Saturday 25th April 2026, Crowne Plaza Belfast

Entry Tips

Tips for a Winning Submission

Answer the Questions

Carefully read each question and tailor your answers to address them specifically.

Stay focused, ensuring all details are relevant and targeted.

Follow the Rules

Respect the word count—judges are on a deadline and appreciate concise, impactful responses.

Stick to the specified upload sizes and formats (PDF or .doc).

Ensure your entry is submitted before the closing date of Sunday 25th January 2026.

Communicate Clearly

Judges will review hundreds of entries, so:

Be concise, clear, and focused.

Present your entry with clean, easy-to-read copy.

Develop a narrative that engages and makes your submission stand out.

Avoid jargon, overstatements, unexplained acronyms, and unedited copy-paste content.

Provide context where needed, offering insight into your business or project.

Include Supporting Evidence

Ensure your evidence backs up the claims in your main submission.

Use relevant quotes from satisfied clients, sponsors, or delegates to reinforce your points.

Add meaningful facts and figures to strengthen your case.

Validate your claims where necessary to help judges assess their impact.

Focus on Your Submission

Keep the words in your submission form as the central element of your entry.

If using links, ensure they are easy to access (e.g., create short URLs with services like Bitly).

Avoid large, complex downloads that might complicate or slow down the review process.

Allow Enough Time

Start early; rushing at the last minute may affect the quality of your submission.

Allocate more time than you think you’ll need, particularly if approvals are required

Assign Responsibility

Appoint someone to act as the Awards Coordinator. Their role will include gathering information, contacting clients, consulting colleagues, verifying facts, writing drafts, and managing timelines.

Obtain Client Permission

Ensure any involved clients are happy to have their project submitted, especially if it contains sensitive information. Most will likely be delighted and can even be invited to the ceremony if shortlisted.

Proofread Thoroughly

Finalise your draft and let your best writer refine it.

Typos or grammatical errors can make a strong entry look unprofessional.

Choose the Right Categories

Consider entering categories that might have fewer competitors to improve your chances.

Boost your odds of winning by submitting entries in multiple relevant categories.

Using these guidelines won’t guarantee success, but they’ll help make your submission compelling and memorable for the judging panel.