Your Guide to the Skift IDEA Awards

If you’re eyeing the Skift IDEA Awards, congrats! You’re already on the path to getting your amazing work recognized. And even better news, for 2025, Skift Meetings will be presenting four new categories – Hotels, Convention Centers & Other Venues, Destination Marketing Organizations and Event Technology – to spotlight and celebrate the business events industry’s most respected and innovative suppliers.

But we know all too well that entering awards takes a lot of work. There are categories to choose from, submission forms to complete, and deadlines to navigate. 

It can be a bit overwhelming, right? That’s where we come in. 

With the right steps and a little guidance, you can submit an entry that stands out.

Want to make sure you’ve got all the details in check? Download our “How to Enter” guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.

Best Practices for Entering the Skift IDEA Awards

Here’s how to submit an entry that truly shines:

1. Plan Your Submission in Advance 

Scrambling at the last minute is not good for anyone. Trust me, you’ll feel way more at ease if you plan ahead. 

Start by marking all the key dates in your calendar and sharing them with key stakeholders, especially the ones when entry fees go up. 

Skift IDEA Awards fees increase as the final deadline gets closer, so submitting early isn’t just a time-saver, it’s a money-saver.

Save $50 if you enter by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 8. Submit early to secure the best price!

2. Select the Right Category

Choosing the category that aligns most with your product is key to getting your submission set up for success. With four Meetings & Events categories to choose from, don’t just throw it into a category that “seems close enough.” Really think about where your project fits.

Read the category descriptions carefully. 

Download a blank PDF from the portal to plan out your ideas before starting. That way, you’re ready to hit the ground running.

3. Word counts? Don’t panic

We know you’re passionate about your work. But sometimes, less really is more. 

Keep your language clear and direct, as our Judges will be reviewing many entries, so your submission needs to be easy to digest quickly.

Stick to the essentials and keep things concise. 

The Skift IDEA Awards entry form has a 100-500 word limit per section, so you’ll need to balance being thorough with being brief. 

Focus on the big picture and the key points that make your work stand out.

4. Personality is Key 

Sure, it’s a professional process, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be exciting. The judges are looking at a lot of submissions, so showing a little personality can go a long way. 

Use visuals, videos, and maybe even share a short anecdote to give your project a human touch.

Judges love fresh thinking. 

Use every section in the form to tell the story behind your work. It’ll help the judges connect with your submission on a deeper level.

Also Read: 7 Years of Skift IDEA Awards

5. Don’t Just Make Claims, Back Them Up

Evidence is powerful. Back up your submission with tangible proof: share any customer testimonials, case studies, data points, or any media coverage you’ve received. 

The more proof you have of your project’s success, the stronger your entry will be.

Attach images, videos, or documents that help tell your story and provide real-world proof of your impact.

6. Proofread Before Submitting

Last-minute changes are common, but before you submit, give everything a thorough review. Typos or incomplete fields can hurt your submission, so make sure everything looks polished.

A fresh pair of eyes can help spot errors you might have missed.

We might use parts of your submission in marketing materials if you make it to the finalist stage, so it’s worth making sure everything looks polished and professional.

7. Lock-In Your Submission Early

Submitting early means you have time to review your entry and make edits if needed. 

Plus, it gives you a little breathing room if something unexpected comes up later. You’ve already secured your spot and the best rate, so take your time!

You can always go back and tweak your submission before the final deadline. 

The key is to get started early, so you’re not cramming at the last minute.

8. Keep Your Focus on the Future

Skift IDEA Awards is all about innovation. 

So, make sure your entry emphasizes not just what you’ve done, but how your work is shaping the future of the industry. 

What’s next for your project? Where can it go from here?

Think about your entry as not just a reflection of what you’ve done, but also as a preview of what’s to come. 

Judges love to see how your project is poised to make a lasting impact.

Download the Step-By-Step Guide

Ready to tackle your Skift IDEA Awards entry? Awesome! But if you’d like more details on each step, download the full “How to Enter Skift IDEA Awards” guide.

It’s packed with the detailed steps you need to make the process even easier.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Shine at the Skift IDEA Awards?

Entering the Skift IDEA Awards doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s all about showcasing the incredible work you’ve done and the impact it’s having on the industry. 

Follow these tips, stay organized, and take your time crafting the best possible entry. 

And don’t forget, you can always download our full “How to Enter” guide for a more detailed look at the process.

Good luck with your submission. 

We can’t wait to see what you’ve created!

If you have any questions, the Skift team is just an email away at aw****@***ft.com.