Mission: Submission — Crafting the perfect entry for Eventex Awards with expert jury insights

Are you ready to take on Mission: Submission? With the perfect blend of storytelling, data, and visuals, your Eventex Awards entry has the power to go from great to truly unforgettable. Follow these expert tips from the Eventex Awards 2025 jury, and make the impossible possible.

Tell your story, not just the facts

A great entry isn’t just a list of accomplishments — it’s a compelling story. The jury wants to understand all about the journey behind your event, not just the final results. How did the idea take shape? What inspired it? How did you navigate challenges along the way?

Include some key details: 

• The timeframe from concept to execution.
• The challenges you overcame, and the strategic decisions that led to success.
• When appropriate, don’t be afraid to use humor — just be mindful to avoid it in serious contexts.
• Use data to compare past years, growth percentages, or audience insights so you can add credibility. 
• Include testimonials from attendees or clients that can provide an extra layer of authenticity.

“It’s good [for the jury] to know when your idea started, the time of realization, and why not, something that didn’t go in the right way so that you were not so happy. Something that went wrong.” — Annamaria Ruffini, President & CEO Events In & Out, President 2018 SITE Global

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Let the jury experience your event

Your entry should bring the jury straight into the heart of your event. Show its atmosphere through engaging high-quality photos and videos. Words can only go so far. Behind-the-scenes content can highlight your creative process, while dynamic footage of attendees engaging with your event adds an emotional connection.

Remember, it’s not just about aesthetics — demonstrate the technical execution, production value, and any innovative elements that set your event apart.

“… whether it’s sophisticated design, advanced logistical setups, or cutting edge entertainment, make sure your submission reflects the excellence of your execution.” — Benoit Sauvage, CEO, Connect DMC

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Innovation and creativity are key

Eventex Awards celebrate creativity, and the jury is always looking for events that break new ground. 

Your entry should highlight what made your event unique.

• Did you introduce an innovative event format, аpproach or strategy? 
• Implement cutting-edge technology? 
• Redefine audience engagement? 

Whether it’s an unconventional venue, a gamified experience, or a sustainability breakthrough, make sure your creativity is front and center. If sustainability played a role, don’t just mention it — explain how it was woven into the event’s DNA and discuss its measurable impact.

“Demonstrate how your project or event pushes the boundaries of what was possible in the industry at that time. Highlight any unique technologies, creative solutions, or novel approaches that you deployed.” — Sujoy Cherian, Creative Technologist, Serial Entrepreneur, Group CEO, Option1live

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Numbers speak louder than adjectives

When it comes to results, data is king. Avoid vague statements like “record-breaking attendance” or “amazing engagement” unless you have numbers to prove it. The jury appreciates concrete results.

Share statistics on:

• Attendance;
• Revenue;
• Social media impact;
• Press coverage;
• Audience feedback, etc. 

“Even if it’s a client that you have some confidentiality and you can’t reveal exact numbers, it’s helpful to have a range of the number of people who attended your event as well as social media engagement.” — Rachel Russell, Assistant Director, Brand, Marketing and Communications, EY

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Polish your entry like a pro

A well-presented submission is just as important as its content. Keep it structured, reader-friendly, and aligned with the category requirements.

Make sure your entry fits the category you’re applying for — if in doubt, reach out to the Eventex team for guidance. 

• If submitting in multiple categories, tailor each entry instead of copy-pasting the same content.
  
  
• Use clear formatting, bullet points, and numbered lists where necessary to enhance readability.
  
  
• Proofread — typos and unclear phrasing can weaken even the strongest submission.

“If you’re submitting to multiple categories, try to think about each one of those categories specifically and tailor your answers and your responses to what that category is about. So if the category is about lighting, we do not need to know as much about the transportation or anything that is not related to the lighting.” — Brandt Krueger, Senior Production Manager, EideCom

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Defuse the exaggeration bomb

When crafting your entry, resist the urge to rely on overstatement. Instead, focus on evidence-based arguments that align with the judging criteria.

Here’s how you can do that:

• Skip the adjectives — Words like amazing, and transformational won’t impress the jury but solid proof will.
  
  
• Show, don’t tell — Use high-quality videos, images, and testimonials to demonstrate your event’s impact.
  

• Stick to the facts — Support your entry with KPIs, data, and measurable results.
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• Keep it concise – Clear, simple language makes your entry more effective and easier to judge.

If your event truly stands out, the jury will see it — no exaggeration needed!

“The other thing that I’ve seen a lot over the years is over-the-top language—‘this was an amazing, immersive, transformational event.’ I mean, that kind of language is very hard to get through continual use of these kinds of terms, by the judge. When really, what you’re looking at is evidence-based arguments against the judging criteria for that category. So try and keep your messages as simple as possible — hit the right points, use the KPIs, go back to the judging criteria, and make sure it’s concise." — Dr James Morgan, a jury member of Eventex Awards for 10 years, Principal Consultant, James Morgan Associates

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Bonus tips

We have put together bonus useful tips to help you with your entry.

• Get feedback before submitting — a fresh set of eyes can help catch any weak spots or missing details.
  
  
• Show enthusiasm — your passion for your event should come through in your writing.
  
  
• Don’t wait until the last minute — early submissions allow for quality checks and refinements.

“Be excited! You’re part of the best of the best and being able to be part of this prestigious group of individuals that alone is a win in and of itself.” — Kate Patay, Vice President, Global Engagement at Terramar, a DMC Network Company

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Mission accomplished — it’s time to submit

The hardest part of Mission: Submission? Making sure your entry is unforgettable. With these expert tips and tricks, you’ve got everything you need to impress the jury. Fine-tune the details, highlight the unique points, and send your submission in time. The jury is looking for something exceptional, and your entry has it.

Register now for Eventex Awards!

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