Nominations for the PMA Industry Rising Star award are officially open. This award is open to the young prospects who have been working hard to make a positive impact within the performance marketing industry and is also a chance for you to nominate yourself or a peer that most deserves some industry recognition for all the hard work that you or they have achieved in the last 12 months.
The Rising Star award is free to enter and will give you, your colleague, friend or industry connection the recognition you or they deserve to stand out in the world of performance marketing.
The PMA Rising Star of 2018
Last year’s rising star award winner was Craig Dempsey, account director at agency Fetch. We caught up with him to see how he has been getting on since winning.
He told us he was extremely relieved when he was shortlisted as he put a lot of work into his submission.
“My name was shortlisted amongst people who had CEO in their job title, so even getting shortlisted felt like a great achievement,” said Dempsey.
Entrants will be selected by the PMA judges panel and they will then face judges in a Dragons’ Den style interview on judging day.
“Judging day was like speed dating but you had to convey your whole business worth in 10 minutes to three top industry executives. I drank three coffees before going in, one for each judge, and used my time to showcase what achievements of mine from the past year made me a Rising Star,” said Dempsey.
The chosen winner will be revealed at the awards ceremony. How did it feel to be the winner?
“To be recognised for an individual achievement award in the UK, which is such an advanced and competitive market, made me feel like all the hard work I had put in day to day was worth it,” he said.
Have there been any positive outcomes that have happened since winning?
“This award has definitely raised my industry profile and companies regularly reach out to me now, looking to work with Fetch, my clients and me. And they generally nod to the Rising Star accolade.”
Entering the Rising Star category can not only give you huge visibility within the industry but Dempsey thinks that the actual award entry process itself is quite a valuable personal process.
“It made me take a step back and look at everything I achieved over the past year. It’s something I wouldn’t reflect on on a regular basis.”
For those looking to enter this year, Dempsey highly recommends that you make your entry stand out.
“Find a way to make your personality shine through the entry form. The judges will read a hundred entries, so help them visualise the person behind the entry as best you can. This will give you the best chance of getting shortlisted.”