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Frequently asked questions

Our comprehensive FAQs section provides clarity and guidance on all aspects of the STEM Marketing Awards process. If you have any additional queries, please contact: hello@prolificnorth.co.uk

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Categories are grouped as follows:

  • Recognising Overall Excellence
  • Recognising Socially Conscious Marketing
  • Recognising Strategic Brilliance
  • Recognising Excellence Campaign Execution
  • Recognising Bright Sparks and Industry Icons

You can view the full list of categories, along with more details on specific entry requirements here.

  1. Make sure you select the right categories
    Have a read of all category descriptions here and gauge the quality of your campaign/work/innovation or organisation/team performance against the descriptions of what judges will be looking for. Misaligned entries may be disqualified or placed in a more suitable category. ​
  2. Tell us a story
    Tell the judges a story that flows logically from the problem to the solution, highlighting your approach and points of difference. Judges have lots of submissions to read. To stand out, make sure your entries present a clear and compelling story. ​If you are submitting your work in multiple categories, ensure you tailor your entry to align with each category criteria.
  3. Results are key
    The number one differentiating factor between most entries is evidence of impact, results or effectiveness. Ask yourself what would the judges find compelling – this can be stats, client testimonials, evidence of focus on people or wider social impact depending on the categories you’re entering. Ensure you highlight these clearly and how they measure up to your original objectives where possible.
  4. A word on budgets
    Budget size is not a deciding factor for winning, however judges prefer it when you give them an indication of the budget. Whilst the focus is holistic from idea through to implementation and effectiveness regardless of the budget, this information does help the judges understand context and they may favour entries that are more transparent. All our judges sign an NDA before they get access to the entries and your entry is confidential.
  5. Keep it simple – avoid excessive jargon
    While some industry-specific terms are acceptable, overusing jargon can be off-putting. Judges appreciate simplicity and clear communication. ​
  6. Include supporting material
    Supporting materials, such as compelling videos or images, can enhance an entry if they add value and complement the story. Keep them concise and relevant to avoid overwhelming judges. ​
  7. Allow sufficient time
    Allocate enough time for learning about the entry process, gathering supporting documentation or feedback from colleagues to create the most well-rounded submission you possibly can. We recommend you work to deadlines even if extensions may be available. ​
  8. Finish with a strong summary
    Now that you’ve written the bones of your submissions, think of the most compelling elements of your entry and summarise them for the judges. This is crucial as judges often start there. It should provide a clear and engaging overview of the entry, including the objectives, points of difference, and results.

When writing your entry, it’s important you include all the relevant information and supporting materials. Use our handy checklist below to keep you right!

  • Entry name
    the way you’d like us to refer to your entry on any collateral and on the trophy should you win. Try to make it as interesting as possible for the judges and fairly short - use the format below.
        - For team/agency/company awards: this should be the name of your organisation
        - For campaign awards: Agency name x Client name – Name of campaign
        - For individual awards: Full name – Organisation name
  • Company logo
    This will be used during our winner’s announcements, so if you are submitting on behalf of a client and would like them to get recognition during the show, please upload their company logo, rather than your own. Please include in a png or jpeg in high resolution.
  • Company logo – white
    Please provide a white version of your logo – our award presentation will be a black background so this is to ensure your logo can be seen. Please include in a png or jpeg in high resolution.
  • Social handles
    This is so we can congratulate you on social media, in the event of a nomination or win. (X, LI & Instagram)
  • Website
  • Office location(s)
  • Number of employees (full & part time)
  • Entry summary
    Summarise the key points (250 words). Make it as informative, succinct and enticing as possible for the judges.
  • What was your budget for this campaign?
    Please note we recommend giving an exact figure as it helps with the judging process. If you are not able to give an accurate figure, an estimation will suffice. (Campaign categories only)
  • Entry information (confidential, mandatory)
    Please structure your main entry using the following three headings: Objectives, Strategy & Results (1250 words)
  • Entry video (optional)
    You have the option to add either a Youtube or Vimeo link (please make sure to have your video set to public). This video should be of your entry or to support your written entry and shouldn’t be longer than 3 minutes – please let us know if you’d like your video to be kept confidential otherwise we might choose to show it on the night should you win.
  • Entry image
    This will be the image we will use across marketing and event materials in the event of a nomination or win. It can be an image from your campaign (if applicable), a company logo or a headshot. Max file size – 10MB
  • Attachments (max 5)
  • Supporting files
    If you have additional creative or infographics you can combine them into one pdf for the judges’ consideration. This is optional and only if needed to supplement your entry (you will have the chance to add images in the publication section below that the judges will see).
  • Supporting URL(s)
    If you have a web page or site that shows your work, then you should add the link here. Please don’t include a website that is not part of your entry as this will be judged as part of your submission.

