Category: Don’t Panic

In today’s landscape businesses are seeking ways to enhance their brand and expand their network whilst also fostering meaningful connections with their target audience. At Don’t Panic we know first-hand that one highly effective strategy for achieving these goals is partnering with well-established, ethical, and transparent award ceremonies. So, why should you look to incorporate events in your marketing plans?

Build Trust and Credibility
Our award ceremonies have a proven track record of recognising excellence within the digital and tech community globally. Companies that align themselves with our events enhance their reputation and credibility by demonstrating their support for the community their audience belongs to. This is an excellent way to establish trust and authenticity.

Increased Brand Visibility and Exposure
Partnering with Don’t Panic offers an unparalleled amount of exposure to a highly engaged audience. We work hard to ensure all our award partners capitalise on the marketing opportunities we can offer not only on the night of the event but also pre- and post-event. This exposure leads to increased brand awareness and the opportunity to profile your services.

Position as Industry Leaders
Aligning your brand with our audience positions you as a leader in your field and ahead of your competition. Not only that but partnering with our events demonstrates that you celebrate excellence and innovation alongside your commitment to supporting and withholding industry standards.

Engage with your Target Audience
Each of our events attracts an audience comprising the very best in the digital and tech industry. Our event partners have found this to be an effective way of recruiting talent within their businesses. The event itself also creates opportunities for networking and meaningful engagement which over recent years has been missed.

The decision to sponsor well-established, ethical, and transparent award ceremonies can be a game-changer for companies seeking to enhance their brand’s visibility, credibility, and industry leadership. Additionally, supporting events that uphold ethical practices reinforces your commitment to withholding industry standards at an extremely high level.

Here’s what our sponsors have to say…

“We absolutely love partnering with Don’t Panic! Their event planning expertise is unparalleled, making the whole process seem effortless despite the immense effort behind the scenes. The team consists of highly skilled professionals in their respective fields, and their warm and friendly demeanour makes every interaction a delight. They always go the extra mile to cater to our specific needs, making them a truly exceptional and wonderful group of people to collaborate with.” – Diginius

“The Don’t Panic Awards have been a great investment for us – as a remote company we don’t often get to see our existing clients, so it’s a great place to catch up with them and have a drink together. It’s also a great avenue to meet new companies within our niche – we’ve won a lot of new clients at their events.” – Kadraa

“Our experience working with Don’t Panic has been overwhelmingly positive. Their enthusiasm for the industry and genuine desire to support and engage with their sponsors comes through in all that they do.” Eskimoz

If you would like to understand more about how partnering with a Don’t Panic event can assist you in achieving your marketing targets and objectives please do get in touch here.

As we bid farewell to the month of May, I am delighted to reflect upon several exceptional events that marked significant milestones for our company. In this write-up, I would like to share the memorable moments from our first MENA Marketing Mixer held on May 17th at Koyo restaurant, Dubai, and our inaugural European Search and Sundowners event, which coincided with the prestigious European Search Awards.

MENA Marketing Mixer: Dubai

Our first international event of May was filled with excitement and anticipation as our team hosted our first-ever MENA Marketing Mixer at the stunning venue, Koyo, located in one of my favourite locations, Dubai. The event brought together marketing professionals and industry experts from across the MENA region for an evening of networking and knowledge exchange.

We had the privilege of showcasing and hosting a diverse range of speakers and attendees, including global marketing consultants, digital strategists, SEO & performance specialists, content creators and founders, all eager to engage in insightful conversations.

Among the highlights were interactive Q&A sessions topics such as AI, international SEO, marketing strategies, UK & SEO and how to build a successful agency along with the latest trends in digital marketing across the MENA region.

The networking sessions during the MENA Marketing Mixer were undoubtedly a highlight of the event. Attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded professionals and forge valuable partnerships. It was clear from the atmosphere that the event was filled with enthusiasm and passion for the marketing industry, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration and innovation.

