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The Pause Awards resource hub is designed to help you make the most of your accolades. Get valuable promo tips and ways to promote your win on social media, download our logo packs and more.

Pause Awards Night

Join the most ambitious innovators in the country and meet the vibrant Aussie tech ecosystem.

Experience an evening with ambitious innovators, exclusive networking, vibrant celebrations, and a touch of glamour. 

The upcoming Pause Awards Night & Afterparty promises to be a premium, must-attend event. Here are the key highlights of the program for the night:

6pm – 7pm
Red Carpet, Profile Photos and Jazz
Start the evening with a stylish red carpet and networking session, where you can mingle with industry leaders and take professional portraits with Mod Creativ in front of the media wall or try 360 video experience. Premium canapés will be served from 6:30 to 9:30, and there will be bottomless spirits available all night.

7pm – 7:12pm
Night’s Overview & Ecosystem Insights
We are delighted to introduce our new host, Megan Flamer, who will be joining George Hedon. They will share insights into the Australian ecosystem for 2023, award news and provide a brief overview of what you can expect for the rest of the night. Get ready for non-stop fun!

7pm – 7:12pm
Speaking Sponsors on the Night
Hear from influential figures like Jaffa McKenzie, Director of the Digital Economy at VicGov, and Mel Atherton from Blackmagic Design, offering their insights into the business and creative industries.

7:19pm – 8:09pm
Storytelling, Pause & Play
Hear an engaging story from Dom Pym’s entrepreneurial journey, engage in a short mindfulness exercise and participate in ‘Pause Terra’ – a fun and thrilling game with a chance to win exclusive prizes including Melbourne GP F1 2024 tickets courtesy of Quad Lock and Nura buds.

8:09pm – 9:31pm
Ceremony Begins: Walking-Dance & 10-Words-Speech
Unlike anything you’ve seen before, dancing down the red carpet to receive the Pause Award is a viral sensation of our ceremony. The winners in order of: Hall of Fame, followed by Category Tracks: Culture, Excellence, Good, Growth, Operators. The best is left for the last: People’s Choice, Grand Prix and two new award levels Champion and Diamond. Best Walking-Dance also gets a chance to win exclusive Melbourne GP F1 2024 tickets and Nura buds.

9:36pm – 9:48pm
Professional Group Photography with Everyone
For the memory books, this year we want to take a few more shots than just with winners. Extensive number of judges will be in the room, so we’re planning a small production set to manage and take all necessary shots with winners, judges and all of you.

9:48pm – 11:00pm
Afterparty begins with DJ Hijack
To kick off the Afterparty, everyone will get an opportunity to do the Walking-Dance on the red carpet as a group, finishing off with a limbo on the dancefloor. This was a request that we’re trilling first time! DJ Hijack will be dropping beats from R’n’B to House and whatever your dancing feet desire, ensuring an unforgettable end to a spectacular night.

11:00pm – Onwards
The End, and Something More
The Pause Awards Night & Afterparty will officially end at 11pm, but we understand that some of you may not be ready to go home right away. Therefore, we are exploring options for a nearby venue where you can continue to unwind.

This Pause Awards Night & Afterparty is not just an event; it’s an experience. Prepare to be dazzled, inspired and supatertained in a night that celebrates excellence, creativity and unforgettable moments.

Don’t miss out on this signature occasion – secure your tickets now for a night to remember!

Date and time: Monday 4th December from 6pm to 11pm
Venue: BOND Melbourne
Format: Cocktail and canapé
Dress code: Black tie / Cocktail

A Gathering of Luminaries

Join us on Monday, December 4th for an evening that crowns the ambitious champions of Australian innovation. It’s not just an award ceremony; it’s a networking goldmine, a place where finalists, entrants, and the wider tech community converge.

The Celebratory Twist

We transformed the traditional awards night into an experience! Picture yourself amidst the pulsating energy of our signature Walking-Dances, whilst DJ Hijack drops classic tunes for your showpiece dance as you finish it off with a 10-Word-Speech — the hallmark of celebration!

Distinguished MCs: Megan Flamer & George Hedon

Our hosts, Megan Flamer and George Hedon, are set to dazzle. Megan, the mindfulness and startup advisor maestro, and George, the visionary behind the Pause Fest & Awards, will guide you through an evening of inspiration, fun and acclaim.

Classic Beats by DJ Hijack

Feel the pulse of Melbourne’s nightlife with the scratch superstar, DJ Hijack. He usually supports artists like: Timbaland, Paul Oakenfold, Craig David, Redman and Method Man, GZA, DJ Premier and Calvin Harris to name a few, but on the night you’ll be the superstar.

Exclusive Media & Influencer Moments

Capture your moments with professional photos by the renowned Jess Middleton from Mod Creativ and take home memories crafted by the lens of excellence. Indulge in the aftermovie and vox-pops with NeonSheep Films, and discover the influencer within you with Blackmagic Design.

More Than Just an Awards Night

The evening is packed with extras — from the immersive 360 video experience to the exclusive Pause Terra game. New trophy design unveiled and limbo is unofficially being recommended. Plus, we’re honoured to host Dom Pym, the luminary Co-founder of UP, who’ll be sharing some of his stories with us.

