The history of the visual communications and live events professional body, EVCOM, dates to its roots as the IVCA and Eventia. Both organisations recognised excellence in their respective industries. Since 2013, Evcom has represented both areas of communications and celebrated both at various awards events.

However, the format and feel of those events may be about to change. With the annual AGM set for Wednesday, and the shortlist announcement for the EVCOM Industry Awards on Friday, change is in store for the organisation.

“My intention is to be as radical as we can in looking at what we do and how we do it,” says EVCOM chair-elect Rachel Pendered, MD of Media Zoo. “It will help us to feel more modern, more relevant.” One of those changes is to alter the format of the two year-old Industry Awards from a more formal, seated dinner reception to a casual lunchtime celebration at Tobacco Dock. The change, she says, was in response to feedback from last year’s awards, but also to the board’s drive to ensure Evcom is modern and continuously adding value to its members. She says the new direction sets out a bold, brave future for the professional body.

Change, however, is supported by the running constant of EVCOM’s commitment to visual and live communications. That consistency is represented by its annual nomination of two leading professionals to become EVCOM Fellows. Des Good, MD of Grosvenor Films and EVCOM fellowship director, says the fellows are selected for their “inspired leadership” and commitment to communications. “Excellence in creativity is a force for good in people’s lives,” he says, and the Evcom fellows live up to that promise.

As for the Industry Awards, the shortlist was announced in loud fashion as balloons were popped and nominee lists extracted last Thursday night. However, six categories are open through September for categories such as ‘Best agency,’ ‘Best challenger agency’ and ‘Best in-house or internal team.’

Judges from brands, the likes of Virgin Atlantic, GK, Barclays, the BFI, Boehringer Ingelheim and Aviva considered the entries and determined the shortlist, below.

The fresh format for the awards promises to be fun, lively and more modern. The EVCOM Screen and EVCOM Live Awards may be getting a similar treatment after the new board is officially elected on Wednesday.