Presentation days ‘Q&A’

By Ian Hall
(Public Affairs News editor and chairman of PAN Awards judges)

What is a Presentation Day?

The shortlisted entries in about six of the 14 categories are invited to come to our 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’….!

How long have the Public Affairs News Awards had ‘Presentation Days’?

They were introduced in 2009 to give added rigour to the judging process.

When are this year’s Presentation Days?

This year (2011) we have decided to have one full presentation day instead of two different afternoons. It will be on Friday 9 September 2011.

And what happens, precisely?

The shortlisted entrant(s) have seven-and-a-half minutes (timed) to argue their case for victory to about six judges. They then face about seven-and-a-half minutes (timed) of questioning by the judges. The experience overall is therefore about 15 minutes. Entrants should aim to arrive at PAN’s offices (which are near St James’s Park Underground station) at least 10 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 very little time to analyse materials left behind. One item (maximum) 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 previous years about one in four presentations have used AV.

Which categories have ‘Presentation Days’ this year?

Six: 'Rising Star – Individual (Agency)’; 'Rising Star – Individual (In-House)’; 'Best Agency to Work For'; ‘Consultant of the Year’; ‘In-House Team of the Year'; 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 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.

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 previous years have brought along two or three individuals. Four or more people is unnecessary.

If someone is shortlisted do they have to attend?

Attendance is not obligatory. But in previous years absolutely everyone shortlisted has done a presentation, all of which have greatly helped the judges decide the winners. If you are entering a category with presentation days then you should try and keep Friday 9 September free in your diary.

Anything else?

We have to be pretty strict on timings so please try to ensure your presentation does not overrun. One team in 2010 had apparently not practised their presentation and were stuck on 'slide 2' of what appeared to be a 10-slide presentation after their seven-and-a-half minutes. Despite being politely encouraged to wrap it up they ploughed on, more than once, frustrating some of the judging panel.