The GeekWire Awards return in-person on May 12. (GeekWire File Photo)

It has been nearly three years since we gathered the community in-person for the annual GeekWire Awards.

But we are excited to announce that the show is returning in a new and reimagined format on May 12 at the Showbox SoDo in Seattle, where we will once again celebrate the top innovators, entrepreneurs and technology leaders in the Pacific Northwest.

After more than two years of lockdowns, it feels good to be planning an in-person event, one in which we are taking extra precautions and implementing a new approach to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.

To start, the 2022 GeekWire Awards will look a little different — with a VIP pre-party for finalists, a seated dinner, entertainment, fun surprises and, of course, coveted awards handed out in more than a dozen categories. We’re also planning a livestream for those who can’t make the event. Our longtime title sponsor of the GeekWire Awards also is returning, and this time with an entirely new name: Astound Business Solutions.

Today, we are kicking off a multi-month process to select the very best of the innovation ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. And here’s where we can use your help:

  • Nominations: Community nominations are now open in more than a dozen categories, including Startup of the Year; Workplace of the Year; Next Tech Titan; STEM Educator of the Year; and UX Design of the Year. Make sure to submit nominations here. (Yes, self nominations are OK). After community voting, we’ll announce the winners live on stage at the Awards’ ceremony on May 12, as well as via the livestream on GeekWire.com.
  • Table sponsorships: In an effort to reduce congestion and ensure the safety of guests, we plan to host the 2022 GeekWire Awards as a sit-down dinner for finalists, sponsors and members. Due to this format, we have limited capacity of just 450 people. Today, we are opening 30 table sponsorships to companies and organizations who’d like to join the festivities, a great way to reconnect with the community, boost your brand, support independent journalism and, we hope, have some fun. More details on table sponsorships at the GeekWire Awards event site, or you can also reach us at advertising@geekwire.com to learn more and book your spot.*
  • Member access: GeekWire Cosmic and Galactic Geek members will receive a single pass to the GeekWire Awards. Existing Cosmic and Galactic members received an email this week with special instructions to secure spots. If interested in joining GeekWire’s membership program — supporting journalism and gaining access to cool events and other perks — visit our membership page here.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Awards, and thanks to all of our amazing sponsors, members and readers for supporting us through the ups and downs of the pandemic.

Here’s a look at the amazing group of sponsors who are supporting this year’s GeekWire Awards, with additional opportunities for your company or organization to join the list: Astound Business Solutions; Wilson Sonsini; ALLtech; JLL; DreamBox Learning; Blink UX; BECU; and Baird.

Finally, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the GeekWire Awards on May 12! Questions: Email us at events@geekwire.com.

*Note: We plan to open up individual tickets for the GeekWire Awards later this spring based on capacity levels. 

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.