WHO WE ARE
Founded in 2005 by serial entrepreneur Nicky Wake, Don’t Panic started life as a small team working from a second bedroom. Since then, the company has grown steadily into an international events business, shaped by a long-standing commitment to creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
Today, Don’t Panic delivers a wide range of events, including award ceremonies, conferences, networking events, and exhibitions. Alongside client projects, the company also owns and produces its own portfolio of established awards programmes, many of which are recognised worldwide. Everything the team delivers is supported by hands-on experience, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for bringing people together through well-crafted events.
THE SEARCH AWARDS SERIES
In 2010, the Don’t Panic team identified a gap in the UK market for a dedicated awards programme that recognised excellence across SEO, PPC, and content marketing. Working closely with industry leaders, the team launched the UK Search Awards, which has since developed into one of the most established and respected search awards in the country.
Today, We Are Search, as part of Don’t Panic, produces a growing portfolio of search-focused awards events around the world, including the European Search Awards, the UK Search Awards, the US Search Awards, the MENA Search Awards, the APAC Search Awards, and the Global Search Awards.
Each event has become a recognised fixture within its regional search community, celebrating the work, talent, and achievements of agencies and in-house teams. Collectively, the awards attract entries from leading search and digital agencies across the globe and serve as an opportunity to recognise innovation and best practice within the industry.
THE EUROPEAN SEARCH AWARDS
The European Search Awards began in 2012, with the inaugural ceremony held in Amsterdam, creating a platform to celebrate the very best in search marketing across Europe. Since the very first event, the awards have recognised the creativity, innovation, and measurable success of agencies, in-house teams, and individuals delivering outstanding work across SEO, PPC, content marketing, and digital performance.
Over the years, the European Search Awards have grown into one of the industry’s most respected international accolades, reflecting the continued evolution and excellence of the European search community. The awards have travelled across some of Europe’s most exciting cities, including Kraków, Prague, Budapest, Barcelona, Lisbon, Reykjavík, Berlin, Paris, and Porto, bringing together leading search professionals from across the continent to celebrate innovation, share ideas, and recognise exceptional achievements.
