Over the past week we’ve been beavering away getting ready for our next events in September. As we’re returning to the awards entry deadline season, we thought we’d give you the lowdown on the best practices when entering awards…
Our Guide to Entering Awards
When entering an awards competition there are a few things to consider when planning and completing your entry that will give you the best chance of winning. Here are some of our thoughts, which you may find useful:
Follow the entry instructions
Each awards website includes full instructions on the ‘How to Enter’ page and you should also read the ‘Terms & Conditions’ of entry. Take note of the format your entry needs to be in, the time limits for work entered, how to make payment for your entry, the deadline date, the word count etc. Judges don’t take kindly to incorrect or late entries!
Pick the right category
You won’t have a chance of winning if you enter your work into the wrong category – read the description and if you are still unsure, give us a ring as we’re happy to offer advice. Remember that you aren’t restricted to entering one category. If your campaign fits into more than one category you can enter as many as you wish but do ensure you tailor each entry form to the specific category criteria.
Read the judging criteria
Ensure your entry covers the judging criteria for the category you are entering, and answers all questions for your category. Judges can only mark you on what is included in your entry form so make sure all important information is included and all criteria adhered to. This leads on to the next point…
Stick within the word limit
Judges may mark entries down, or even disqualify them, if they exceed the stated word limit. Please ensure your answers are clear and succinct – don’t waffle! Judges love clear, concise entries – use bullet points or infographics to effectively illustrate points.
Link your results to your objectives
If there is one thing that judges hate, it’s when outcomes don’t bear any relation to the objectives.
Evidence Your Results
Judges love quantified results and want to see some proof of what you’ve achieved – include facts and figures, quotes from clients or the media, pictures and graphs.
Get the judges attention
Remember that judges will be reading a large number of entries, so you need to make your entry memorable. Make sure your entry is passionate, tells an interesting story and is backed up with statistics and evidence.
Watch your language!
Always write in clear, concise English, avoid jargon and never copy and paste from existing materials. Do ask someone to check your entry reads well and is free of typos.
Take your time
Winning award entries take time and effort to perfect. Again we’d highly recommend you get someone to proofread your entry before you submit it.
Get approval
If you are submitting work on behalf of a client, make sure they are happy for you to do so. It would be devastating to spend days writing an entry and then have to withdraw it.
Provide supporting materials
Use a selection of documents and URLs to provide context and background to your entry. These can be in Word, PDF or JPEG format and must be below 2MB each.
Picture perfect
Attach an image or logo to your entry form. This will be used in the event brochure and presentations should you be shortlisted. Ensure this represents your organisation, the campaign or product you are entering.
Hot off the press
Here’s our top three events you need to know about this week…
UK App Awards 2017
A new awards for 2017 that celebrate and reward excellence in apps developed in the UK. There are 29 categories rewarding exceptional design and UX in a range of verticals and awards for agencies, individuals and in-house teams. You can find out how you can get involved and enter here. Entries close on 22 September 2017.
UK Agency Awards 2017
The UK Agency Awards celebrate and reward all creative, design, digital, marketing, advertising, media and public relations agencies that are based in the UK. The event will take place on Wednesday 13 September 2017 at the prestigious Montcalm Marble Arch, London. Tickets for the event are now available, and can be purchased here or by contacting Elle Kersh on 01706 828 855.
Northern Finance Director Awards 2017
The Northern Finance Director Awards are all about recognising and celebrating the exceptional talent of finance directors and their teams across the North of England. The awards will be presented at a black tie gala dinner on Thursday 5 October at the Radisson Blu Edwardian in Manchester. You can request tickets to the event by emailing Sarah Belcher on [email protected].
Don’t press the panic button yet!
You’ve still got time!
Tickets for the UK Public Sector Communications Awards & Conference are still available, but we are selling out fast. Be sure to book today to secure your team’s place at the conference & awards.
About Don’t Panic
Don’t Panic is a full service events agency that specialise in seamlessly delivering all aspects of awards, conferences and more! We pride ourselves in producing innovative and profitable events, based on our strong relationships, attention to detail and unique approach.
From awards dinners to annual conferences, international exhibitions to experiential projects, we are the cool, calm events collective.