Spreadsheets for an awards gala: where they work and where they stop
A gala can start in a spreadsheet. That is reasonable. It is free, and your team already knows it.
Where spreadsheets work
- A small number of awards.
- One person owns the file and edits it.
- The list is stable once it is final.
- A short night with a small team on hand.
If this is your gala, stay with the spreadsheet. A new tool adds little.
Where a gala outgrows it
- Several people edit the file.
- The person who built it is on leave.
If you stay with a spreadsheet
Name one person who edits it. Make sure a second person can open it. Check each name before the night.
Questions to decide
| Ask yourself | If yes |
|---|---|
| Do three or more people edit the list? | Consider moving |
| Did a wrong name reach the audience last year? | Consider moving |
| Do you spend days on paperwork after the night? | Consider moving |
| Is the gala small, with one owner? | Stay |
What does not change when you move
You still need a clear regulation. You still need a jury you trust. You still need a host who has rehearsed. A tool does not replace these.
Frequently asked questions
Is a spreadsheet good enough for an awards gala?
For a small gala with one owner, yes. It stops working when several people edit the file.
When should I move away from a spreadsheet?
When a wrong name reached the audience last year, or the person who built the file is on leave. Book a demo one to two months before your gala.