Congratulations to Kev Orkian on winning The Next Big Thing competition

The eventual winner of The Next Big Thing 2009 competition was comedian Kev Orkian. Kev beat off competition from over 200 audition videos to win a place at the second heat, held alongside the Eventia Summer Party. As the judges favourite, he won the heat and with it a place at the semi-finals at Event UK. 

Kev then performed on stage alongside 11 other talented acts over two days in front of a live voting audience, with the most popular contestant from each day making it through to the finals. On Wednesday he went head-to-head with the winner from day 1, covers band The Hype. The judges then crowned him the overall winner of The Next Big Thing.

The Competition
Event UK launched a search for exceptionally talented acts looking to break into the corporate entertainment and party scene at the show in 2008. This year it returned bigger and better, with two heats and an online readers vote to help whittle down the hopeful acts.

In association with Sternberg Clarke and supported by Event Magazine and IML, The ‘Next Big Thing’ was part of Event UK’s commitment in enhancing the visitor experience and making it a more enjoyable one, whilst also supporting the industry from both sides and encouraging new talent into the sector.

The prize
The winner was awarded a contract with top entertainment industry agent Sternberg Clarke plus £1,000 prize money and a free stand at International Confex 2010. Full details of prize:

 All 12 finalists to receive exposure to 1,000’s of event organisers (from agencies and corporate organisations) 
 Winning act to be signed to Sternberg Clarke entertainment agency
 Winning act to receive £1,000 cash prize
 Winning act to receive a shell scheme stand at International Confex 10
 Winning act to receive the opportunity to perform at the Event Awards

The Judges:
 Izania Downie, Eventia
 Adam Sternberg, Sternberg Clarke
 Zanine Adams, Visit London & ISES President
 Anthony Hyde, Barbican and MPI President

The Presenter:
Jeremy King, Editor, Event Magazine