Doesn't Time fly? Reviews
GQ's recent Men of the Year awards was particularly significant for Timebased Events which, this year, produced its 10th anniversary GQ ceremony.
Over the past 10 years Timebased Events has taken the GQ Men of the Year Awards from a small informal drinks awards ceremony to the "must attend" it has become for leading figures in fashion, film media and society.
The decade has witnessed changes to the venue, celebs and guest list but the company's commitment has consistently produced an event which has exceeded its client's vision and expectations. Timebased Events MD, Richard Dodgson, shares his vision and aspirations with RedKarpet.
David Bowie at 2002 GQ Men of the Year awards
" We would definitely like to work on edgy brands such as Agent Provocateur and fashion houses like Alexander McQueen because they have their finger on the pulse and they aim to set trends with their events. We worked with Selfridges for over 10 years and the team got a real kick out of being able to really push the boundaries of what had traditionally been acceptable on events like Brasil 40, Body Craze, Tokyo Life and Bollywood. It would also be exciting to get involved with other High Street leaders like Top Shop and M&S who are constantly upping their events game.
But we've never limited ourselves to fashion or luxury goods. We've always delivered events with big messages eg. the launch of the Saatchi Gallery back in 2003 or the Vauxhall Corsa in 2006. It's gratifying to create an event that reaches a wide target audience and really gets people talking. So, looking forward to 2008 and beyond this could be events which deliver something new to the public sector or a major launch like that of Terminal 5 over at Heathrow.
We have always steered our clients towards the most sustainable options for their events so it'd be great to produce events for institutions like Visit London who are constantly setting new industry standards for sustainable events.
Our clients in new sectors like the City or finance are often enlightened by the new angles we reveal in terms of brand development at their events; angles that we have championed in other sectors. This has especially come to the fore working with clients at our glamorous marquee site in Berkeley Square every June. "
Richard Dodgson -MD, Timebased Events
Ten years of GQ by Timebased Events;
2007
“The only thing that could top this off would be Elvis Presley parachuting through the roof!” Sir Elton John as he surveyed the heaving A-List crowd
Sir Elton John and Madonna
500 guests attended the 2007 GQ Men of the Year Awards at the Royal Opera House. This was the GQ Men of the Year Awards' 10th Anniversary and Sir Elton John presented the star-studded event with Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna, Sir Michael Caine, Kanye West, Orlando Bloom and Jude Law - just some of the guests presenting and collecting the awards. The entire event was designed, styled and produced by Time-Based Events for the 10th consecutive year.
“It’s better than the Oscars.” Sir Michael Caine commenting on who was there.
"We asked you to move the event on to another level, but you exceeded that and jumped about another dozen. How are we going to top that? Then again, every year we say that to you and every year you do." GQ MAGAZINE
2006
Over £1 million generated in media coverage
Rod Stewart takes the podium with an intrigued Jimmy Carr and David Walliams
Another star studded year with Justin Timberlake, Rod Stewart, Russell Brand, Naomi Campbell, Sadie Frost, Kelly Osbourne and Lily Allen ensured the event achieved over £1 million in media coverage.
" The stage set looked amazing...
the production, sound and lighting were absolutely spot on - flawless."
2005
Introduced That Element of Surprise...
Robbie on identity theft
None more so than in 2005 when Robbie Williams who wasn’t scheduled to attend the event created a frenzy as he was announced on stage as Gary Barlow to a surprised audience which included Jay-Z, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig and Davina McCall.
“It is always a pleasure working with you – you instil confidence and calm.”
GQ MAGAZINE
2004
Pioneering the latest developments from fashion, arts, music and media in its set design
Sir Elton addresses his peers
In 2004 mirrored material frames were sourced from France. These had been used for the first time at a Jean Paul Gaultier fashion show in Paris a few months earlier and we knew would be perfect for reflecting the Royal Opera House's dramatic backdrop to an audience that this year included Sir Elton John, George Michael, Ricky Gervais,
Ozzy Osbourne and George Michael.
“The stage set was so dramatic, it simply took my breath away at the start of the awards. I don't know how you do it - every year it is better than the last.” GQ
2003
Discovered and rediscovered -latest and most stunning venue space
Secured the Royal Opera House as a new venue for the show. The glamorous association of the venue coupled with its exclusivity and central London location were key requirements for bringing the event into a new era.
“Once again your professionalism and that of your team was a joy." GQ
2001
Worked with client's individual aims and objectives
Got to the heart of our clients vision for the awards over the next decade and so moved the event to the prestigious location of the Natural History Museum which allowed us to accommodate 500 guests including Kylie Minogue and David Bowie.
“It is very reassuring to work with you and your team. If only everything in life were as simple.” GQ
2000
Ken Livingtone at the Royal Opera House
1998
Launched as a groundbreaking awards ceremony
The creative concept behind the inaugural GQ Men of the Year Awards launched the event as a unique, stylish date for the diary to 250 guests at Café de Paris.