With the INDE.Awards Digital Gala just weeks away, we’ve got the lowdown on how to best enjoy the virtual event we’ve all been waiting for!

Want to watch this year’s INDE.Awards but not sure how you can make it with lockdowns and travel bans? Fear not! Our team is working around the clock to ensure anyone and everyone can tune into 2020’s night of nights, with a digital event that will put you in the midst of it all.

Get closer to INDE. Gold than ever before and join us on Thursday August 13^th at 6:30pm AEST as we celebrate Indo-Pacific’s greatest architectural achievements for 2020.  But don’t just tune in – make a night of it by turning your home or office into your very own gala! Not convinced? Don’t take our word for it, Platinum Sponsors and watch-party experts Zenith say that “hosting watch parties are a fun way to be part of the event in a more casual atmosphere, allowing you to mingle with clients, friends and colleagues and also support the winners at the same time.”

If you’re set on making a night of it but are struggling for some inspiration, we’ve rounded up the best tips from our sponsors and partners to bring you our go-to guide on going digital for the INDE.Awards.

Study the Field

Have you got the 4-1-1 on all things INDE related? Don’t spend your evening googling shortlisters and last year’s winners – get your study in now to ensure your night is spend enjoying the festivities. As Learning Space sponsor Maxton Fox says, “Make sure to get ready and read-up on the shortlisted projects for the 2020 INDE. Gala, to find out who is in the running this year across the categories. A few of our favourites are The Link at Chadstone by Make Architects and K11 Musea by LAAB Architects in Hong Kong!”

Create a Guest-List

Where possible (Victoria, we’re looking at you!), why not make a real night of it and invite your architectural nearest and dearest over to get in on the fun. Social Space sponsor James Richardson Furniture agrees, saying: “Given our isolation over the past few months, it has solidified our feelings of the importance of human connection. Not being able to share a meal with friends, see family members or interact socially is one of the most challenging aspects of lockdown. As the sponsor of The Social Space, we encourage now more than ever to get together (in person, or online), connect with your co-workers and friends and tune and make the most of INDE’s 20 year anniversary and Digital Gala.”

Stay Hydrated

Ensure you and your guests are ready to cheers our winners with some creative drinks. Swap the regular wine out for some cocktails that will set the mood and keep the good vibes going. Designated driver in your midst? Why not opt for a zesty mocktail courtesy of Wellness Space sponsor Zip Water? All you’ll need is some lime, cucumber, a handful of crushed mint and a healthy splash of sparkling water courtesy of your Zip HydroTap.

Commit to the Canapes

Now you’ve got your drinks sorted, ensure your guests are well fed by preparing a range of canapes, grazing plates or – depending on your level of commitment – a full dinner party to enjoy before, during and after the ceremony itself. Masters of the kitchen, Gaggenau, recommend tucking into a spread of truffle potatoes, pizza diavolo and a fresh asparagus salad.

Get Red Carpet Ready

Secretly, one of the things we love most about the INDE.Awards is the “black tie” dress code, with all colleagues and industry friends pulling out all the stops in their formal gowns and tuxedos. But just because you’re at home, doesn’t mean your style should take a hit. Swap the PJ’s for something red carpet appropriate and don anything that shimmers, shines and sets you up for a stellar night in.

Once you’ve got you’ve your evening best on, get further into the spirit by conjuring makeshift waitstaff just like Kara from Prodigy Sponsor Luxxbox plans to: “We plan to dress for the occasion and then use the idle hands in the house to serve canapes. Provided the trays aren’t too heavy, the kids can sub in for wait staff to make the night a bit of fun.”

Decorate your Space

No party (even a mini one!) is complete without a little bit of a decoration. Ensure your streaming experience isn’t just another night of the week and create a space that is as special as the INDE’s themselves! Alspec, sponsors of The Building, know a little bit about creating amazing spaces. Their advice? Get inspired and go gold with balloons, streamers and themed tableware or create your own photobooth with cut-out top-hats, faux bow ties and feather boas to take your glam-squad to the next level!

Watch at Work

If you’re working from an office and would prefer to expense your meals for the evening (we won’t tell!), why not transform your workplace into a ballroom and host your own mini gala at work. Work Space sponsor Woven Image even approve, recommending that – where distancing protocols allow – practices and studios should get the team together and get everyone cheering on their colleagues from across the region. Because who couldn’t use a little extra team bonding right about now!

Set the Mood

Once it actually gets down to the screening itself, setup and pre-preparation will make all the difference. Take it from Luminary Sponsors Verosol who recommending setting your home automation system to chill mode and letting your automated blinds go to work… “We recommend drawing your curtains and lowering your Verosol SilverScreen blinds to set the mood before getting your stream set up on a big screen or even a projector,” says Verosol. “Forget tiny laptops and mobile phones, going big will make you feel like you’re really there!”

Get Social

If you’re feeling a little down that we can’t all be together, never fear! Make like The Influencer sponsors AHEC and keep the connections coming by joining the virtual conversation. “We’ll be joining the event from Hong Kong, London, Dubai and Singapore with our shortlisted candidates from across the region. We’re excited for our first digital event as it means everyone can take part wherever they are. Join us using the #indeawards hashtag on Instagram and Twitter,” says the AHEC team.

 

Get involved and show us how you’re spending your INDE evening by using the #indeawards hashtag!

Join us and the region’s top winners at the free INDE.Awards 2020 Digital Gala this August 13, register here.

#indeawards