Gastronomic Delights & Bottomless Elegance

Savour our selection of premium canapés and enjoy the luxury of bottomless drinks all night. We’re setting the bar high — in every sense. Be part of the narrative that shapes our industry’s forward.

Secure Your Spot

This is a night of opulence, inspiration, celebration, and it’s open to you. Book group tickets for your team now and benefit from up to 10% discounts. Oh, and did we mention we’re also open to hosting a small team shared Xmas party.

This is your moment to shine amidst the stars of Australian innovation and let’s raise a glass to the brilliance that is our ecosystem. Don’t let this chance slip away.

Here’s to a night of grandeur, inspiration and community.

P.S. Remember to dress in your best Black Tie/Cocktail attire and let us know of any dietary requirements. This isn’t just an event; it’s a memory in the making. See you at the red carpet!

Secure your tickets now

For winners

Congratulations on winning Pause Awards! Now you should tell the world about it. This is definitely a career-defying milestone as you were one among the 30% or less that won and if you hold a Grand Prix that’s less than 10% of all winners. Definitely enough to brag shamesly about it!

Here are few tips that you can do to maximise your promotions:

  • Launch a campaign

    Nothing should stop you now. We recommend shooting from all tops, but it’s essential to prepare a good strategic campaign first. Winning a Pause Award is kind of a big deal, big enough to take your business leap to the next level.

    But don’t just take our word for it: past winners said, winning has put them on the map, gave them meaning, feel they are on the right track, belong to the ecosystem and help them drive new business and partnerships post awards.

    We’ve prepared some ammo for you.

  • Create a media plan

    Being a winner at Pause Awards is a good reason to garner some serious press in the broadcast, print, radio, online, podcast, media, and blogs. It’s a good time to share your business success story and of course that you won the Pause Award for it.

    We’ve created a simple Press Release here to download. If the media need official photos and videos, you’ll find those in the Pause Awards media room.

  • Make content

    These days it is so easy to just pick up the phone and shoot a short video or take a photo. Think about writing a blog post or even run a Facebook ad, but don’t forget to tag us.

  • Put it on the website

    Download our official winner logo and badge and post it to your homepage. Here is the link.

  • Thank the support network

    Send the email to your best and closest friends, family, colleagues and clients to let them know of great news.

  • Go to socials

    If you don’t say it, it didn’t happen. Don’t forget to post about it on you preferred social media channels by using our hashtag #PauseAwards and tagging us with @PauseAwards. It’s the best way to get some instant kudos.

  • In the packaging

    If you have a physical product, and it makes sense, you can include a special packaging Pause Awards Winner logo on your product packaging as well.

  • Thank the support network

    Send the email to your best and closest friends, family, colleagues and clients to let them know of great news.

  • Grace your email signature

    It’s one of the easiest things to do in the world, and still very impactful. Make it a highlight in your email signature.

Essential downloads for winners

Download 2023 Winners Promo Kit
Download 2023 People's Choice Promo Kit
Download 2023 Winners Press Release Sample

For finalists

Here are few promo tips you can use.

Industry peer acknowledgement is all it matters, right! Being the finalist at Pause Awards is a significant achievement granted to only 40% of the entries in this year’s competition. It’s worth tweeting about!

Here are few tips of what you can do to maximise your promotions:

  • Promote being a finalist

    You’re not the winner yet, but being a finalist is one step closer to the win. Take this opportunity to show the world why your business is awesome and why you’re selected. We’ve prepared some ammo for you below.

  • Put it on the website

    Get our official finalist logo and badge from Downloads and post it to your homepage. Download links are below.

  • Go to socials

    If you don’t say it, it didn’t happen. Don’t forget to post about it on you preferred social media channels by using our hashtag #PauseAwards and by tagging us with @PauseAwards. It’s the best way to get some instant kudos.

  • Grace your email signature

    It’s one of the easiest things to do in the world, and still very impactful. Make it a highlight in your email signature for everyone to see.

  • Thank the support network

    Send the email to your best and closest friends, family, colleagues and clients to let them know of great news.

  • Make content

    These days, it is so easy to just pick up the phone and shoot a short video or take a photo. Think about writing a blog post or even run a Facebook ad, but don’t forget to tag us. Promote yourself and your business.

  • Create a media plan

Essential downloads for finalists

Download 2023 Finalist Promo Kit
Download 2023 Finalist Press Release Sample

For judges Promo Kit

If you’re a judge, here you can find specific promo material to use in your promotions.

There are two folders for download, one general about Pause Awards and other for Judges. Each Judge has it’s own folder with personalised ready to post written copy, and five branded images. If you can’t find yours, chances are it’s not ready yet or your high quality photos are missing. For other questions, get in touch.

Download now

Your website profile

One of the best things about Pause Awards is that we give free personal profiles and landing business pages to our champions. We’ve decided to do this because we thought no awards are doing it, and we’re into building better ecosystems so people and businesses need to be highlighted.

We’ve created the most beautiful awards website on the market with great functionalities so we think you’re going to love coming back, using and sharing it. It’s like a curated version of your LinkedIn profile. Once you set it up, your profile doesn’t need much updating, unless you get new professional photos or want to update your bio.

