Channel Awards Judging presentation day - what next?

In this brief article we will explain exactly what happens on the day and the best strategy to embrace when facing the judges

It has been three long years since the Channel Awards face-to-face judging day took place.

Always a highlight of the channel calendar, the Channel Awards are a chance for the industry as a whole to let its hair down and celebrate success. All the great and good of the channel are at the event and it is the biggest networking opportunity of the year.

Therefore, it is no surprise that the judging day is also taken very seriously indeed by those shortlisted in the ‘Big Five' categories.

These are: Vendor of the Year, Reseller of the Year sub £100m, Reseller of the Year £100m+, Distributor of the Year sub £250m and Distributor of the Year £251m+.

All those shortlisted in the above five categories have been asked to attend the judging day on 6 October in person at Events @ No 6 to present in front of the judges. This will involve a 10-minute presentation and a five-minute Q&A session.

We have had a few questions about what those presenting need to do. Here are three key things to consider:

First of all, try and send the most senior representatives you can - really demonstrate to the judges that this award means something. Many send their top-level management to battle it out, so it is always a heavyweight contest on the day.

Secondly, use your original entry as a basis, but try and bring something new to the table - whether this is more about your people and teams, some new stats, a new achievement or initiative your company has launched - make it as personal as possible. Think what you can talk about to really make your company stand out from the crowd.

Thirdly, try and enjoy it! This is your chance to really make your company shine and to win a coveted award - the fact that you have made it to the shortlist really is no mean feat this year.

For all the other categories in the shortlist, you do not need to present, but rest assured, your entries will be very thoroughly discussed among the judges before they decide who will win the trophy.

The best of luck to everyone on the shortlist and we will see you at the awards at Battersea Evolution on 10 November. To find out more about the venue or book a table, please click here.