Industry Awards, Edmonton & Calgary, Alberta
How Do You Start an Industry Awards Program?
Start by defining the award categories and eligibility criteria before anything else. A nominations process built on unclear criteria produces results that members question. The categories should reflect what the industry actually values, not what is easy to measure.
The credibility of an industry awards program is established in the first year and is difficult to repair if it goes wrong. The decisions that matter most: who is eligible to nominate, who is eligible to win, who judges the nominations, and whether the judging criteria are published in advance.
For first-year events in Alberta, expect fewer nominations than you hope for. Active outreach to member organizations produces three to four times more nominations than a passive online form. Personally invite specific companies to nominate, set a clear deadline, and send two reminder communications during the nomination period.
Common questions
Six to eight for a first-year program. Fewer than six feels like a token gesture. More than ten is difficult to fill with credible nominations when the program is new. Expand categories in year two once the nomination volume is established.
Plan your how do you start an industry awards program?
Tell us the date, the headcount, and what you are trying to accomplish. We will come back with an honest assessment.