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We’ve all been there – in the thick of event planning, assuming you’ve got all the time in the world to get things done. One day the deadline is six weeks away, and the next it’s one week away, with the most important task still untouched: the trophy. As the pinnacle of any award event,…
Published on October 13, 2026
Entertainment award trophies do something most trophies never have to. They get photographed under stage lights, held up in front of an audience, sometimes displayed in a studio lobby for decades after the ceremony ends. A corporate award can sit in a drawer and still do its job. Entertainment award trophies have to perform (usually…
Published on August 31, 2026
Most sustainability claims in the trophy industry stop at the word “recycled” printed somewhere on an invoice. Nobody checks and nobody verifies. The trophy gets handed over, the applause happens, and if there was a material story, it quickly gets forgotten (along with the trophy itself). A material passport is Upstream Trophies’ answer to that…
Published on August 31, 2026
When you’re deep in event planning, the trophy is rarely the first thing on your list. It probably should be. While not logistically complex, considering event trophies by event type is often overlooked, despite being the most visible decision you’ll make. The award is what people photograph, what winners display, what press features. The object…
Published on August 24, 2026
Here’s something we see happen more often than we’d like. An event organiser spends six months planning every detail: the venue, the speakers, the running order, the catering. Then, about three weeks before the event, someone remembers the trophy. It gets ordered quickly from wherever is convenient, arrives in a box, and is handed out…
Published on August 24, 2026
More than just an object handed out at the end of a ceremony, an event trophy is a symbol of everything the event wants to communicate: achievement, identity, dedication, values, quality and sponsorship. For engraved event trophies with logo branding and personalisation, it’s a delicate balance between getting the logo seen and not allowing it…
Published on August 24, 2026
The Venus Rosewater dish is probably one of the most understated trophies in sporting history. Surprising, really, considering it’s the award for the world’s most prestigious tennis event. When you take a closer look at the intricate design, it begs the question: Why isn’t this trophy more famous? A trophy unlike any other The Venus…
Published on June 29, 2026
The World Cup is well and truly underway. Even if you’re not watching it, there’s no way you could miss it. Anything remotely football-shaped in stores has been transformed. Lettuce, for example. With every passing tournament, it seems like World Cup fever becomes more and more contagious. Something not many know about? The World Cup…
Published on June 29, 2026
Finding trophies on the shelves of thrift stores always feels strange. Like something has gone wrong. These are once meaningful objects. Personalised. Engraved. Created to mark a specific achievement for a specific person. And yet they end up discarded – stripped of context, reduced to an anonymous object on a shelf between someone’s old paperbacks…
Published on June 17, 2026
You want to buy a trophy, but everything tells you that you cannot turn up again with the same standard prize as last year, and really the year before that too. The world is changing, and the market of traditional cups is simply out of step with the times. It is time for a trophy…
Published on June 12, 2026
Sustainable trophies and custom awards: why material choice makes the difference for custom-made trophies A strong award tells a story. Not only through its design, but above all through the material it is made from. The right trophy materials turn an ordinary prize into an object with meaning. At Upstream Trophies we believe that real…
Published on June 12, 2026
A work anniversary is a special occasion to show an employee how much you value their effort. What better than an employee award to celebrate this milestone? At Upstream Trophies we stand for sustainability and creative custom work, so you can have a unique custom award made that fits the occasion and the person receiving…
Published on June 12, 2026
At Upstream Trophies we believe trophies and awards are much more than just a symbol of recognition. Our bespoke trophies and awards tell a story and reflect the recipient’s values. Whether it is a corporate award, a sporting achievement or a personal accomplishment, having a trophy made by us means choosing high-quality recycled materials and…
Published on June 12, 2026
In the events industry, sustainability is becoming more important all the time. Organisers are looking for ways to make every event not only memorable, but also good for the environment. At Upstream Trophies we believe this can go hand in hand with style and creativity. Our sustainable awards offer a unique chance to give events…
Published on June 12, 2026
Giving a trophy is more than just handing over a prize: it is a recognition of achievement, creativity and commitment. At Upstream Trophies we believe that having a custom award made is far more powerful, making it personal and unique. Through personalisation and the right trophy design, with a logo or design for example, you…
Published on June 12, 2026
Music trophies and prizes are the way to recognise talent and celebrate musical achievements. Whether it is a music contest, a band battle or a fun karaoke night, a fine music award creates a lasting reminder. In this article you will discover how to choose the perfect trophy for your event by designing your award…
Published on June 12, 2026
A trophy is only as meaningful as the thought behind it. One of the most telltale signs of that thought? The material it’s made from. Whether it’s the weight of a metal award when handed to a winner or the texture of a reclaimed material with a story behind it, the material shapes the moment. …
Published on June 1, 2026
A custom event trophy goes beyond a simple name engraving. A custom trophy allows you to embody your brand in a single object that takes centre stage. They are brand assets. Storytelling tools. Long-term objects that will carry your narrative beyond a single moment. Imagine a simple cup – forgettable, irrelevant, and to put it…
Published on June 1, 2026
Sport is an increasingly effective way to generate revenue – and padel is no exception. When the game was first created, it’s unlikely the question “How do we monetise padel?” was at the forefront of its founders’ minds. But whether intentional or not, padel has rapidly risen in popularity, becoming a compelling alternative to tennis…
Published on May 31, 2026
When people start looking for event trophy ideas, they often begin in the same place: by looking at other trophies. At first, that makes sense. But if every event takes inspiration from what already exists, the result is usually the same handful of shapes, finishes and formats repeated over and over again. The strongest event…
Published on April 30, 2026
The Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships 2025 introduced the first fully sustainable pickleball trophy in professional pickleball, designed by Upstream Trophies in partnership with Veolia. But why does this matter? Pickleball is a fast-growing modern sport. Its fast growth brings the opportunity to cement in new traditions, breaking free from the set design and shape that…
Published on March 30, 2026
Event trophies are awards presented to recognize achievement at ceremonies, competitions, corporate events, and community gatherings. More than simple prizes, they are physical symbols of success that reflect the values, identity, and story of the organization presenting them. From bespoke corporate trophies to sports awards and community recognition pieces, event trophies take many forms. The…
Published on March 30, 2026
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and tournaments are quickly becoming a key part of the culture around the game. Organising a padel tournament can be a fantastic way to bring players together, build a local community and create an exciting sporting event. However, planning a successful padel tournament requires careful…
Published on March 4, 2026
Employee recognition in sales teams is an important incentive used in many businesses, but other teams’ achievements and contributions often go overlooked. Are organisations today falling short of this culture-shaping gesture? Business identity is built by all the people within the eco-system who drive operations forward – meaning employee recognition for every department helps support…
Published on February 23, 2026