You don’t need much to create your profile, just a professional photo, short bio and couple of other answers. Please make sure you have a good quality profile photo at the right resolution. We understand that some people don’t understand what’s the right resolution and what pixel sizes mean, but if your photo is pixelated, it’s not good.

Download Image Upload Guidelines

  • Preparing your images for website

    Used on your index profile within a large image carousel. These images should be business or product shots that look great. Do not include your logo. Can include only 1, but preferable to have 2-4.

    Used on your index profile within a large image carousel. These images should be business or product shots that look great. Do not include your logo. Can include only 1, but preferable to have 2-4.

    Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (Landscape)
    Resolution: 3000 x 1687px
    File Size: max. 600kb
    Format: .jpeg

    Used as a tile image wherever your business profile is displayed on the site in a grid, list or carousel. This image is the one that will be shown wherever your business is displayed on the website as a tile, so make it your best one. Do not include your logo.

    Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (Square)
    Resolution: 1600 x 1600px
    File Size: max. 300kb
    Format: .jpeg

    Use www.tinypng.com to compress images before uploading.

  • Writing your bio

    Your bio is capped at 50 words so you’ll have to be short, punchy and only put the summary of your best achievements. Please stay away from buzz terms such as Innovation Guru or Self Evangelist etc. Other professionals will read and it just never resonates well.

  • Pause Index profile

    These are created as you enter Pause Awards, there will be a segment which will ask you to enter three pieces of information, once you’ve done that and uploaded images you are done. It should not take more than 15 minutes to complete the profile.

    Please make sure that you have high quality images that represent your business, they can be anything but we suggest having a photo of the Founder/ CEO, product and people in the office. You can upload up to four images.

    Just keep in mind that the Business Index on Pause Awards is an editorial style of content and we want to make sure that everything looks classy and it’s up to date.

  • Judges, Mentor and Ambassador profile

Contributing Writer

Got a tech breakthrough that’s not a million-dollar headline yet? We want it.


If you’re part of the Pause Awards Alumni family, we’re your megaphone. No sales fluff – just pure innovation, wisdom and visionary opinions. Get featured. Get heard. Get writing. Your voice is our next big story!

Submit your article here

Convince the boss

Hey Boss, we need to be at the Pause Awards Night ’23!

We’ve talked about elevating our game, and the Pause Awards Night & Afterparty is our golden ticket. Imagine us, not just attending but absorbing the ethos of “Only for the Most Ambitious.” This event is the epicenter of brave ideas where ambition turns into reality.

Let’s not do what we’ve always done – for once! By connecting with industry titans, we can spark transformative business opportunities. It’s a unique platform where networking transcends mere exchanges – it’s about forging lasting legacies.

We risk missing out on unparalleled opportunities and partnerships. Our presence there could mean tapping into a diverse spectrum of business mastery, positioning ourselves at the forefront of innovation.

This isn’t just another night; it’s a catalyst for our growth and team building. I know we haven’t entered, but they have opened a limited number of tickets for us to join in. Let’s not just watch the future unfold; let’s be a part of shaping it.

Sending a small team could mean bringing back a wealth of knowledge and connections. The potential ROI is enormous.

Let’s seize this moment, Boss. It’s an investment in our future.

Downloads

Various downloads to help you enter Pause Awards or promote it.

Company entry template

Download Company Entry Template

Voting is all done, winners get announced at Pause Awards Night!

Get tickets now

Category tracks

Creating an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture is essential for success and growth. Entries should demonstrate how this transformation has been achieved across core business functions, that showcase expertise, leadership, and vision in delivering a positive impact and growth for the business, staff, stakeholders and customers.

Recognising outstanding business success in the marketplace, regardless of company size, and celebrating the impact made on the industry. Entries should showcase exceptional expertise, leadership and vision in the execution of business strategies that have left a significant impression.

Showcase a company's commitment to their purpose and mission to create a positive impact on the environment, people and community. The entries should demonstrate ideas intended to change the world; work which sets out to positively impact ingrained gender inequality, social imbalance or injustice.

Only awarded to a single entry in each category track, Grand Prix is the highest accolade in Pause Awards. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in class.

​​Focusing on the productivity and elegance of execution to deliver impactful ideas to a market with the power to cut through the noise. Entries should demonstrate how the innovation and optimisation of the customer journey led to scaled consumer engagement and commercial success.

Elevating every voice in the ecosystem is crucial for the collective success and growth of the industry. The entries should demonstrate ingenuity which leads to the creation of new products and services, through leadership, by elevating the internal culture and communities they serve.

Categories

  • Culture champion (new)

    For the best in Culture Category Track. This award recognises the best entry out of all winning entries in the track that have created a thriving culture.

    WHO: The top winners from all categories in Culture.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner that can proudly represent the track demonstrating exceptional leadership, results and impact in their field.

  • Diverse Co.

    For nurturing an inclusive environment. This award recognises a workplace that has successfully and intentionally encouraged innovation among diverse employees.

    WHO: Diversity and inclusion managers, HR professionals, company founders, team leads, and talent acquisition specialists.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that demonstrate a purposeful, innovative approach to nurturing an inclusive environment and empowering diverse employees.

  • Large team culture

    For fostering innovation. This award recognises a workplace with over 1000+ employees that has outpaced their cohort in fostering a culture of innovation.

