Schedule an Awards Ceremony

Even if your budget will barely cover soft drinks and cookies for a small group, you must present the recognition award to the recipient in front of his or her peers. Ideally someone in upper management should be involved, to reinforce the importance of the award.

If your budget is larger, go all out with an impressive awards ceremony. In addition to company employees, include recipients' families and important members of the community. In this situation, the company president should present the awards.
If your budget is more along the lines of a nice luncheon, it may be tough to attract a member of upper management due to tight schedules. One approach is to plan the award ceremony for the beginning of the event so the VIP can distribute the awards and then be free to leave if he doesn't have time for the full meal.

To save money, some organizations include service award presentations as part of the company day celebration. This arrangement certainly increases the visibility of these distinctions. However, there is always the risk they will be glossed over as just another speech. Set the award presentation apart in some way. Perhaps use a visual element, such as a video, or inject some humor in the proceedings with a brief play about the significance of these awards.

Wrap the awards. If the items are to be personally presented, this is a must do. Also, be sure to include a handwritten note. If the service awards are to be mailed to the recipient, consider arranging for them to be gift wrapped. It is a minor touch, but unwrapping an award is far more enjoyable for people than just cutting open a shipped box.