How to Submit a Standout Rise Awards Nomination

 

The Rise Awards celebrate exceptional individuals and organisations driving positive change and progress across the broadcast technology sector. While each category is unique, the core question remains the same: “ Tell us why you think this person (or organisation) should win this award. ” (500–1000 words)

To help you craft a compelling nomination, we’ve put together a few tips:


1. Tell a clear, focused story

Avoid generic praise and generalities. Instead, structure your entry around two to three accomplishments that show impact and leadership. What did they do? Why was it significant? What was the outcome?

2. Demonstrate impact with evidence

Back up your claims with specific outcomes or metrics when possible. Did their project save time, cut costs, improve diversity, break new ground, or influence others? Judges want to understand the scale and substance of the nominee’s contribution.

3. Use quotes to bring it to life

Incorporate quotes from managers, peers, or collaborators to add authenticity and texture. A well-placed quote gives insight into how others view the nominee’s influence and character.

4. Avoid repetition and filler language

Stay within the word count, but do not pad the entry with buzzwords or repeated points. Prioritise clarity and relevance over flowery language or long intros.

5. Avoid ‘vanilla’ nominations

Judges are not looking for cut-and-paste LinkedIn bios or generic praise. They want nominations that feel personal, credible, and thoughtfully written. If it could apply to anyone, it will not stand out.

6. Highlight what sets them apart

Why this person or organisation? What makes them different from others in similar roles? Look for unique achievements, qualities, or initiatives that show exceptional value or leadership.

7. Keep the tone professional and human

You are writing for experienced judges, but that does not mean the entry needs to be overly formal. Let your admiration for the nominee come through in a way that feels sincere and confident.

Final Thoughts:

Put yourself in a judge’s shoes. You are reading dozens of entries: what would make you stop and take notice? Strong nominations do not just explain what someone did; they show why it mattered. Make the case clearly, credibly, and with genuine pride.

What to Emphasise for Each Category

Here are guidelines for tailoring your entry to specific award categories:

Share concrete examples of mentorship, inclusion efforts, or internal policy shifts driven by the nominee.

Emphasise strategic vision, leadership impact, culture-building, and long-term success.

Emphasise efficiency, process improvement, or strategic decisions that contributed to measurable business results.

Provide examples of initiatives that go beyond policy, such as mentorship programs, career development, or structural change.

Speaking, mentoring, writing, or campaigning for change across the industry.

Focus on measurable campaign results, innovation in the broadcast and media technology sector, and specific creative achievements

Highlight novel ideas that have made a real impact, such as new features, tools, or solutions. What problem did they solve, and how did it change things?

Focus on behind-the-scenes excellence: problem solving, uptime, and critical support that enables success.

Highlight the ability to lead complex initiatives, manage stakeholders, and deliver under pressure, on time and on budget.

Highlight the ability to lead complex initiatives, manage stakeholders, and deliver under pressure, on time and on budget.

Emphasise depth of technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and how their work has advanced products or internal capabilities.

Look for future leaders, those who’ve made a clear impact early in their careers and show great promise.

Show how the nominee ensures excellence in fast-paced or complex environments. Focus on reliability, workflow innovation, or outstanding teamwork under pressure.

Focus on learning agility, early contributions, standout projects, and growth potential.

Emphasise customer relationships, market development, team leadership, or record-setting performance.

Think big-picture influence. The winner should exemplify leadership, innovation, advocacy, and impact across multiple dimensions.