Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be nominated for an award to enter?

You do not need to be nominated to enter the awards. You can enter the awards directly by clicking the Submit Now button.  

What happens when I nominate? How do I nominate someone for an award? Can it be anonymous? Can I nominate myself?

To nominate a colleague or friend, click the Nominate Now Button. You are also welcome to self-nominate. You will need to supply us with the email address and phone number of the nominee so that we can contact them to let them know of the nomination. 
When you nominate someone for an award they receive an email to notify them of the nomination. You can choose whether you wish them to know of your nomination or if you wish to remain anonymous. The email will contain details about what they have been nominated for and the submission process, encouraging them to enter the awards.

NOTE THAT A SUBMISSION STILL NEEDS TO BE MADE IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD ENTRY.

Can I make multiple nominations? Does it increase the chances of becoming a finalist?

You are welcome to make more than one nomination or nominate multiple people. Making more than one nomination does not increase the chances of becoming a finalist. Finalist selection is based on the submission.

How do I get started?

To start a submission click on the submit button on the top of the page. It would assist if you could please create your account online and select the categories you will submit for. If you have any questions about criteria and eligibility please call or email [email protected] or 02 9922 3300.

Does it cost anything to enter?

Entering the Awards program is free.

Can I make a submission on behalf of someone else?

You can make your own submission or you can enter on behalf of someone else.

Can I submit for more than one category?

You are welcome to make as many submissions as you are eligible for. You can check category eligibility on the website.

How do I know which category I’m eligible for?

You can check the category details on the website to check which categories you are eligible for. 

I have completed my submission but I want to add more information or attachments. Is it possible to edit my submission?

You can log in any time to amend or add to your submission until the submission close date. If you have any problems here, please call the team to see if we can assist once the submission period has finished.

What are the judges looking for? How do I make my submission stand out?

Answer the questions. Provide accurate and concise information. Make use of the available word count to draw upon examples to support your claims. Remember that judges often have a lot of submissions to consider, so make it entertaining and informative. Supporting documents are also looked upon favourably to strengthen your submission provided they are relevant to your submission. Judges do not want to spend a lot of time reviewing information that is not relevant to the questions or submission. Don’t be shy and contact your colleagues and clients for testimonials and references.

What type of supporting documents do I include with my submission?

Supporting documents can include references, testimonials, statistics, video, media coverage and financial or business metrics and/or statements and third-party independent data reports to support your submission. There are limits to the size of documents uploaded so if you are having problems uploading a document, please contact a member of the team.

Why do you want my photo?

Finalists may have their headshot displayed alongside their name on screen when they are announced at the event. We may also use headshots to announce finalists on our social media campaign.

What are the chances of making it as a finalist?

This is impossible to answer. Follow the tips above to increase your chances. Some categories have many entries and it’s a very difficult process determining finalists. We do limit the number of finalists so if you don’t make it, don’t be put off as you may have only just missed out. Remember that you do have to be “in it to win it”!

Why should I enter? What happens when I make it as a finalist?

Getting the recognition that you deserve by winning an award or becoming a finalist can be a real boost to your business. Our events also provide a great opportunity to network with like-minded companies and individuals. You are provided with a finalist seal and certificate that you can display on your website or in your office. You are also provided with a press release to help you spread the word to your network.

Can I get feedback on my submission if I didn’t make it?

Although we would love to give everyone feedback on their submission, they are reviewed by multiple judges who are not always able to comment on each submission.

When do submissions close?

The official deadline for close of submissions can be found on the event details page. If you have problems meeting this time, please contact Gabrielle Biondi by email at [email protected] or over the phone on 02 9922 3300.

When are finalists announced? How will I be notified?

The date for finalist announcement can be found on the event details page. An announcement will be sent out to all submitters and will be published on the website.

Do I have to attend if I make it as a finalist?

You are encouraged to attend if you make it as a finalist. The event gives you an opportunity to be celebrated and to celebrate in recognition of the outstanding work that you have achieved in your field.

When is the event? How can I buy tickets?

Tickets go on sale when finalists have been announced. You can buy tickets on the website.

How does the judging process work?

A judging panel made up of highly respected industry professionals with a broad range of experience will be chosen to examine the submissions. Judging is allocated to ensure that there is no conflict of interest in respective categories. Each judge will be assigned a number of categories and will be asked to score each submission in those categories based on all documentation provided by award entrants. Several judges are assigned per category to ensure a range of expertise and opinions. The aggregate highest score will determine the winner of each award.
Additionally, to ensure transparency, as part of the assessment process some categories may require a panel interview with judges.

Who sees my submission?

All information is highly confidential and is only shared with the event team and the judges for that category. The information is not published and any permissions would be sought if required.

I’m having issues with entering my submission or need more information, who can I contact?

Please contact a member of the team. Details can be found on the contacts page.

I am interested in partnership opportunities, who can I contact?

Please contact [email protected].