    WHO: CEOs, CTOs, COOs, HR directors, and team leads in organisations with 1000+ employees.

    WHAT: Judges seek evidence of a workplace that has excelled at fostering a culture of innovation, surpassing peers in the large team cohort.

  • Medium team culture

    For fostering innovation. This award recognises a workplace with 21-999 employees that has outpaced their cohort in fostering a culture of innovation.

    WHO: CEOs, CTOs, COOs, HR directors, and team leads in organisations with 21-999 employees.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to highlight the company's success in fostering a culture of innovation that outperforms others within the medium team cohort.

  • Small team culture

    For fostering innovation. This award recognises a workplace with less than 20 employees that has outpaced their cohort in fostering a culture of innovation

    WHO: CEOs, CTOs, COOs, HR directors, and team leads in organisations with less than 20 employees.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that demonstrate exceptional success in fostering a culture of innovation, outpacing their small team cohort.

  • Work sweet work

    For a great workplace culture. This award recognises a company that has managed to improve or attain outstanding levels of employee engagement, retention and satisfaction.

    WHO: HR directors, employee engagement managers, company founders, and team leads.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that show significant improvement or attainment of outstanding levels of employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction.

  • Company of the Year

    For the best company. This award recognises a company leadership, success, ambition to excel against all odds with the solid future development plans.

    WHO: CEOs, COOs, CTOs, company founders, and general managers.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to demonstrate exceptional leadership, success, ambition to excel, and solid plans for future development.

  • Defiant ones

    For new tech breakthroughs. This award recognises a company that defines the future of the industry they play in.

    WHO: CEOs, CTOs, company founders, product managers, and innovation leads.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that showcase groundbreaking technology that redefines the industry they operate in.

  • Excellence champion (new)

    For the best in Excellence Category Track. This award recognises the best entry out of all winning entries in the track that have executed to a highest standard.

    WHO: The top winners from all categories in Excellence.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner that can proudly represent the track demonstrating exceptional leadership, results and impact in their field.

  • Hall of fame

    For a lifetime achievement. This award recognises a game-changer who paved the way by breaking new grounds and inventing new categories.

    WHO: Judging Board will privately nominate and pick the winner.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner to award for their lifetime achievement.

  • Hammer

    For nailing it. This award recognises a company’s success – on their own terms – in the market.

    WHO: CEOs, COOs, company founders, sales directors and market strategists.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to highlight the company's unique success in the market on their own terms.

  • I wish I'd done that

    For sheer brilliance. This award recognises a company’s simple and clever idea in a niche market.

    WHO: Company founders, CEOs, CTOs, product managers and niche market strategists.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that showcase a simple, clever, and innovative idea within a niche market.

  • New & first

    For new and First Peoples. This award recognises a successful company with its founders from indigenous, migrant or ethnic heritage in Australia.

    WHO: Indigenous, migrant, or ethnic heritage founders, CEOs, company founders and entrepreneurs.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries from successful companies led by founders from diverse backgrounds, making an impact in Australia.

  • On the rise

    For early stage mavericks. This award recognises an early stage startup that has done well in its first three years.

    WHO: Early-stage startup founders, CEOs, CTOs, and entrepreneurs.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to demonstrate significant success within the first three years of operation.

  • Prodigy

    For being exceptional. This award recognises an under 30 year old person with exceptional qualities or abilities.

    WHO: Under-30 entrepreneurs, CEOs, CTOs, COOs and innovators.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that showcase exceptional qualities or abilities of individuals under 30 years old.

  • Singularity (new)

    For an artificial intelligence business. This award recognises a company for developing ai services or those who have successfully integrated ai in their systems to deliver new products and services.

    WHO: AI company founders, CEOs, CTOs and product managers.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for companies developing AI services or successfully integrating AI into their systems to deliver new products and services.

  • Trendsetter (new)

    For influencer led business. This award recognises a person that has built their own business or a product through their followers' reach in social media.

    WHO: Social media influencers, content creators, entrepreneurs, and company founders.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that demonstrate successful businesses or products built through the reach of their social media followers.

  • Women in business

    For levelling the playing field. This award recognises a successful female leader and entrepreneur who is paving the way forward for the future generations.

    WHO: Female entrepreneurs, CEOs, company founders and business leaders.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to highlight the achievements of successful female leaders paving the way for future generations.

  • B-Good

    For a good business. This award recognises a company that has done well to change our economic system to positively impact all stakeholders through their commercial practice.

    WHO: CEOs, company founders, corporate social responsibility managers and sustainability directors.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that demonstrate positive impact on stakeholders through ethical and sustainable commercial practices.

  • Circular Pioneer

    For making a real difference. This award category recognises a company that is pioneering their circular efforts.

    WHO: CEOs, company founders, sustainability directors, environmental managers and circular economy strategists.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for companies that excel in implementing and pioneering circular economy efforts.

  • Fame for good (new)

    For a celebrity driven social impact. This award recognises a company that broke into the market by a famous person using its fame for the right cause and purpose.

    WHO: Celebrity-founded companies, CEOs, social impact leads and philanthropic entrepreneurs.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that demonstrate the effective use of fame for driving social impact and purpose.