It was a privilege to once again be back in Dubai ahead of our MENA Search Awards which we are delighted to say will take place as a live event later this year. To hear more about how our awards can benefit and assist you in achieving your business objectives please contact our Sales Manager at stephanie.gianfriglia@dontpanicprojects.com

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European Search and Sundowners: Celebrating Excellence

Just one week after our MENA Marketing Mixer, we flew straight to Lisbon for our very first European Search and Sundowners event held in association with Diginius. This special occasion coincided with the prestigious European Search Awards also held in association with Diginius, honouring outstanding achievements in the field of search marketing.

The European Search and Sundowners event was held in a breathtaking venue, with attendees ranging from industry experts, digital marketers, and leading search agencies across Europe. The evening began with a glamorous cocktail reception, providing the perfect backdrop for networking and fostering new connections.

The European Search and Sundowners event provided the perfect platform for attendees to gain insights from industry-leading experts through thought-provoking panel discussions and talks. Topics such as the future of search marketing, the impact of artificial intelligence in search algorithms, and emerging trends in the European market captivated the audience, sparking engaging conversations and encouraging knowledge exchange.

As the event unfolded, anticipation built for the European Search Awards ceremony, where industry leaders and innovators were recognised for their exceptional contributions to the search marketing landscape. The awards spanned various categories, including Best SEO Campaign, Best PPC Campaign, and Best Use of Social Media in a Search Campaign, among others. The winners were celebrated for their creativity, innovation, and measurable impact in driving results for their clients.

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Both the MENA Marketing Mixer and the European Search and Sundowners event showcased our commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in the field of marketing. These events brought together passionate professionals from diverse backgrounds, encouraging dialogue, and offering valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.

On behalf of Don’t Panic and We Are Search I would like to personally thank all our partners, speakers and attendees for making the month of May one to remember!

MD, Helen Barkley shares her thoughts on Mental Health Awareness at Don’t Panic and how the team are supported wherever they find themselves in the world.

This week marks Mental Health Awareness Week, and we at Don’t Panic feel it provides an all-important and much-needed time to reflect on the challenges and struggles that many people face when it comes to their mental health.

As a Managing Director and a working mum, I’ve experienced first-hand the impact that mental health issues can have on our personal and professional lives and felt it important to acknowledge and encourage others not only to prioritise their mental health and well-being but also to share their experiences too.

Mental health issues do not discriminate and can affect absolutely anyone and everyone at any stage in their lives. As someone responsible for leading a team and driving a business to success, I too am not immune to the stresses and pressures that come with the job. The nature of the work we do at Don’t Panic has high stakes and we must be incredibly quick-witted and provide solutions extremely quickly… it is the nature of the beast.

A high-pressure role in a fast-paced industry mixed with the added responsibility of balancing professional with personal can be extremely challenging. Often being present feels impossible and it seems you can never be in one place for long enough. This is especially true when we are constantly travelling to destinations to deliver stunning events. On the outside, it looks glamorous, but the reality is you are running on broken sleep, poor diet, and logging on when you have a spare moment whilst still checking in on the family you have left behind.

With all these pressures, the one thing that I feel is undervalued in these circumstances is communication. Communicating with your team and family when these pressures take hold can be hugely helpful. Unfortunately, I know people still feel shame in admitting they are struggling or feel they are a burden for asking for help, but this simply is not the case.

For me personally, sharing that I have a child with additional needs has been extremely empowering not only have I found a network of people who are experiencing the same challenges as me, but I have received so much understanding from colleagues who empathise and simply want to support. The feeling of isolation has certainly lifted.

Through my personal challenges, self-care just hasn’t been enough and sometimes professional help is necessary to navigate through the complexities of mental health. There is no shame in seeking help I know choosing this path to preserve my own mental health has certainly made me a better person, better wife, better mummy and a better leader.

