The Performance Marketing Awards returns for its 12th annual appearance in April next year, providing a night of celebration devoted to recognising the performance marketing industry’s triumphs in innovation and creativity across the UK.
Amid a number of newly-introduced categories – including those recognising developments in AI and attribution, and those recognising the work of individual teams – one particular category returning this year deserves its own special announcement – the Rising Star award.
Recognising industry newcomers for their early success, development, natural talent and initiative, this trophy can mean the world to its winners and has been known to serve as an invaluable professional endorsement for their ensuing careers.
With nominations for 2018 now open, the Rising Star award relies on the recommendation of professional peers and partners, and never fails to see huge amounts of competition, thanks to our industry bursting with a wealth of upcoming performance marketing leaders.
“Fantastic opportunities”
At the Performance Marketing Awards earlier this year, it was Ve Interactive’s head of affiliate partnerships, Zoe Morgan who, at the age of just 23 at the time of nomination, earned the title. Peers called her early career “remarkable”, while nominations regarded her strength, determination, hard work and passion.
Since winning the Rising Star award, Morgan told PerformanceIN she has been presented with “fantastic opportunities” within the world of affiliate, calling it a “huge” personal achievement.
“The exposure has helped catapult my career progression in the industry and opened many doors,” said Morgan, “It has allowed me to become well-known within the industry and grow my network immensely. I have become a professional who is now somebody brands, partners and colleagues trust to work with and be connected with.
“Winning this award has positively boosted my reputation within the performance marketing industry,” she added.
Entering & ‘what’s new’
While the fundamental objective of the Rising Star – to recognise bright, up and coming talent – remains steadfast this year, a number of revisions have been made to the entry process and criteria. All nominees for the award must now have less than six years’ performance marketing industry experience and be under 35 years of age.
Additionally, in order to achieve a more qualitative view of the candidates, all entries are required to include the nominee’s updated CV and 1,000 word (maximum) pitch outlining how the individual has impacted the business.
A shortlist of finalists will then be announced on February 22 when each of the finalists will be invited to present a five-minute pitch for themselves in front of the panel of judges, who will be looking for drive and ambition, and will have the opportunity to ask questions about the entry.
Before deciding on an outright winner, the shortlisted entrants will be encouraged to seek wider endorsements from the industry via a voting form, with feedback captured and considered from clients and peers.