Writing, Writers and Award Submissions

The 2014 awards season is in full swing!  With the Spotlight Awards and Esprit deadlines just past, and BizBash, NACE and TSE GALA’s looming on the horizon, I thought it might be a good time to share some tips on what you should look for when searching for a writer to help you with your award submissions.

While a talented creative writer is an excellent place to start, creativity is not the only skill you should be looking for. There are several qualities to consider when hiring someone to help with your awards writing. Here are a few things to think about:

Does the writer have event industry experience?

Someone with industry experience understands what is pertinent to the category in which the event is being submitted. For example, beautiful decor is not going to be the focus when you are entering your Olympics event in the logistics category.

Someone who has hands-on experience and knowledge of events can bring the vision to life for the judges, who are usually event professionals. Having event experience can also mean that the writer is better able to focus on relevant and desirable content for an award-winning entry.

Can the writer paint the picture?

Every event is a story, so your submission should tell one as well. It’s not just facts, figures and answers to questions (though the details and results are important to include). The writing needs to be intelligent, flowing and evocative. Touching emotion is key.

The judges weren't at the event. The writing and supporting materials have to place the reader right in the middle of the excitement. A good awards writer can transport a reader, awaken emotion and pique the judges' attention and curiosity. Whether it’s a wow moment, a humorous touch or something that chokes them up; vivid details are key components of a well-written entry.  You want the writing to touch the emotions of the judge as they read your entry.

Can the writer sell?

An award specialist also knows how to “sell” why the event should be an award winner and how it exceeds the judging criteria in relatable and significant ways pertinent to current industry standards. Having some marketing skill running through the veins never hurts. But beware: These submissions are not advertisements; they are experiences. While winning an award is a great marketing tool to inspire your clients, marketing to the judges is a different technique all together.

Good writers do not have to be English majors.

Good award writers should have an engaging style that is easy to read. Award writing does not require formality.  Of course the copy should be put together well, with good syntax, sentence structure and spelling. There is a process to writing, and submissions always need to go through content revision (big picture changes) and then of course final editing (spelling, sentence structure, grammar and punctuation).  It’s important to not skip these steps. Remember, entries are a reflection of your overall work as a professional business and good presentation is a must.

At the end of the day …

I often have new clients approach me saying, “We need to win, so you have to write it." The truth of the matter is that the event has to stand on its own. I, nor any other writer, can make an event win, but we can provide a competitive advantage. Successful and experienced awards writers should be able help you decide if the event is a contender, what category to enter and the best angle to take. They can then guide you through the rules and criteria and writing process to set you up for success.

Once you hire a writer, set them up for success. Give them your time to interview, provide them with event collateral, pictures and media, and be available for input and questions.  Time is one of the greatest gifts you can give to a writer. Consider having them write throughout the year, not just when the deadline approaches. You’ll get a fresher writer with more time to focus on your award. There is a writing process, and it is important in achieving a great product.  I often get calls on the day awards are due, and as much as it pains me to say no, I do.

A strategic approach to award writing is well worth the investment to produce a quality product, achieve potential recognition from your colleagues and clients, and relieve some of the anxiety of looming deadlines.

Through words, Ruth Moyte, captures a moment, makes a connection, builds emotion and delivers a message. Building on story, rhythm and timing, she has written hundreds of award submissions with great success. Each reflects the personality and brand of the client for whom she is writing, many of who are global industry leaders throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. With over 20 years of experience in the special events industry, Ruth has written for many of the world’s leading brands. From script writing, speeches, awards submissions, creative concepts, conference content, brand strategy, print and web copy and more, each project she takes on is delivered with her passion-driven writing style.

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