebratory experience befitting the 60th anniversary milestone.
  • Host & Talent Booking: securing comedian Alfie Moore to co-host alongside FPS Chair Malcolm O’Sullivan.
  • Entertainment Coordination: sourcing a word-class aerialist to perform at the event on silks and hoops. We managed all aspects of this performance including health and safety and logistics. We also booked and managed two close-up magicians, a caricaturist, and an after-party DJ.
  • Awards Management: coordinating five award categories, nominee content, and on-screen production.
  • Sponsorship Management: securing a record-breaking level of sponsorship revenue for the event.
  • Venue & Logistics: managing the Hilton Bankside event space, catering timings, and production setup.

Event Highlights

  • The evening was co-hosted by comedian and former police officer, Alfie Moore, alongside FPS Chair Malcolm O’Sullivan, bringing a perfect blend of humour, warmth, and professionalism to the ceremony.
  • Guests were gifted with a bespoke chocolate favour and treated to a sparkling drinks and canapé reception, delicious three-course meal, served with wines and petite fours and additional after party catering. 
  • Guests were also wowed by a mesmerising aerialist, who performed on both silks and hoop between courses, which provided a stunning visual moment that elevated the evening’s energy. We also hired two close-up magicians and a caricaturist for an added a personal, interactive touch throughout the evening.
  • Five prestigious industry awards were presented, honouring individuals and companies making a significant impact in the piling and geotechnical sector.
  • The night concluded with a lively after party, complete with a DJ, extra late-night food and drinks, and plenty of dancing to round off a night to remember.

Results & Feedback

The FPS 60th Anniversary Awards was not only a celebration of achievement but a vibrant reminder of the innovation, talent and camaraderie that exists across the sector. The creative programming, thoughtful staging, and quality entertainment ensured that guests felt part of something truly special. The event also secured record-level sponsorship engagement, reinforcing its growing stature as a must-attend fixture in the ground engineering calendar.

“Thank you for such an amazing evening at the The Federation of Piling Specialists awards last night..”
— Luisa Henry

“A great effort was put in by the FPS team. An excellent result, very enjoyable event.”
— Event Attendee

“Excellent event, very high standard. More of this in the future please!.”
— Event Attendee

Supplier & Sponsor Credits

Key Suppliers:

AV Projections, My Ariel Home, Scarlett Entertainment, Champions, Etienne Pradier, Baxter Murrary, Viktorija Sibakovskyte, Laura DeBourde Photography and Ivo the Caricaturist.

Sponsors:

Cleveland Steel and Tubes, Barker Ross Group, Bauer Equipment, Cementation Skanska, Acero Construction, Liebherr, Menard, L & A Reinforcements, F Brazil Reinforcements, Thames Reinforcement and Weld Qual Services.