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In Search of an Esprit Award

  

Rocky & Terry Toomey from Future Affairs Productions were asked to write up something about their efforts in entering the Esprit Awards.   They have been fortunate to have won numerous awards over the years in the Events Industry

If you’re thinking of going for the gold (or glass, in this case!) in the International Live Events Associations Esprit Awards, here are a few tips to help you with your quest. 


  1. There are rules that must be followed. Read and reread the rules!  Hours and hours of extensive hard work can be dashed by not following just one of the rules in compiling your entry. Read the rules at the beginning, again in the middle of your writing, and then again maybe a couple of times before you push that “send” button.  A while back, as one of the judges for the Esprit awards, I saw many well-written entries disqualified for a simple infraction.  Rules are rules!
  2. Dedicate time. This is not a test you can cram for, like a college exam. Putting together your content takes time, not to mention the time involved in writing the thousands of words for your essays.  We suggest you look at the deadlines (Feb. 15th and drop-dead Feb. 28th), then back up from there.  The clock is ticking! So ask yourself, “how much time do I need?”  You could put together a winning entry with one dedicated, 15-hour day without interruptions, but who has a free 15-hour day?  Not many of us, so plan accordingly. We started months ago!
  3. Pick your category wisely. Go through all of the categories and pick the one that you feel you have the best shot at winning, with the content you have. Read the descriptions carefully.  Many times, we have realized after the content was collected that we were better suited for a different category.
  4. Have someone look over your shoulder.  Get some assistance. Have others read what you have written.  It really does help immensely to have a “second pair of eyes.”
  5. You have to pay to play!  Yes, there is a small entry fee, but we’re not talking money here.  You have to pay in time and dedication if you really want to win, and you may have to keep trying and trying.  A few have won the first time out of the box, but not as many as those who have been consistent in their efforts over time.  It is an honor just to be nominated, and of course to actually win the big prize is exciting. But if you enter and do not attain either of those recognitions, don’t be discouraged.  We have not been nominated far more times than we have been nominated. 
  6. Enter them all.  Well, not really, but don’t set your sights on just one entry if you want to increase your odds. We try to enter a minimum of four to six every year, however, we work on them all year long.  In fact, we write our proposals, design our shows and take photos of our events in hopes of winning an ESPRIT award down the road.  
  7. Witness the Glam!  Attend the Gala at ILEA Live and witness the excitement of those who win. Feel it like they do, and take that adrenalin home with you. Then conjure that feeling up when writing your next entry - it could help you achieve your Esprit award!  Set a goal and make it happen.


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