I know I and many of the team at Don’t Panic do not prioritise themselves. We do not protect our time the way we would an important meeting or an engagement that we simply must be at. My plea to them and others on Mental Health Awareness Week is that you take this as a reminder to make yourself aware of the times when you put your own needs at the bottom of your to-do list. Find your activity or the thing that brings you peace, make time to surround yourself with the things that make you happy and protect this time like you would any other engagement or commitment.

Ironically our sales manager and I have flown into Mental Health Awareness Week on a very tiring night flight, but we have made a conscious effort to take little moments to recharge when we can…for a change!

Don’t Panic have been delivering Digital Awards for over 15 years and over the years the awards have evolved and grown. Our ‘Guide to Entering’ has seen a number of rewrites and reprints over the years, each building upon the experiences of entrants and judges. The newest edition is hot off the press, or should I say straight from the creative team and ready to be downloaded!

This is your ultimate ‘Guide to Entering’ Don’t Panic Awards

With the help of judges, finalists and winners we have collated top tips, 12 Steps to a Successful Entry and a guide to the entry process itself, including the terms and conditions that make us Accredited by the Awards Standards Council – Awards Trust Mark.

Never entered an award before and feel you need a little bit more help and guidance book a meeting with one of our team below:

For Search, Paid Media and Agency Awards: Book a meeting with Steph

For Digital Excellence, Content, Social Media Awards and eCommerce Awards: Book a meeting with Jordan

For Culture, Digital PR, Growth or the Global Content Awards: Book a meeting with Andrew

For Business Tech or Agency Awards: Book a meeting with Rob

In today’s digital age, marketing and advertising have radically evolved. Brands are always on the lookout for new and innovative methods to promote their products and services. Sponsoring events has emerged as an effective way of engaging with audiences and creating brand awareness. And when it comes to events, Don’t Panic is the name associated with ethical, transparent and digital industry awards that celebrate cutting-edge digital campaigns, ground-breaking tech and software, and pioneering teams. As well as running Awards Don’t Panic also delivers networking events that bring together industry experts, agencies and teams who share their expertise and knowledge in relaxed settings that encourage discussion and collaboration amongst peers. These are excellent opportunities for sponsors to get up close and involved.

Exposure to a Targeted and Engaged Audience:

Don’t Panic has a reputation for hosting some of the most innovative and exciting events across various industries. The brand attracts a highly targeted and engaged audience keen on the latest developments in their respective fields. Sponsoring a Don’t Panic event means you will be presented with the opportunity to engage with this captive audience, all of whom are prospects that could be converted to loyal customers.

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Benefit from a Strong Partnership:

Sponsoring a Don’t Panic event goes beyond just showcasing your brand to an audience; it also provides a great opportunity to build a strong partnership with a team who put celebration at the heart of what they do and with the large volume of entrants that participate annually in our award competitions. The team at Don’t Panic work closely with sponsors in order to construct a successful partnership that delivers results.

Brand Visibility and Recognition:

Sponsorship of Don’t Panic events provides a great platform for brand exposure. Your logo and message will be visible to all our attendees and our engaged database of, increasing brand recognition and awareness. With various sponsorship packages available, you can choose the level of visibility that suits your budget and marketing goals. Don’t Panic’s partnership is always fluid and we encourage sponsors and partners to submit content that expands their insights, communication and reach to the audience pre, during and post-event.

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Community Contribution:

Don’t Panic prides itself on hosting events that benefit the wider community. As a sponsor, you will not only be promoting your brand and enjoying exposure, but you will also be contributing to the greater good. Supporting and celebrating the incredible work that is being showcased at the event and within the digital marketing industry maintains and sets standards for the future, something that partners can be proud to align their brand with.

Networking Opportunities:

Don’t Panic events offer a valuable opportunity for sponsors to connect with their peers, customers, and other industry partners. The events come with built-in networking opportunities that help sponsors connect with potential customers or partners, all while having a great time.

