DMA opens doors for new Awards judges

The DMA is inviting experts from across the industry to apply for a place on the judging panel of its prestigious Awards programme in a move designed to enable more people to get involved whilst enhancing the transparency of the judging process.

Nominations will be considered for both generalist practitioners and sector experts - from B2B to fundraising and digital marketing to broadcast - to complement the depth and breadth of experience across the judging panel. The Awards recognise excellence in three key areas: strategy, creativity and results, so nominations are welcomed from experts in every field of direct marketing including clients, agency strategists, account handlers, creatives and media professionals.

The Awards are renowned for their high quality threshold and in order to qualify, first time judges need to have either won a DMA Award themselves in the past or receive a personal recommendation from another previous DMA Award winner or judge.

DMA Awards Committee members Marc Nohr and Steve Aldridge devised the process and criteria to select the new judges.

“We want to ensure that the DMA Awards are representative of the whole direct marketing industry, and this includes finding ways to recruit ‘new blood’ without compromising the robust judging procedure,” says Marc Nohr. “Young guns and seasoned veterans alike are eligible provided they can meet the criteria and we are committed to ensuring that at least ten per cent of the 200-strong panel is made up of new judges. We will also continue to invite back previous judges who have demonstrated the necessary skill and dedication.

“Many award schemes operate a closed door policy when it comes to the selection of judges and the DMA wants to set an industry standard by highlighting the importance of transparency. Being appointed as a judge for the DMA Awards is a career highlight and our objective is to clearly show people how they can play an active role in the industry’s premier awards scheme.”

Nominations for judges need to be made online from 7 July 2006 at: http://www.dmaawards.org.uk/Content/e-nominate.asp