Bold Moves for Minnesotans

One might think it a bold move to attend an event as the snow swirls and temps drop below zero during the first week of a new year when many of us are easing back into work. But that stopped nearly no Minnesotans on the guest list from arriving in business attire and masked for ACG Minnesota’s BOLD Awards Nominee Reception on January 6 at Minneapolis Event Centers.

Nominees for the 10th annual BOLD Awards in categories including Not for Profit, 2020 Start Ups, Early Stage, Small & Growing, Middle Market, and Large & Established already had their pitch in their pocket (see the nominees here). And unlike any award selection format most had seen, the nominees were prompted to find each judge and pull them aside for a rather rapid-fire share of their business story and what’s bold about it. Those that tag-teamed and went in with a collective had an easier time than those working solo. And those that leaned into the gamified format made their rounds more quickly than those who preferred more laid-back mingling and relationship building.

The format definitely pushed some Minnesotans out of their comfort zone. Unofficial lines formed to talk with judges, and someone would boldly come in from left field to greet a judge make their story known. Some wondered if the evening’s format couldn’t be more like the Dollar Dance to keep things moving along. Some were so enjoying catching up with their circles that they seemed to let go of ambitions to capture a moment with each judge.

 About an hour into the eve, Dave Fabry with Starkey Technologies and Anne Hed with HED Cycling, committee judges and past BOLDest of the BOLD recipients got on stage to acknowledge that the process can be daunting for a nominee, and exhilarating for a judge. Their tips for nominees seemed to give renewed energy for the last push to connect. ACG Minnesota’s Executive Director, Nicki Vincent, acknowledged all the 113 nominees and if they were in the crowd you’d hear shout outs from their corner.

She also touched on how this particular part in the process of the BOLD Awards – the Nominee Reception – came to be. It came from a place of valuing in-person story sharing and connection over a form on a website. It came from witnessing the amazing connections between nominees that happened at the event. It was established just one year into the program and proved such a critical add that the BOLD judging committee continues on with the practice.

In 2022, nearly two years into the pandemic, our stories have dramatically changed. There was high energy for connecting and an overwhelming sense of how willing we all must have been to change and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit to be here at this BOLD event celebrating accomplishments, resiliency, and growth. Cheers ACG Minnesota BOLD Movers & Shakers of Minnesota. YOU made this happen.

— The excitement builds and the 18 finalists and 6 award winners (and a People’s Choice BOLDest of the BOLD Award) will be announced at the BOLD Gala on 2.22.22 at The Fillmore Minneapolis.

— Event recap provided by Jen Gilhoi, Sparktrack, who covers events so event hosts and attendees can continue the event inspiration beyond the event itself.