by Bright Ewuru | Jan 8, 2025 | Articles
The only constant in life is change. – Heraclitus
The role of an awards manager has seen significant changes in the last decade, driven by the rapid evolution of technology that reshapes how we work and live. Today’s awards managers aren’t just tasked with handling administrative duties—they’re also expected to foster strong connections with stakeholders, uphold fairness, and align their programs with larger organizational goals.
As the landscape of awards management continues to shift, technology remains a game-changer, redefining how we approach recognition.
Looking to take your awards management to the next level in 2025? Here are five practical tips to help you manage awards more effectively and achieve even greater success in the year ahead.
Technology is crucial to excel in the awards manager position.
Awards management can involve multiple responsibilities, but the right software ensures you focus on celebrating excellence rather than navigating chaos. Awards management software can streamline the application and submission process and allow your team to monitor the progress of each entry in real time. By handling repetitive tasks through automation, awards software can free up your time for other commitments.
Similarly, it can handle an increasing number of entries and programs without demanding additional resources.
Data security is an increasing concern for any program that relies on technology, and dedicated awards software like Award Force can protect the sensitive data of all participants with encryption and secure access control. This guarantees compliance with data privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another component of technology that can improve your awards management. Chatbots can provide instant and accurate responses to participant inquiries while translating tools can translate information into the participant’s preferred language—all to help improve participant engagement and experience.
To be an effective awards manager in 2025, it’s important to preserve the credibility and fairness of your awards.
Preventing fraudulent voting is a vital way to ensure that recognition is built on authenticity and not manipulation. Authentic voting drives participation and stakeholder confidence in the awards program. It ensures that winners are chosen based on merit and genuine popular support. It also saves resources by forestalling disputes that challenge the outcome of the program.
Here are some strategies to avoid fraudulent voting:
The awards manager’s job involves creating an engaging experience for all stakeholders. Positive experiences retain stakeholders, encourage participation and increase program success.
Ensure that your entrants have a seamless application process. Make the process equitable by building diversity into the entry forms and making the registration process accessible to all entrants. Provide personalised support to address concerns promptly.
To attract top-level judges, ensure they have the right information and tools to carry out their roles efficiently. Spotlight your judges across various marketing channels before and after your awards programs.
Host a memorable awards ceremony. Ensure effective communication; invite and act upon feedback from stakeholders. This can make your awards community feel seen, heard and valued.
Establishing an enhanced evaluation framework is another way to become an effective awards manager. A thorough evaluation framework is rooted in meaningful metrics; this ensures that winners align with the goals and values of your awards program. By ensuring that the most deserving candidates are recognised, it enhances the integrity of the awards program.
To build a comprehensive evaluation system, it’s important to select evaluation criteria that align with the goals of your awards program. Share the criteria with all participants and stakeholders to foster transparency. It’s important to use consistent scoring rubrics to facilitate uniformity and balanced assessment.
Consider dividing the evaluation process into different stages such as eligibility, screening, scoring and final judging. Each stage should have a clear timeline that is well-documented and transparent to your participants.
It’s helpful to set up bias mitigation mechanisms such as anonymised submissions. By removing identifiable information, you can prevent unconscious bias, and provide tools such as abstention and recusal options.
A diverse panel of qualified judges is essential. Ensure your judges are trained on recognising and mitigating bias in their assessments.
Collecting, organising and acting on relevant data is an essential part of effective awards management. It can improve accountability, detect issues early and optimise the outcomes of your awards programs.
Leverage awards management software to track relevant analytics such as application completion rates, judging timelines and participation rates. Consider scheduling periodic progress reviews to identify and resolve issues before they escalate. It’s important to document your findings and use them as a guide to implement the necessary changes.
Effective awards management demands attending to every aspect of your awards program with care. By leveraging technology, ensuring authentic voting, keeping people front and centre, using a balanced evaluation structure and tracking relevant metrics in your awards program, you’ll excel in your awards manager position this new year.
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