  • Going green

    For delivering impact at scale. This award recognises a company that is actively leading and delivering impact and scale through sustainable efforts in clean energy, climate change, healthy environment, social and economic justice etc.

    WHO: CEOs, COOs, company founders, sustainability directors and environmental managers.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to showcase leadership in sustainable efforts in clean energy, climate change, healthy environments, social, and economic justice.

  • Good champion (new)

    For the best in Good Category Track. This award recognises the best entry out of all winning entries in the track that have displayed great impact in society.

    WHO: The top winners from all categories in Good.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner that can proudly represent the track demonstrating exceptional leadership, results and impact in their field.

  • You've got ethics

    For leadership in environmental social governance. This award category recognises a company that is promoting accountability, good governance, leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility and solving societal problems.

    WHO: CEOs, COOs, company founders, CSR managers and sustainability directors.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that highlight leadership in environmental social governance, accountability, and solving societal problems.

  • Design first

    For design led products. This award recognises a company that is using design to drive product innovation with the entire company onboard.

    WHO: CEOs,CTOs, company founders, design leads and product managers.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to showcase how design drives product innovation within the company.

  • Great pivot

    For a sudden change in direction. This award recognises a company that has taken a pivot, based on insights, to deliver exceptional products.

    WHO: Company founders, CEOs, CTOs, COOs and product managers.
    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that showcase successful pivots based on insights, resulting in exceptional products.

  • Growth champion (new)

    For the best in Growth Category Track. This award recognises the best entry out of all winning entries in the track that have displayed incredible success.

    WHO: The top winners from all categories in Growth.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner that can proudly represent the track demonstrating exceptional leadership, results and impact in their field.

  • Movement (new)

    For an event experience. This award recognises a company that has delivered an innovative event, conference, campaign or brand activation that emotionally moved people, delivered great social impact or vent viral.

    WHO: Event organisers, conference planners, marketing directors and brand activation leads.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that demonstrate innovative events or campaigns that have emotionally moved people, created significant social impact, or went viral.

  • New model (new)

    For the new business model. This award recognises a company that has developed an elegant business model which is eating up the market itself.

    WHO: CEOs, company founders, COOs, business strategists and innovation leads.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to highlight an elegant business model that is transforming the market.

  • Out of the garage

    For scaling globally. This award recognises a company’s global growth, expansion, and success.

    WHO: Company founders, CEOs, CTOs and international expansion leads.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that showcase successful global growth, expansion and impact.

  • Pioneer (new)

    For the first to market. This award recognises a company that has broken into the market with a new product line never seen before, creating a new category.

    WHO: CEOs, CTOs, company founders, product managers and innovation leads.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that demonstrate groundbreaking, first-to-market product lines that created a new category.

  • Wildfire

    For conquering a marketplace. This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact on the marketplace in the shortest amount of time.

    WHO: CEOs, company founders, market strategists and sales directors.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to highlight significant, rapid impact on the marketplace.

  • Angel

    For early stage support. This award recognises an angel investor that has garnered a portfolio of companies and has a good track record of helping founders succeed.

    WHO: Angel investors, venture capitalists and early-stage startup mentors.

    WHAT: This is a free entry and will be evaluated by the public as the People's Choice award.

  • C-Suite

    For the best leadership. This award recognises the highest-ranking executive that has impeccable leadership, management and interpersonal skills.

    WHO: CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, COOs and executive leaders.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that demonstrate impeccable leadership, management and interpersonal skills.

  • Down under (new)

    For launching in the Australian market. This award recognises an international company who is looking to expand into the Australian market and build recognition in the local ecosystem.

    WHO: International company founders, CEOs, market entry strategists and business development leads.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to showcase successful expansion into the Australian market and local ecosystem recognition.

  • Ecosystem star

    For being the community champ. This award recognises a person for their tireless energy in organising, engaging and advocating to their community, business or network.

    WHO: Community managers, ecosystem leaders, network builders and advocacy leads.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that highlight tireless energy in organising, engaging, and advocating for their communities, businesses or networks.

  • Future builder

    For grit to start a new venture. This award recognises a founder at any level and life stage who has decided to start jumping the hoops of their own business.

    WHO: Startup founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners at any level or life stage.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to showcase the grit and determination required to start and grow a new venture.

  • Game changer (new)

    For an elite athlete turned entrepreneur. This award recognises an athlete for starting their side hustle and turning it into a small empire.

    WHO: Elite athletes turned entrepreneurs, company founders and CEOs.

    WHAT: Judges will evaluate entries that demonstrate successful side hustles turned into thriving businesses.

  • Growth hacker (new)

    For the growth marketing experts. This award recognises a marketing specialist focused on the rapid growth of a company through data mining and experimentation.

    WHO: Growth marketing experts, data analysts and digital marketing specialists.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that showcase rapid company growth through data mining and experimentation.

  • Hottest hub

    For the best community. This award recognises a co-working space that provides boutique experience, world class facilities with community management.

    WHO: Co-working space operators, community managers and facility managers.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that demonstrate boutique experiences, world-class facilities and exceptional community management.

  • Launch pad

    For activating the support systems. This award recognises an accelerator or incubator with a good reputation in providing the best startup program and industry connections.

