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Pause Awards trophy


The Pause Awards trophy design is a pure aesthetic marvel designed around the concept of Olympic Games, by comparing athletes to entrepreneurs.

In 2022, we even won an award at the prestigious international Good Design Australia for the excellence in design, innovation and impact in the ‘Communication Design’ category.

Pause Awards Trophy Design 2022
Grand Prix trophy, visualised by Yeti Pictures

Trophy design concept

Introducing the Pause Awards Trophy, the ultimate symbol of excellence in entrepreneurship. Inspired by the spirit of the Olympic Games, this trophy embodies the qualities of a true champion: strength, innovation and perseverance.

The trophy features two interconnected plus shapes that represent the unbreakable bond between winners and the Pause Awards community. With an arch that symbolises the upward trajectory of success, this trophy delivers ‘more out of less’.

But what sets the Pause Awards Trophy apart is its dual function. Not content with merely being a symbol of victory, this trophy comes in two parts designed to be worn like a medal – a constant reminder of the winner’s extraordinary achievement.

The winners can take their trophy with them wherever they go. Attach it to their backpack or hang it in the office – this trophy is a statement of success that will not go unnoticed.

Pause Awards Trophies come in a range of three stunning colours, including white, black and TBC. Each trophy features delicate pastel lines that evoke a sense of calm and tranquillity. 

So if you’re ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level, then the Pause Awards Trophy is the perfect symbol of your success. Join the ranks of champions today and show the world that you are truly a force to be reckoned with.

Pause Awards Night 2022
Winners: evee
Pause Awards Night
Grand Prix trophy
Pause Awards Night 2022
Winner: Verve
Pause Awards trophy
Pause Awards trophy
Pause Awards Night 2022
Winner: The Separation Guide

Winner Packs

At Pause Awards, we know that winning isn’t everything, and we also understand that owning a trophy may not be your top priority. But if you’re someone who appreciates the ecosystem and values design, our trophy is the ultimate symbol of excellence in entrepreneurship.

If you’re ready to visibly showcase your company’s success as a true champion in business, then the PRO, which includes Pause Awards Trophy, is the perfect choice for you. It’s a stunning work of art that will inspire and motivate anyone who sets their sights on greatness.

  • Pro
    For teams that want to own success,
    support and engage in the community.
    (Everything in Starter, plus)

  • Pause Awards Trophy

    The Pause Awards Trophy is an excellent way to showcase your company’s success and innovation. The Pause Awards trophy design is a pure aesthetic marvel designed around the concept of Olympic Games, by comparing athletes to entrepreneurs, it’s a world first wearable trophy! This unique design ensures that the trophy stands out and makes a lasting impression.

  • TrophyNFT

    The TrophyNFT is a digital version of the Pause Awards Trophy, offered exclusively to each winner. This is a world-first awards program that offers an NFT version of the trophy, and the number of NFTs depends on how many winners there are in the awards season. Having a TrophyNFT gives winners an additional way to showcase their success and innovation, and it can also hold future value.

  • x2 Certificates

    In addition to the Pause Awards Trophy and TrophyNFT, winners receive two A4 printed and signed certificates, within PRO Winner Pack. Having a signed certificate is a tangible way to remember your Pause Awards win and display it in your office or workspace.

  • Investable Score

    Judges are given $10M worth of free tokens to allocate them towards each entry as if they’re investors. With 60 senior industry judges placing bets on entries will give entrants a quick overview of how investable they are with projects entered. Your Investable score is shared in the Pro Winner Pack.

  • Winner interview

    Pause Awards is committed to promoting the success stories of its winners to the world. Winners may be interviewed at any time throughout the year, and their stories will be featured on Pause Awards’ newsroom page. Being featured in an interview can help increase your company’s exposure and reputation within your industry.

  • Content upload

    Pause Awards’ new website includes a newsroom where winners can contribute by writing original or sharing existing content and industry insights. Contributing content can help establish your company as a thought leader in your industry and attract attention from potential customers and partners.
  • Starter
    For small teams just getting started,
    or those that seek promotion only.

  • Pause Index

    The Pause Index is a valuable resource for winners of the Pause Awards. Your company profile will be included in the Pause Index forever in a curated list of the most ambitious companies in Australia. This gives you exposure to potential customers, partners, and investors who may be interested in your company.

  • Top 10 List

    The Top 10 List is a coveted spot for Pause Awards winners. The Top 10 companies gain the most exposure online and are included in Pause Awards’ marketing campaigns. Being included in the Top 10 List can give your company a significant boost in visibility and credibility. The goal is to make it to the Top 10 to claim recognition as one of the most influential companies in Australia.

  • Unlimited Trademark

    Pause Awards’ trademark license allows winners to promote their company as a finalist or winner in various ways, including email signatures, website banners, brochures, press releases, and media mentions. This privilege is free for Pause Awards winners and can be used for a lifetime. Having the ability to promote your Pause Awards win or finalist status can help increase brand awareness and attract new customers.

  • Public Voting

    From 2022, the audience can vote for the People’s Choice Award winner from all categories. Public voting can increase exposure and brand awareness for your company, as well as boost your chances of winning an additional award.

  • Partner benefits

    Pause Awards is always looking to partner with brands and institutions that offer high-quality products or services that can help companies grow, scale, save or professionally develop. These benefits will vary from year to year.

