Learning and Development (L& D) is a core pillar of any forward-thinking business strategy. Why? Because investing in people delivers tangible results. L&D not only sharpens skills and expands knowledge, but it also builds confidence, drives innovation, and fosters a sense of purpose and loyalty. When individuals feel invested in, they rise. And when they rise, so does your business.

But once you’ve nurtured your employees how do you spotlight their growth and celebrate their impact?

That’s where the Emerging Talent Award comes in. Recognising Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today!

Part of the Don’t Panic Awards Portfolio, the Emerging Talent Award has been crafted to recognise the individuals who are disrupting the norm, delivering fresh thinking, and shaping the future of the industry. These are the creatives, strategists, developers, and marketers who are making waves early; and they deserve to be seen.

This award is a smart, strategic move that benefits your business from the inside out.

Hear from an Emerging Talent Winner…

“Being a finalist for the Emerging Talent Award at the APAC Search Awards & Semrush Awards for three years in a row was already something I was incredibly proud of. However, to hear my name called as the Winner in 2025, amongst a number of other highly talented young search professionals is something I’ll never forget.

Don’t get me wrong while the award means a lot to me personally, this recognition is more than just a trophy… Since winning, things have genuinely shifted. It’s helped me to grow my personal brand but more than that, it’s built real momentum for Digital Surfer.

Our prospective clients are now looking to me as the authority figure in SEO. This has resulted in several referrals and businesses coming in off the back of wanting to work with me directly.“

Ryan Chilton APAC Search Awards – Emerging Talent Winner

6 Reasons to Make the Emerging Talent Award Part of Your Strategy

1. It Celebrates You as an Outstanding Employer
When your people win, so do you. Backing your team members for awards positions you as a company that truly invests in its people, and that kind of reputation is worth having.

2. It Sends a Powerful Message to Clients
Let’s be honest: clients love working with future-thinkers. Showcasing your rising talent not only demonstrates depth and innovation within your team, but it also proves you’re building for the future.

3. It’s a Marketing Win
Award wins (and even nominations) create valuable marketing moments. From PR opportunities to content creation and social storytelling, the Emerging Talent Award gives your whole business the spotlight too.

4. It Attracts Ambitious New Talent
Emerging talent attracts more emerging talent. When people see that you support and elevate your team, it sets you apart in a competitive hiring landscape.

5. It Fuels Healthy Internal Competition
Recognition fuels ambition. Creating visible opportunities for early-career talent motivates others to grow, take initiative, and go the extra mile to grab that next opportunity (next year’s emerging talent nomination).

6. It Builds Loyalty
Supporting your team’s external recognition is good leadership. Loyalty is built on trust and growth, and nothing communicates “we believe in you” louder than a public show of support.

Our judges say this is one of their favourite categories to judge.

“Entries showcase some of the brightest talent in the industry. Entries are always varied but each has one thing in common – a gifted individual who is smashing their world and destined to become a future leader.  As a judge, you get a snapshot into someone’s career journey and the opportunity to help them get the recognition and reward they deserve. Judging this award is truly a gift and privilege. To everyone out there,  if you have someone who sets your world on fire, nominate them for the Emerging Talent Award, it’s about the best thing you can do for them.”

Next Steps

Yes, putting your talent forward for awards takes time and effort. But the returns are powerful. Growth, visibility, culture, retention, it all improves when you champion your people.

So, as you map out your development strategy for the year ahead, ask yourself: Who on your team deserves to be seen? Then put them forward for the Emerging Talent Award and watch what happens next.

Click Here For How to Complete the Emerging Talent Entry Form and maximise your point scoring.