Next Steps

Sponsoring a Don’t Panic event is a great decision for any brand or agency looking to establish a presence in their industry, connect with a targeted and engaged audience, and build valuable partnerships. The opportunity for brand recognition, network building, and community contribution is invaluable. So why not take the first step and start exploring sponsorship opportunities with Don’t Panic today?

Download your sponsorship brochure for details of the exciting packages available at our awards ceremonies and contact Helen Barkley at helen.barkley@dontpanicprojects.com to arrange a meeting to see how a Don’t Panic collaboration can work for you.

Over the past 12 months, my family have been on a personal journey in relation to my youngest daughter Ella.

Following some beautiful and quirky traits (“Ellarisms”) she began to display; we started on a pathway leading to a neurodevelopment assessment as these traits are conducive of Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. This journey has not been easy and has involved many tears, turbulence day to day, and many hours of personal research and immersion into a new world we are trying to navigate and understand.

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This journey is not one I have shared on a professional front; however, I now feel the need to share my experience and how it has opened my eyes to the lack of inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals within the events industry.

From personal experience, I have attended and delivered events that would be ‘sensory hell’ for my daughter and those who share the same traits, and I am sad I didn’t learn these lessons sooner so that I could bring attention to the issue and make changes earlier.

This week, coincidentally Autism Acceptance Week, I have spent time talking to incredible neurodivergent women who have shared their stories and inspired our team. They have lived experience of the event industry and Don’t Panic Events has a lot to learn as we start a journey towards events that are inclusive for all.

We are delighted to announce we will be working with Hannah B. who will be our Independent Neurodiversity Consultant. We know we have a lot to learn and Hannah is the perfect fit for our business and we trust she will guide us forward, to ensure no-one avoids our events.

I promise Don’t Panic will be working at pace to implement changes as soon as we can, and we will be announcing all measures we are adopting to ensure everyone can attend our Awards Ceremonies and Networking Events.

Please do get in touch if you have experiences you would like to share. Email: Awards@dontpanicprojects.com

Q1 for the Don’t Panic Team has been incredibly productive. 

We have already delivered 6 events from Australia to Europe to the UK, and entrants have already met 4 entry deadlines, with many more fast approaching in Q2.

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I have been out and about, firstly to Pubcon in Austin with Sales Manager, Steph Gianfriglia, which was a chance to connect to our US Agency and US Search Awards entrants and learn about the latest trends in Search across America. 

Steph and I then headed off to SMX Munich to connect to our European entrants and to make new partnerships. The conference was an incredible opportunity to understand the latest SEO and SEM tactics that challenge Search marketing as well as connect with the We Are Search European contingent. 

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Whilst in Munich we also had the privilege of attending an event delivered by Peak Ace which explored the impact AI will have on the future of digital marketing across every industry vertical. Given the noise AI is continuing to make amongst the Search community this was a great opportunity to hear an agency’s take on the advancements. Bastian, from Peak Ace AG has kindly shared the slide deck from the event which you can access below.

Steph returned home just in time to kickstart Q2 by overseeing the final entries in the European Search Awards and as with last year the award entry numbers and companies has grown, and record numbers have been set again. This year we have seen exponential growth which is a testament to the incredible work that is taking place across Europe. The judging for these awards will take place next week with the long-awaited shortlist being released on Friday 31 March, 2023.

As you may know we deliver Digital Awards across tech, growth, excellence, content, social media and culture, and this year we have seen increased numbers across them all. There Is clearly a desire to be recognised by industry experts to legitimise creativity, innovation and results. We are proud that our Awards really shine a spotlight on the incredible work teams and agencies across the world are producing. We are also extremely proud of how ethical and transparent our awards continue to be, we know just how important it is that our finalists and winners receive accolades that can’t be bought and are judged on the merit of the results and work they demonstrate. For all our Q1 finalist and winners we congratulate you on making it through the competition as the standard of entries we have received have been exemplary.

