The Max Noble Awards. The book launch and the award show.
On the scariest night of the year, The 42 Laws of BANKRUPT is launched. The year's falls are judged. The new laws are read aloud. And seven honours celebrate the leaders, journalists and companies that kept their feet.
Black tieFormal gala attireInvitation only
Your signed book is your invitation.
The signed first edition, €69, includes your invitation to the Max Noble Awards: the book launch and the award show. You collect your copy on the night, prepared for you by name and numbered for life. The first 50 to arrive have theirs signed and dedicated in person. If you cannot come, your copy is sent to you.
One night, in five acts.
- ArrivalChampagne. Collect your signed copy. The first 50 have theirs signed and dedicated in person.
- The VerdictsThe year's falls, judged. What they promised, what they delivered, where it broke.
- The LawsThe new BANKRUPT Laws of 2027, read aloud for the first time.
- The HonoursSeven honours, ending with Northstar, the Turnaround of the Year.
- Dinner€70 per person, or €140 with four glasses of paired wine. Book it with your reply, or add it later. The night goes on.
Seven honours. One that matters most.
Every winner receives The North Star, the star from the Max Noble seal: the bearing that kept them standing.
No company is saved by one person. Every winner names five who stood by them: an employee who stayed, a supplier who kept delivering, a lender who kept faith, a customer, a partner. Each receives an Honour Copy of the book, signed and prepared by name.
Where you sit
Five judges. Public facts only.
I chair the jury. Four respected figures from business sit with me: people who have run companies, sat on boards and seen a fall from the inside. Their names are announced in spring 2027.
The jury judges on public facts only. No honour can be bought. No company on the Morning Warning List can stand behind an honour.
Bring your leadership team.
Every guest at your table receives a signed first edition, prepared for them by name. Front Row tables keep their block of numbers every year, so the same team collects the same numbers, edition after edition.
Register your interest and how many seats you would like. I reply personally with the details. It costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
Register your interest
Your interest is registered.
I will reply personally with the details for your seats.
Who stopped a fall this year?
Readers of the Morning Warning List nominate. A small jury, chaired by me, decides, on public facts only. The shortlist is published before the gala, and the winners are announced on the night.
Journalists: The Byline honours the business story of the year. Nominate your own work, or a colleague's.
Nominate
Your nomination is in.
Thank you. The jury reads every one.
Before the night
How do I get an invitation?
The signed first edition of The 42 Laws of BANKRUPT, €69, includes your invitation to the gala. Claim your number to secure it: €20 now, €49 in October.
What is the dress code?
Black tie. Formal gala attire.
Where is it?
In Copenhagen, on Halloween, 31 October 2027. The venue is announced to invited guests.
Can my company book a table?
Yes. Tables include dinner and a signed first edition prepared by name for every guest. Register your interest with how many seats you would like.
Who decides the honours?
Readers nominate. A small jury, chaired by me, decides, on public facts only. No honour can be bought, and no company on the Morning Warning List can sponsor an honour.
Can my company stand behind an honour?
Yes, by invitation. Each honour has one partner, who presents it on stage. Partners never choose the winner: the jury does. Register your interest and choose The Honour.
Can the press attend?
Yes. Journalists covering business and the year's falls can request accreditation through the enquiry form. The press page has photos and background.
Is it every year?
Yes. Every Halloween, with every new edition of the book. Your number, and your invitation, return with it.
They made the mistakes. You keep the lessons.
On Halloween, the ones who kept standing get the applause.