How to win awards: tips from former judges on the path to glory
The marketing sector does many things well – one of those being celebrating its own achievements. And so The Drum hosted a panel session within the New York offices of Captify to offer readers the opportunity to ask questions and advice of some former judges of The Drum’s Digital Trading Awards.
New York Awards panel
Speaking on the panel, hosted by editor Stephen Lepitak, was Michael Kerans, managing partner at C.R.O. Partners, Inc, Michelle Zitz, director of global data solutions at the Economist and Benjamin Dick, director, data and ad effectiveness at IAB.
The panel, held ahead of judging for The Drum Digital Trading Awards and The Drum Search Awards in the US, aimed to reveal the important elements of entries that judges look for when making their decisions.
Here are just a few insights from the session:
What is the first thing you look for when judging?
"It’s like a job interview – set the scope and have data to explain how you got to the results. Take the reader through the work and tell the story."
- Michelle Zitz, director of global data solutions at the Economist
You say simplicity is key – why?
"Think about who the judges are as they might not be an expert in that exact field, so help with an explanation. Make it 'skim-able' – we read so, so many entries."
- Michael Kerans, managing partner at C.R.O. Partners, Inc.
Are word count rules important?
"Stick to the structure as it will help you write your report and also, help the judges when reading them."
- Benjamin Dick, director, data & ad effectiveness at IAB
"Stick to the word count, as if it's way over we just don’t have time to look at it all."
- Michelle Zitz, director of global data solutions at the Economist
What do you hate to see from entries?
"Make sure metrics apply to the category, e.g. if you are entering more than one category, make sure it fits that category – or amend it so it’s more applicable. Don’t just do a copy and paste job."
- Michelle Zitz, director of global data solutions at the Economist
The Drum is hosting two awards in the US this year: the Digital Trading Awards and the Search Awards. Both provide the opportunity for businesses to show current clients what they do best and prove to prospective clients that they're the key partner for them.