The OpenWater Blog

What To Do After Awards Judging is Over

You’ve found your judges, provided them with essential information about your awards program, and given them directions about their roles. Then, just as quickly as you’ve done this, your awards program is over.

But there’s still more to do.

The truth is that there’s a lot of work to be done even after judging is over, especially when you’re trying to grow the prestige and recognition of your program, not to mention retain your awards judges year after year.

So what are some of the things you need to do to wrap up your awards judging and get a boost for next year’s program?

Send Judges an Email to Show Your Appreciation

While I’m sure you’ve expressed gratitude for your awards judges’ hard work, sending an email after judging thanking them for their involvement in your program is still important. Doing this not only sets the tone for next year’s program, but it also ensures that your judges know their work was not taken for granted.

Send Judges Additional Information About the Awards Gala

Another important task once judging ends is to keep judges aware of your awards gala: time, location, arrangements (if you’re flying them in or providing hotel rooms for them), and any other key details. After all, as a big part of your awards program, you want to celebrate with them too!

Send Judges Their Gift

Not all programs send their awards judges a gift but if you plan to, promptly at the end of your judging period is the time to arrange it. After all, a small gift can leave a lasting impression of your gratitude.

It’s incredibly easy to get swept away in the hectic nature of your awards gala after judging so if you have a gift for your judges, don’t let it go forgotten!

Send Judges Updates to Keep Them Engaged

Much like you need to keep in touch with entrants after your program is over to keep them engaged, you need to do the same for your judges.

Think about it: your judges are established experts in your industry. As such, it’s great to keep them informed about different events and accomplishments that your organization offers to keep them engaged until next year’s program. Doing so will encourage them to participate once again, with the kind of enthusiasm that ensures a successful outcome for your program.

Once judging is complete, your work and communications with your judges is still far from over. In fact, communication becomes more important as you prepare for the awards gala and next year’s program.

Of course, planning your awards judging isn’t simple. If you need some extra guidance or simply want to make sure you’re on the right track, download our guide to keep your program headed in the right direction!

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Miriam Hancock

Miriam Hancock
Miriam is the Marketing Coordinator for OpenWater. When she isn't writing and designing content she paints and cooks for her own personal blog.

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