If you’re eyeing the Skift IDEA Awards, congrats! You’re already on the path to getting your amazing work recognized.
But we know, entering awards can feel like a lot. There are forms, categories, deadlines, and fees to think about.
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 Ahead
The last thing you want is to be scrambling at the last minute. Trust me, you’ll feel way more at ease if you plan ahead.
Start by marking all the key dates, especially the ones when entry fees go up.
Skift IDEA Awards fees tend to increase as the final deadline gets closer, so submitting early isn’t just a time-saver, it’s a money-saver.
Set a reminder in your calendar for those deadlines. Submit early to secure the best price!
2. Pick the Right Category
Choosing the right category is key to setting your submission up for success. With 31 categories across 7 main sectors, you want to make sure your entry aligns with what you’ve created.
Don’t just throw it into a category that “seems close enough.” Really think about where your project fits.
Read the category descriptions carefully.
You want your work to match the focus of the category. If your project is all about sustainability in travel, don’t just toss it into the “innovation” category.
Aim for precision.
Download a blank PDF from the portal to sketch out your ideas before diving in. That way, you’re ready to hit the ground running.
3. Don’t Stress About the Word Count
We know you’re passionate about your work. But sometimes, less is more.
Keep your language clear and direct. 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. Add Personality to Your Submission
Sure, it’s a professional process, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a bit personal. 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. Back Up Your Claims: Show the Impact
Evidence is powerful. Back up your submission with tangible proof: 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 You Hit Submit
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. Submit 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. Be Clear About Confidential Info
If there’s something in your project you need to keep private, that’s totally fine. Just make sure to let the team know.
Whether it’s sensitive data or a proprietary process, simply indicate which parts can be shared publicly and which need to stay confidential.
If you have to hold back on some details, just mention it clearly. This way, there’s no confusion if your project makes it to the finalist stage.
9. Keep Your Focus on the Future
Skift IDEA Awards is all about innovation and the future of travel.
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 awards@skift.com.
