10 steps to an award-winning conference

Having reviewed 1000’s of awards entries, who better than Claire Wormsley, founder and director of Global Conference Network, to advise on getting recognition for your hard work. In the run up to the 2017 Conference Awards, she exclusively shares a fool proof 10 point check list of what it takes to write a winning entry. 1. Answer the questions Read the questions carefully, and ensure you target your answers to the question. 2. Don’t ignore the rules Word count – The judges are on a deadline too so are keen to read concise copy. Keep within the upload sizes requested and adhere to stipulated PDF and .doc upload formats. 3. Communicate with clarity Remember the judges will be looking through hundreds of entries so be focused with clean, easy-to-digest copy avoiding jargon, inflated claims and unexplained acronyms. Create a narrative, and make your submission compelling and passionate. 4. Include supporting evidence Make sure the supporting material backs up your claims in the main submission. E.g. quotes from satisfied delegates / sponsors as well as pertinent facts and figures that can improve your awards entry. 5. Words beat links Words should be the main focus of your entry. Make it easy to access websites and files; by creating short URLs (e.g. Bitly.com). Consider a link to a short YouTube video with footage from the event being entered. 6. Leave enough time Enter early – a last minute rush is likely to impact on the quality of your submission, allow extra time for sign off. 7. Assign somebody to the job Designate someone in your company as the awards coordinator – responsible for collating information, checking facts, writing the initial draft and keeping an eye on the deadline. 8. Seek client’s permission Ensure any relevant clients are happy to have their event entered, especially if it contains commercially sensitive information. (You can even invite them to the ceremony if shortlisted!) 9. Proofread When the basics are finalised give it to the best writer in your company to polish. Thoroughly check spelling, grammar and punctuation; typos can make a good submission look sloppy. 10. Choose the right category Consider entering categories you think might attract less entrants to give yourself a higher chance of success. Content provided by Olympia London.