    WHO: Accelerator and incubator managers, program directors and startup mentors.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that showcase a strong reputation in providing the best startup programs and industry connections.

  • Mind&Body (new)

    For the best wellness provider. This award recognises a business that provides self-care services or apps, retreats, getaways, gyms, clubs, tiny house stays and healthy retailers.

    WHO: Wellness service providers, app developers, retreat organisers, gym owners and healthy retailers.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to demonstrate excellence in providing self-care services, products or experiences that promote well-being.

  • Operators champion (new)

    For the best in Operators Category Track. This award recognises the best entry out of all winning entries in the track that have displayed impeccable leadership.

    WHO: The top winners from all categories in Operators.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner that can proudly represent the track demonstrating exceptional leadership, results and impact in their field.

  • Silent achiever

    For those that do the heavy lifting. This award recognises a person that has exceeded expectations, executed and delivered flawlessly projects from the backseat.

    WHO: Project managers, team leads, operations managers and product managers.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that demonstrate exceeding expectations and flawless execution of projects from a behind-the-scenes role.

  • TopCoder (new)

    For the cleanest code. This award recognises a developer with excellent technical skills, writing a clean code and being a team player.

    WHO: Developers, software engineers and technical leads.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that showcase excellent technical skills, clean code writing and strong teamwork abilities.

  • Venture cap

    For backing the future business. This award recognises a VC firm with a portfolio of companies that have made a significant contribution to the growth and success of the AU economy.

    WHO: Venture capital firms, investment managers and portfolio managers.

    WHAT: This is a free entry and will be evaluated by the public as the People's Choice award.

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Category tracks

Creating an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture is essential for success and growth. Entries should demonstrate how this transformation has been achieved across core business functions, that showcase expertise, leadership, and vision in delivering a positive impact and growth for the business, staff, stakeholders and customers.

Recognising outstanding business success in the marketplace, regardless of company size, and celebrating the impact made on the industry. Entries should showcase exceptional expertise, leadership and vision in the execution of business strategies that have left a significant impression.

Showcase a company's commitment to their purpose and mission to create a positive impact on the environment, people and community. The entries should demonstrate ideas intended to change the world; work which sets out to positively impact ingrained gender inequality, social imbalance or injustice.

Only awarded to a single entry in each category track, Grand Prix is the highest accolade in Pause Awards. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in class.

​​Focusing on the productivity and elegance of execution to deliver impactful ideas to a market with the power to cut through the noise. Entries should demonstrate how the innovation and optimisation of the customer journey led to scaled consumer engagement and commercial success.

Elevating every voice in the ecosystem is crucial for the collective success and growth of the industry. The entries should demonstrate ingenuity which leads to the creation of new products and services, through leadership, by elevating the internal culture and communities they serve.

Categories

  • Culture champion (new)

    For the best in Culture Category Track. This award recognises the best entry out of all winning entries in the track that have created a thriving culture.

    WHO: The top winners from all categories in Culture.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner that can proudly represent the track demonstrating exceptional leadership, results and impact in their field.

  • Diverse Co.

    For nurturing an inclusive environment. This award recognises a workplace that has successfully and intentionally encouraged innovation among diverse employees.

    WHO: Diversity and inclusion managers, HR professionals, company founders, team leads, and talent acquisition specialists.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that demonstrate a purposeful, innovative approach to nurturing an inclusive environment and empowering diverse employees.

  • Large team culture

    For fostering innovation. This award recognises a workplace with over 1000+ employees that has outpaced their cohort in fostering a culture of innovation.

    WHO: CEOs, CTOs, COOs, HR directors, and team leads in organisations with 1000+ employees.

    WHAT: Judges seek evidence of a workplace that has excelled at fostering a culture of innovation, surpassing peers in the large team cohort.

  • Medium team culture

    For fostering innovation. This award recognises a workplace with 21-999 employees that has outpaced their cohort in fostering a culture of innovation.

    WHO: CEOs, CTOs, COOs, HR directors, and team leads in organisations with 21-999 employees.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to highlight the company's success in fostering a culture of innovation that outperforms others within the medium team cohort.

  • Small team culture

    For fostering innovation. This award recognises a workplace with less than 20 employees that has outpaced their cohort in fostering a culture of innovation

    WHO: CEOs, CTOs, COOs, HR directors, and team leads in organisations with less than 20 employees.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that demonstrate exceptional success in fostering a culture of innovation, outpacing their small team cohort.

  • Work sweet work

    For a great workplace culture. This award recognises a company that has managed to improve or attain outstanding levels of employee engagement, retention and satisfaction.

    WHO: HR directors, employee engagement managers, company founders, and team leads.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that show significant improvement or attainment of outstanding levels of employee engagement, retention, and satisfaction.

  • Company of the Year

    For the best company. This award recognises a company leadership, success, ambition to excel against all odds with the solid future development plans.

    WHO: CEOs, COOs, CTOs, company founders, and general managers.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to demonstrate exceptional leadership, success, ambition to excel, and solid plans for future development.

  • Defiant ones

    For new tech breakthroughs. This award recognises a company that defines the future of the industry they play in.

    WHO: CEOs, CTOs, company founders, product managers, and innovation leads.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that showcase groundbreaking technology that redefines the industry they operate in.

