How to Write a Winning Award Entry

Summary:

This course will be run by Victoria Tomlinson, chief executive of Northern Lights who has been a judge for many prestigious awards – read her blog 10 inside secrets to winning an award – from the judges.

She says, “The most frustrating thing as an award judge is when you have to reject campaigns because of poor presentation or lack of evidence for the results. Without these, the most creative campaigns will not make it to the shortlist. This course will help you focus your entry and show how to demonstrate results so that you go on the winning pile!”

Victoria has been winning national and regional awards for nearly 30 years. She will share her tips both as an award winner and a judge so that your work is recognised among the best in the industry.

If you are happy to share a previous award entry, send it a week ahead – yours may be chosen for discussion in the course to give you feedback.

How attendees will benefit

Delegates will understand the mind-set of a judge and the key ingredients for a winning entry, including what will be rejected. They will learn how to write and present their campaigns and entries to meet award criteria and how to add that extra flair that makes an entry stand out.  The outcome: attendees will win more awards for themselves and their clients. Those attending will get a chance to practice writing award winning summaries and get feedback in the session.

Who should attend

This course is for anyone involved in entering awards – from a strategic decision-making level on how to plan and design campaigns to be award-winning to those involved in the practicalities of writing and presenting awards.

What attendees will learn

• A typical judging process and the mindset of judges
• What judges are looking for and when supporting materials are used
• The key ingredients for your summary – how to write a winning paragraph
• How to support your entry with evidence and results – what will pass the judges’ tests
• Demonstrating why and how your award is creative and award-winning
• Learn how to present your award and supporting materials to go on the winning pile

Materials

Delegates are encouraged to send in past entries that have not been shortlisted for honest feedback in the session; also draft entries that can be polished in the session.

Victoria will share examples of award entries that have both won and been rejected to see first-hand what makes a winning entry