What next for us. Well, I believe the Don’t Panic Team need their own show of appreciation for all their Q1 efforts and achievements, so our Culture Club has arranged an afternoon of Escape Room fun, followed by pizza and drinks.

Then on Monday we will be back to business as usual as we head to into the delivery of our Q2 events. There is already huge excitement in the air at Don’t Panic as Q2 sees the return of the European Search Awards. We are also thrilled to be launching our Search and Sundowners fringe event in Lisbon in May as well as our first MENA Marketing Mixer in Dubai. As always we also have tonnes of entry deadlines coming up so if you need any support with your award winning entries, please reach out to our team awards@dontpanicprojects.com

To be part of the Don’t Panic Awards scheme, download the events calendar and we will hope to see you at an Awards Ceremony soon.

Come and meet Helen Barkley, Managing Director and Stephanie Gianfriglia, Sales Manager at SMX Munich – March 15 – 16, 2023. The conference is Europe’s largest for search marketing and we are delighted to be able to attend and share details of what, where, who, when and why. Don’t Panic award subscribers are eligible for a 15% discount on ticket prices, find the link at the end of the article.

Search Marketing in Challenging Times – Competing Effectively in a New Era

We are not in a difficult phase, even a crisis. We are at the beginning of a whole new era: resources are limited, budgets are not infinite, and challenges have increased. Our work must be better, more effective, and more sustainable. Wasting resources, budget and time is no longer an option. And more than ever, we need to understand our clients – because they have changed too.

That’s exactly why you shouldn’t miss SMX Munich: Two days of conference programme with up to six parallel tracks on SEO, PPC, Data & Analytics, UX, Content and many more online marketing topics, will provide you with the building blocks for the future. Learn from and discuss with 70+ speakers from around the world. You decide which topics are the most relevant to you right now, ensuring that your time and budget investment is used effectively and wisely.

The programme

This year’s edition will kick off with Lily Ray and Inna Zeyger from Amsive Digital, covering the most important topics for SEO and PPC in 2023. Additional cutting-edge keynotes feature Purna Virji, LinkedIn and Liraz Margalit. And if you want to know what the future of performance marketing will look like, then this is your chance to hear it from none other than the VP Analytics & CMO of Meta, Alex Schultz. His fireside chat, together with Curt Simon Harlinghausen, Managing Director at Miele X is one of the most anticipated sessions for this year’s event.

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All SMX session are tactical, actionable, and just what online marketers need in tough times.

Here are a few of the highlights:

• The Rise of AI: Beyond the Theory – Tools, Use-Cases & More with Bastian Grimm, Peak Ace
• Modern PPC Account Structures with Aaron Levy, Tinuiti
• Advanced Tips for Leveraging Google MUM in Your SEO Strategy with Cindy Krum, MobileMoxie
• Local PPC Strategies That Work for any Budget with Mark Irvine, SearchLab
• Mastering the Creation & Testing of RSAs with Brad Geddes, Adalysis
• How to Use Google to Supercharge Your Amazon Listings and Visa Versa with Dan Saunders, Evergreen Finance London
• State of Search 2023 From a Data Perspective with Marcus Tober, SEMrush
• A Match Made in Heaven: Video Content and E-Commerce with Izzi Smith, In a Nutshell
• Combining Content Strategy with PPC Targeting and Bid Automation Layered on Top: Here is Your Roadmap! With Christi Olson, Microsoft
• Architecting 3D content: what video structuring can teach us about the metaverse SEO [an experiment] with Emilija Gjorgjevska, MediaMarktSaturn Tech & Wordlift
• Tools & Techniques to Timely Troubleshoot JavaScript Issues with Martin Splitt, Google and Ulrika Viberg, Unikorn
• The Lost Art of Natural Linking with Dan Petrovic, DEJAN Marketing
• Scale Your Search Campaigns With Bulk Uploads and Ad Customizers with Christopher Gutknecht, bergzeit

Click here to see the full programme.

