Presentation days ‘Q&A’
By Ian Hall
(Public Affairs News editor and chairman of PAN Awards judges)
How long have the Public Affairs News Awards had ‘Presentation Days’?
They were introduced in 2009 to give added rigour to the judging process.
What is a ‘Presentation Day’?
The shortlisted entries in some of the 14 categories are invited to come to PAN’s offices at a set time on a set date to ‘bring their entry to life’. Think of them as rather like the climatic stages of TV shows such as ‘The X-Factor’, or perhaps ‘Dragons Den’…. !
When are this year’s ‘Presentation Days’?
They are two afternoon sessions (c. 1pm-5:30pm) on two successive Friday afternoons. In 2010 they will be on Friday 20 August and Friday 27 August.
And what happens, precisely?
The shortlisted entrant(s) have five minutes (timed) to argue their case for victory to about six judges. They then face five minutes (timed) of questioning by the judges. The experience overall is 10 to 15 minutes long. Entrants should aim to arrive at PAN’s offices at least 15 minutes before their allotted time. A room is set aside for those ‘next in…’. Tea and coffee is available.
What can entrants bring along?
Entrants are welcome to bring printed materials to hand out to judges. They should bear in mind, however, that the winner is decided on the day and so judges have little very time to analyse materials left behind. One item of printed material for the entire panel to mull over is probably better than items for each of the six judges. Please don’t waste resources by leaving behind glossy brochures for each judge, etc.
Can entrants bring ‘AV’ presentations (e.g. video-clips, PowerPoint slides, etc)?
Yes. You should co-ordinate logistics with Dods’ events team in advance to ensure it will work. It is frustrating for everyone if AV presentations take a while to set up or don’t work at all. Extra time is not allowed for AV presentations. In 2009 about one in four presentations used AV.
Which categories have ‘Presentation Days’ this year?
Four: 'Rising Star – Individual'; 'In-House Team of the Year'; 'Best Agency to Work For' (a new category for 2010); and 'Consultancy of the Year'.
Why aren’t there ‘Presentation Days’ for all categories?
We would love to, but unfortunately there is a limit to how much of our awards judges’ time we can take up (Public Affairs News does not reimburse the judges for their time). The other categories will still be subject to a rigorous judging process - these winners will be decided by all the judges in a secret ballot.
If someone is shortlisted do they have to attend?
Attendance is not obligatory. But last year absolutely everyone shortlisted did a presentation, all of which were excellent and greatly helped the judges decide the winners.
How many people can entrants bring along?
Clearly if it is for an individual category then just the individual should attend. If it is a ‘team’/’agency’ category, then between one and three people should attend. Most ‘teams’/’agencies’ in 2009 brought along two or three individuals. Four or more people is unnecessary.