  • Excellence champion (new)

    For the best in Excellence Category Track. This award recognises the best entry out of all winning entries in the track that have executed to a highest standard.

    WHO: The top winners from all categories in Excellence.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner that can proudly represent the track demonstrating exceptional leadership, results and impact in their field.

  • Hall of fame

    For a lifetime achievement. This award recognises a game-changer who paved the way by breaking new grounds and inventing new categories.

    WHO: Judging Board will privately nominate and pick the winner.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner to award for their lifetime achievement.

  • Hammer

    For nailing it. This award recognises a company’s success – on their own terms – in the market.

    WHO: CEOs, COOs, company founders, sales directors and market strategists.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to highlight the company's unique success in the market on their own terms.

  • I wish I'd done that

    For sheer brilliance. This award recognises a company’s simple and clever idea in a niche market.

    WHO: Company founders, CEOs, CTOs, product managers and niche market strategists.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that showcase a simple, clever, and innovative idea within a niche market.

  • New & first

    For new and First Peoples. This award recognises a successful company with its founders from indigenous, migrant or ethnic heritage in Australia.

    WHO: Indigenous, migrant, or ethnic heritage founders, CEOs, company founders and entrepreneurs.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries from successful companies led by founders from diverse backgrounds, making an impact in Australia.

  • On the rise

    For early stage mavericks. This award recognises an early stage startup that has done well in its first three years.

    WHO: Early-stage startup founders, CEOs, CTOs, and entrepreneurs.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to demonstrate significant success within the first three years of operation.

  • Prodigy

    For being exceptional. This award recognises an under 30 year old person with exceptional qualities or abilities.

    WHO: Under-30 entrepreneurs, CEOs, CTOs, COOs and innovators.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that showcase exceptional qualities or abilities of individuals under 30 years old.

  • Singularity (new)

    For an artificial intelligence business. This award recognises a company for developing ai services or those who have successfully integrated ai in their systems to deliver new products and services.

    WHO: AI company founders, CEOs, CTOs and product managers.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for companies developing AI services or successfully integrating AI into their systems to deliver new products and services.

  • Trendsetter (new)

    For influencer led business. This award recognises a person that has built their own business or a product through their followers' reach in social media.

    WHO: Social media influencers, content creators, entrepreneurs, and company founders.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that demonstrate successful businesses or products built through the reach of their social media followers.

  • Women in business

    For levelling the playing field. This award recognises a successful female leader and entrepreneur who is paving the way forward for the future generations.

    WHO: Female entrepreneurs, CEOs, company founders and business leaders.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to highlight the achievements of successful female leaders paving the way for future generations.

  • B-Good

    For a good business. This award recognises a company that has done well to change our economic system to positively impact all stakeholders through their commercial practice.

    WHO: CEOs, company founders, corporate social responsibility managers and sustainability directors.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that demonstrate positive impact on stakeholders through ethical and sustainable commercial practices.

  • Circular Pioneer

    For making a real difference. This award category recognises a company that is pioneering their circular efforts.

    WHO: CEOs, company founders, sustainability directors, environmental managers and circular economy strategists.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for companies that excel in implementing and pioneering circular economy efforts.

  • Fame for good (new)

    For a celebrity driven social impact. This award recognises a company that broke into the market by a famous person using its fame for the right cause and purpose.

    WHO: Celebrity-founded companies, CEOs, social impact leads and philanthropic entrepreneurs.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that demonstrate the effective use of fame for driving social impact and purpose.

  • Going green

    For delivering impact at scale. This award recognises a company that is actively leading and delivering impact and scale through sustainable efforts in clean energy, climate change, healthy environment, social and economic justice etc.

    WHO: CEOs, COOs, company founders, sustainability directors and environmental managers.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to showcase leadership in sustainable efforts in clean energy, climate change, healthy environments, social, and economic justice.

  • Good champion (new)

    For the best in Good Category Track. This award recognises the best entry out of all winning entries in the track that have displayed great impact in society.

    WHO: The top winners from all categories in Good.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner that can proudly represent the track demonstrating exceptional leadership, results and impact in their field.

  • You've got ethics

    For leadership in environmental social governance. This award category recognises a company that is promoting accountability, good governance, leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility and solving societal problems.

    WHO: CEOs, COOs, company founders, CSR managers and sustainability directors.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that highlight leadership in environmental social governance, accountability, and solving societal problems.

  • Design first

    For design led products. This award recognises a company that is using design to drive product innovation with the entire company onboard.

    WHO: CEOs,CTOs, company founders, design leads and product managers.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to showcase how design drives product innovation within the company.

  • Great pivot

    For a sudden change in direction. This award recognises a company that has taken a pivot, based on insights, to deliver exceptional products.

    WHO: Company founders, CEOs, CTOs, COOs and product managers.
    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that showcase successful pivots based on insights, resulting in exceptional products.

  • Growth champion (new)

    For the best in Growth Category Track. This award recognises the best entry out of all winning entries in the track that have displayed incredible success.

    WHO: The top winners from all categories in Growth.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner that can proudly represent the track demonstrating exceptional leadership, results and impact in their field.