When writing your entry, it’s important you include all the relevant information and supporting materials – please note there is additional information required for an individual award. Use our handy checklist below to keep you right!

  • Entry summary
    This will be used on your profile for the public vote so do not include any confidential information. (150 words)
  • Entry information (confidential, mandatory)
    Please structure your main entry using the following three headings: Objectives, Strategy & Results (1250 words)
  • Entry video (optional)
    You have the option to add either a Youtube or Vimeo link (please make sure to have your video set to public). This video should be of your entry or to support your written entry and shouldn’t be longer than 3 minutes – please let us know if you’d like your video to be kept confidential otherwise we might choose to show it on the night should you win.
  • Entry Headshot
    Please ensure this is a high resolution photo and portrait. This will be the image we will use across marketing and event materials in the event of a nomination or win. It can be an image from your campaign (if applicable), a company logo or a headshot. (Max file size – 10MB)
  • Who is being nominated?
    Select from the drop down with ‘Yourself’, or ‘Colleague/friend’ and ‘student’
  • Does the nominee know they are being nominated?
    We may need to contact you about this entry, so please ensure the contact details are not the nominee’s if they do not know.
  • Attachments (max 5)
  • Supporting files
    If you have additional creative or infographics you can combine them into one pdf for the judges’ consideration. This is optional and only if needed to supplement your entry (you will have the chance to add images in the publication section below that the judges will see).
  • Supporting URL(s)
    If you have a webpage or site that shows your work, then you should add the link here. Please don’t include a website that is not part of your entry as this will be judged as part of your submission.

Who is eligible to enter The STEM Marketing Awards?

You are eligible to enter the STEM Marketing Awards if your organisation meets both of the following criteria:

  • It sells directly to other businesses (B2B) rather than to consumers.
  • Its products, services or marketing activities are concerned with at least one of the STEM disciplines - science, technology, engineering and maths.

Individuals and freelancers, agencies and in-house teams are all eligible. There are no restrictions on team size or work location. You can submit your entry via our dedicated portal here.

If you have any doubts about your work's eligibility, we're happy to help, please contact us on harry@prolificnorth.co.uk

What is the entry criteria?

Entries should relate to work undertaken in the last 1 year and 10 months preceding the final entry deadline (e.g. May 2023 - March 2025 for the STEM Marketing Awards). If you have any doubts on your work’s eligibility we’re happy to help, please contact us on Harry@prolificnorth.co.uk.

You can submit the same work into multiple categories if relevant - duplicating entries within the portal is simple.

A transparent and fair judging process is at the heart of our awards. Our carefully selected panel of judges will be split into subgroups depending on their expertise and assigned categories to score. Judges will read and score all entry forms, considering any supporting materials submitted if needed. The type of entries will be scored differently depending on award type.

What are the entry deadlines and cost?

Early bird entries: 18th November 2024 - 20th January 2025
General entries: 21st January 2025 - 4th March 2025
Shortlist announced: 27th March 2025
Live ceremony: 22nd May 2025

Where will The STEM Marketing Awards Ceremony take place?

The Science and Industry Museum, Manchester

Are any categories free to enter?

Yes - There are several free categories:

- Best Social Impact Campaign
- Best Not For Profit Campaign
- Best Educational Campaign
- Young Marketer of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement in Marketing

Furthermore, all shortlisted entries across all categories will automatically be eligible for the Chairmans'/Best in Show Award at no extra charge.

Can I sponsor The STEM Marketing Awards?

You can find information about sponsoring the awards here.

How can I be a judge at The STEM Marketing Awards?

Judges are generally invited on a personal basis based on their credentials and experience with the STEM industry. If you would like to be considered for future awards and events please contact us here.

Meet our sponsors

Main Sponsor - Trelleborg

Sponsor - MOVE Marketing
Sponsor - AZoNetwork


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