Conference News spoke to some of this year’s CN Agency Award judges to find out exactly what they’re looking for in an award-winning submission.
1. Inclusive and caring environments
“I’ll be looking for agencies that have shown humanity in their work and towards their teams this year. I’m looking to see diverse teams and inclusive work environments, as well as a demonstrable focus on wellbeing and diversity. – Gabby Austen-Browne, event industry diversity and inclusion expert.
2. Customer/client service
“I would focus on the quality of their customer service, understand how they adapted to challenges and how they diversified their offer and whether it reflected new demands.” – Veronica Lake, head of events and marketing, The UK-ASEAN Business Council.
“In my opinion, a successful agency really understands their clients, and goes above and beyond to deliver the client’s objectives, retaining them year on year.” – Shonali Deveraux, co-founder, Diverse Speaker Bureau.
3. Sustainability
“I will be looking for how agencies approach sustainability not only within their business, but also how they help, support, and encourage clients to run sustainable events.” – Kate Holliday, head of events, Invesco EMEA.
4. Creative thinking
“I will be looking for innovation and creative thinking, both conceptually and when it comes to problem-solving.” – Amelia Brown, marketing and communications executive, EVCOM.
“I would be looking for truly impactful events. Creative, smart and original design thinking that has been implemented through the planning, production and execution of events.” – Jas Myton, events specialist.
5. Taking risks
“I’d be impressed by an agency willing to risk losing the business by being objective, honest, bold and unafraid.” – David Parker, commercial events director, Royal College of Physicians.
“I want to see an agency who challenges how things have been done before to bring new and exciting concepts to their events and the industry.” – Rachael Kenny, event manager, Peak.
With so many elements to impress the judges with, make sure you enter this year’s CN Agency Awards, taking place on 30 June at East Wintergarden.
The deadline for submissions is 7 May. Download the submission form here.
Photo credit: JT @ Aniseed Photo.