NB: Most sessions are held in English; some are held in German. All sessions are labeled with a language flag.

If there’s one conference you don’t want to miss in 2023, it’s SMX Munich!

Want to dive even deeper into search marketing knowledge? Check out our Workshops!

There are three workshops on offer the day before SMX. Each workshop is an entire day of intensive work on your topic with top experts in a small group. You can hardly use the day before SMX more effectively.

Choose from:

• Advanced Technical SEO Workshop with Bastian Grimm, Peak Ace
• International SEO Strategies & Tactics with the WebCertain Pros
• Advanced Google Ads Workshop with Brad Geddes, Adalysis

Click here for the overview and more information.

Combined tickets (conference plus workshop) with a price advantage are available.

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Our Partners

There is no better place to extend your knowledge than meeting our partners in the exhibition area. A key difference at SMX to many other events is that here, every exhibitor is relevant. You will meet with the top experts of companies that shape the search marketing business to discuss your questions. Our partners even have some fun events in store, including a casino where you can test your search marketing knowledge and win cool prizes.

Here is a full list of our exhibitors and partners.

Networking

It is finally time to network again in person. And at SMX you will have plenty of opportunity to do so. From coffee and lunch breaks to a dedicated networking evening event, SMX After Dark, on March 15^th, to discuss all your learnings with like-minded people, make new contacts, reunite with friends, and meet and mingle with the speakers.

And although people come to SMX for the top-notch content, there is always highest praise for the delicious food and drinks provided – all of it is included in your ticket price.

NB – the SMX After Dark event is included in some ticket categories. Click here for the ticket overview.

Ready to conquer challenges and tackle the future of search marketing?

Get your ticket here and secure the best deal by using the exclusive Don’t Panic discount code dontpaniclsmx (15% discount)

The SMX Team is looking forward to welcoming you in Munich.

It’s time to become a Judge for the Don’t Panic Awards Series.

Don’t Panic deliver digital awards around the world and pride themselves on the transparent and ethical judging process they use to ensure results can be trusted by entrants, clients and the industry.

Why Become an Awards Judge?

Judging Awards is a great way to give back to your industry and build upon your personal and professional brand. It is an opportunity to meet fellow professionals from around the world and share your experiences and knowledge for the greater benefit of the digital industry as a whole.

Being a judge is not easy! You will have multiple entries to judge for each category you are allocated, but you will be evaluating the best campaigns, software and teams, which is an honour. Many of our judges return year on year to be part of the awards process and to celebrate the incredible achievements of all our entrants.

Ethical, Trusted, Accredited

Don’t Panic Awards judges follow a robust two-step judging process that includes pre-scoring to establish a shortlist and judge discussion to determine an overall winner, and in some cases a silver award. We ask that all judges give feedback to all entrants, to provide them with help and advice regarding perfecting work and entries.

Our Awards have been accredited by the Independent Awards Standards Council, with all of our Awards that are over 2 years old accredited as ‘Outstanding.’ Visit our Awards page to see which of our awards suit your expertise. We have Awards that celebrate Search, Culture, Content, Business Tech and more.

Joining our judging panel aligns your personal and professional brand with ours!

We don’t pay our judges, nor do we charge our judges. In return for your hard work and dedication we provide you with Judge assets, an invitation to blog or contribute content to our audience and an invitation to attend the winners’ ceremony where you have opportunity to meet fellow judges and finalists.

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How to Apply to be a Judge

If you, or someone you know, work brand side and want to get involved with judging Awards accredited ‘Outstanding’ by the Independent Awards Standards Council, email: alex.rimmer@dontpanicprojects.com

Rising Star Awards celebrate individuals who are setting the benchmark in your organisation for innovative thinking, commitment to goals and personal contribution to the success of the overall business.

Why Enter Your Rising Star?