  • Promo Badges

    Promo badges are an essential tool for showcasing your success to the world. Whether you’re a finalist or a winner at Pause Awards, we’ll provide you with an official media kit that includes a Pause Awards logo, social post templates, and a sample press release that you can use to share your achievement with the media.

  • Photo & video

    Pause Awards winners receive professional photos and videos taken at the Awards Night in front of the media wall. These photos and videos can be used for future marketing and branding efforts, providing a visual representation of your Pause Awards win.

Trophy fees

The Pause Awards Trophy is a beautiful reminder of your hard work and success. If you win, you’ll have the opportunity to take a photo with a trophy sample at the Pause Awards Night. After the event, we’ll contact you to order your trophy.

The cost of the trophy varies based on the size of your company and it comes with a Pro Winner Pack. Refer to the price list below for more details.


$450
Startup
1-3 employees
$550
Small
4-10 employees
$650
Medium
11-20 employees
$750
Large
21-100 employees
$950
Enterprise
101+ employees
$350
Additional
Any size

We understand that financial constraints can be a challenge, and if you can’t afford the trophy fees for your company size, feel free to get in touch with us. We can discuss your options, and you may be eligible for a reduced price at the time of notification.

Trophy deal: if your company wins three awards within a year, the third trophy is free of charge!

Need additional trophies for your team or company? No problem! Additional, or second, Pause Awards Trophy can be purchased for $350 +gst each.


Production & delivery

Pause Award Trophy samples will be available at the Pause Awards Night for you to take photos with if you win. After the event, all winners will be contacted to ask if they would like to order a trophy.

Trophies are pre-made and ready to ship. Please allow 3–10 days for shipping and 2–3 days for handling. Shipping Fee is $30 Australia wide. To ensure timely delivery, we advise ordering trophies before December 15th. If you’ll be away from the office or on holiday when ordering, please let us know so we can make arrangements.

Ordering Pause Awards Trophy is a great way to remember your success and support the Pause Awards community.


Sustainability

All materials used in production are sustainable or recyclable.


Ordering process

To make sure your Pause Awards trophies arrive on time, we recommend placing your order before December 15th. If you anticipate being away from the office or going on holiday during the ordering period, please inform us so we can make necessary arrangements to ensure the delivery is not missed. 

This will ensure that you receive your trophies in a timely manner, so you can proudly display them and share your success with your team and clients. 

Ordering a Pause Awards Trophy not only helps you remember your achievement but also supports the Pause Awards community.


TrophyNFT

Introducing the world’s first TrophyNFT, part of Pause Awards. This digital certificate of authenticity complements your physical trophy and is perfect for those who love exploring new tech.

The TrophyNFT is a unique and valuable asset that can be displayed, traded, or collected and represents your commitment to the Pause Awards community. Dive into the world of blockchain, web3 and the metaverse with your Pause TrophyNFT.

Pause Awards Trophy
Pause Awards trophy – Grand Prix
Pause Awards Trophy
Pause Awards trophy
Pause Awards Trophy
Pause Awards trophy – Hall of Fame

  • Why Pause TrophyNFT?

    NFT stands for a non-fungible token. NFT is simply the receipt (aka file) of an original ownership stored and distributed on the blockchain that can be traded and transferred. While an NFT is a receipt of original ownership of the trophy, it also often includes an image, video, or even a 3D model.

    We liked the idea of minting an NFT of the physical trophy because we want to transfer 100% of the ownership to each winner. It’s as simple as that! You’ve won it, and you should own it. Pause Awards is the first award program in the world to propose a concept like this.

    Here are five more use cases of how NFT can be helpful in the near future:

    1. To transfer land deeds, provide proof of ownership and even keep track of the artwork.
    2. Allowing access to exclusive content without accounts.
    3. To protect intellectual property and patents.
    4. Can provide proof of attendance, degree earned, and other important information.
    5. To replace tickets in the very near future. For example, parking passes.

    NFTs will provide an ease of use for many services. They will also increase transparency in many transactions, especially when it comes to the ownership of physical properties such as artworks, real estate, a concept or idea, and such.

    Currently, NFTs are sold as artworks, and most of them hold very little to no value; some of them can be scams. But very few are incredible with great stories backed by a strong community, and they can be beautiful artworks too. There are many NFT galleries that sign specific artists to create such artworks.


  • What’s the benefit of TrophyNFT?

    Some of you, like many, may not hold any cryptocurrencies and don’t understand the full value of owning an NFT. But the Pause NFT trophy will mark the beginning of an interesting new adventure for you.

    Right now, and in the very near future, you can expect to:

    • Use Pause NFT as a Twitter avatar.
    • Start your NFT collection of event badges and artworks.
    • Interact with new technology and get clued up for things to come.
    • Get special invites for in-person VIP events.
    • Exhibit your NFT in group gallery shows.
    • Take your 3D trophy as NFT into the metaverse at Decentraland.
    • Sell or trade your Pause NFT trophy.

    But don’t worry, we’re also learning along the way as it’s all a very new and unexplored territory with huge potential.

    Pause Awards is breaking new grounds by introducing the Pause NFT trophy to help you learn more about the potential of this new technology. And for those who are more proficient, this is an opportunity to expand their collections, add more value and play along.

    Plus, doing this sets us apart from other award programs!


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.

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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