  • Movement (new)

    For an event experience. This award recognises a company that has delivered an innovative event, conference, campaign or brand activation that emotionally moved people, delivered great social impact or vent viral.

    WHO: Event organisers, conference planners, marketing directors and brand activation leads.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that demonstrate innovative events or campaigns that have emotionally moved people, created significant social impact, or went viral.

  • New model (new)

    For the new business model. This award recognises a company that has developed an elegant business model which is eating up the market itself.

    WHO: CEOs, company founders, COOs, business strategists and innovation leads.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to highlight an elegant business model that is transforming the market.

  • Out of the garage

    For scaling globally. This award recognises a company’s global growth, expansion, and success.

    WHO: Company founders, CEOs, CTOs and international expansion leads.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that showcase successful global growth, expansion and impact.

  • Pioneer (new)

    For the first to market. This award recognises a company that has broken into the market with a new product line never seen before, creating a new category.

    WHO: CEOs, CTOs, company founders, product managers and innovation leads.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that demonstrate groundbreaking, first-to-market product lines that created a new category.

  • Wildfire

    For conquering a marketplace. This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact on the marketplace in the shortest amount of time.

    WHO: CEOs, company founders, market strategists and sales directors.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to highlight significant, rapid impact on the marketplace.

  • Angel

    For early stage support. This award recognises an angel investor that has garnered a portfolio of companies and has a good track record of helping founders succeed.

    WHO: Angel investors, venture capitalists and early-stage startup mentors.

    WHAT: This is a free entry and will be evaluated by the public as the People's Choice award.

  • C-Suite

    For the best leadership. This award recognises the highest-ranking executive that has impeccable leadership, management and interpersonal skills.

    WHO: CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, COOs and executive leaders.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that demonstrate impeccable leadership, management and interpersonal skills.

  • Down under (new)

    For launching in the Australian market. This award recognises an international company who is looking to expand into the Australian market and build recognition in the local ecosystem.

    WHO: International company founders, CEOs, market entry strategists and business development leads.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to showcase successful expansion into the Australian market and local ecosystem recognition.

  • Ecosystem star

    For being the community champ. This award recognises a person for their tireless energy in organising, engaging and advocating to their community, business or network.

    WHO: Community managers, ecosystem leaders, network builders and advocacy leads.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that highlight tireless energy in organising, engaging, and advocating for their communities, businesses or networks.

  • Future builder

    For grit to start a new venture. This award recognises a founder at any level and life stage who has decided to start jumping the hoops of their own business.

    WHO: Startup founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners at any level or life stage.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to showcase the grit and determination required to start and grow a new venture.

  • Game changer (new)

    For an elite athlete turned entrepreneur. This award recognises an athlete for starting their side hustle and turning it into a small empire.

    WHO: Elite athletes turned entrepreneurs, company founders and CEOs.

    WHAT: Judges will evaluate entries that demonstrate successful side hustles turned into thriving businesses.

  • Growth hacker (new)

    For the growth marketing experts. This award recognises a marketing specialist focused on the rapid growth of a company through data mining and experimentation.

    WHO: Growth marketing experts, data analysts and digital marketing specialists.

    WHAT: Judges seek entries that showcase rapid company growth through data mining and experimentation.

  • Hottest hub

    For the best community. This award recognises a co-working space that provides boutique experience, world class facilities with community management.

    WHO: Co-working space operators, community managers and facility managers.

    WHAT: Judges will assess entries that demonstrate boutique experiences, world-class facilities and exceptional community management.

  • Launch pad

    For activating the support systems. This award recognises an accelerator or incubator with a good reputation in providing the best startup program and industry connections.

    WHO: Accelerator and incubator managers, program directors and startup mentors.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that showcase a strong reputation in providing the best startup programs and industry connections.

  • Mind&Body (new)

    For the best wellness provider. This award recognises a business that provides self-care services or apps, retreats, getaways, gyms, clubs, tiny house stays and healthy retailers.

    WHO: Wellness service providers, app developers, retreat organisers, gym owners and healthy retailers.

    WHAT: Judges expect entries to demonstrate excellence in providing self-care services, products or experiences that promote well-being.

  • Operators champion (new)

    For the best in Operators Category Track. This award recognises the best entry out of all winning entries in the track that have displayed impeccable leadership.

    WHO: The top winners from all categories in Operators.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for the sole winner that can proudly represent the track demonstrating exceptional leadership, results and impact in their field.

  • Silent achiever

    For those that do the heavy lifting. This award recognises a person that has exceeded expectations, executed and delivered flawlessly projects from the backseat.

    WHO: Project managers, team leads, operations managers and product managers.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that demonstrate exceeding expectations and flawless execution of projects from a behind-the-scenes role.

  • TopCoder (new)

    For the cleanest code. This award recognises a developer with excellent technical skills, writing a clean code and being a team player.

    WHO: Developers, software engineers and technical leads.

    WHAT: Judges are looking for entries that showcase excellent technical skills, clean code writing and strong teamwork abilities.

  • Venture cap

    For backing the future business. This award recognises a VC firm with a portfolio of companies that have made a significant contribution to the growth and success of the AU economy.

    WHO: Venture capital firms, investment managers and portfolio managers.

    WHAT: This is a free entry and will be evaluated by the public as the People's Choice award.

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