The Rising Star is a much-coveted title and just being nominated for a Rising Star Award by your Senior Management Team means the world to nominees.

In 2021 Kendra Rogers from psLondon won the Rising Star at the UK Content Awards, bumping into her at the 2022 event, where she handed her crown to Jasmine McKenzie from Absolute Digital Media.

Kendra Says…

“It was such an honour to win the Rising Star award at the UK Content Awards in 2021. It meant recognition for the work that I’ve done with psLondon, but also recognition of all of the growth that I’ve achieved throughout my career in Content Marketing – both in the UK and in Canada. Each accomplishment in my professional career laddered up to that exciting moment last year, where the belief of my team, clients and all of the mentors and friends who’ve supported me in my career culminated.”

What a Rising Star does for your Agency!

The Rising Star Award also impacts on the business as a whole. Employees see a nomination and the competition as a career goal and focus on achieving results for the business and their team. Although awarded to an individual, it is always the team that celebrates the win.

Peaky Digital celebrated the nomination of Chloe Davison for the UK Agency Awards, Rising Star category by sharing their reasons for putting Chloe forward and how they feel to have such talent in their ranks.

“With less than three year’s experience in the industry, Chlöe has worked exhaustively since she arrived at Peaky Digital in 2020 as a Digital Marketing Assistant – earning multiple promotions off the back of her success and stepping into the role of Social & Email Manager this month. Since day one, Chlöe has been passionate about upskilling and eager to take on new challenges, becoming a pivotal part of Peaky’s leadership team that has seen the company grow from five to twenty employees since her arrival. As a small, boutique agency, we’re delighted that the hard work Chlöe has poured into her role and craft is being recognised at a national level”

India Gumbley, Strategic Director, said: “The Rising Star award is a great way to recognise the work of talented and fast-climbing young individuals in our sector, and we’re so excited that this includes Chlöe! She’s an integral part of our team and her dedication is inspiring.”

What the Judges Say…

Judges also love the Rising Star competition. They believe that recognition of new talent is an investment in the future, not only of individual companies but in the digital industry as a whole and the awards can be a driving force in keeping the digital industry at the cutting edge of development.

David Chadderton a judge at the Northern Digital Awards and UK Company Culture Awards agrees

“For me, the Rising Star Award is the most interesting category. Entries showcase some of the brightest talent in the industry. Entries are always varied but each has one thing in common – a gifted individual who is smashing their world and destined to become a future leader.  As a judge, you get a snapshot into someone’s journey as a (digital) marketer and the opportunity to help them get the recognition and reward they deserve. Judging this award is truly a gift and privilege. To everyone out there – if you have someone who sets your world on fire, nominate them for the Rising Star Award, it’s about the best thing you can do for them.”

Why Not?

Agencies are sometimes reluctant to nominate employees for the Rising Star Award as they fear they will be tempted to pursue a career elsewhere, however, our nominees and winners tell us differently. They agree that the respect and faith shown in them through their nomination increases their loyalty and commitment and if anything makes them drive further to prove their worth. Yes, their profiles are checked out by the competition, but in the digital community, it is often to wish them well and to make connections, and we all know connections work both ways. Their win not only enhances their personal profile it heightens employee reputation too and this can only attract talent interested in your company.

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Companies who have already celebrated their Rising Stars include Absolute Digital Media , Content Square, Yrs Truly, psLondon, Wiro Agency, connective 3, Receptional, Scoro, Pixel Nordic, Wavemaker and Results Repeat to name a few in 2022.

Time To Act!

So, look around your team today. Who do you feel is your Rising Star? You might have more than one. Invest in their future, support their development and give them the industry recognition they deserve. It is simply the right move!

Don’t Panic Awards celebrate Rising Stars and individuals who are crushing the digital industry! Join us.

What Judges want to see in a Rising Star Entry – Judge, Hannah Smith has completed a fictional entry to the category to help you shine the spotlight on your Rising Stars.