We all have seen the astonishing, cringe-worthy scenes at the Oscars, where the wrong name was called out. Caused, it seems by a simple mistake of handing the wrong envelope to Warren Beatty.

Anyone who has been involved with the organisation of Awards, can probably have sympathy, and say “we’ve been there”. Obviously not with Warren Beatty, but realising a small unpredicted incident sends you into a tailspin of panic.

I recall 600 guests getting slowly inebriated as we waited for a repair to a projector, that was working during the run through. As was the spare – now with a blown bulb. This meant we had no graphics, and eventually I made the decision to proceed “without technology.”Our host for the evening, the ever-professional (and lovely) Ranvir Singh, carried on as if nothing had happened, and the ever more boisterous crowd didn’t notice…(no surprise Ranvir has gone on to greater things!)

Another Award ceremony featured an expensive, extensive video, featuring highlights et cetera. On the night it crashed half way through. No reason, just refused to play.

So, in the world of ‘live’ events, anything can – and often does- happen. Our ICE North West team are now a little nervous, as we approach our own Awards dinner in Blackpool on 10th March (a few tickets available from ICE website and all good outlets) BUT we have two things in our favour; 1) we have time to check and 2) Warren Beatty couldn’t make it.