We haven’t even opened nominations for the East Anglian Marketing Awards yet – but someone’s already asked a question I think is worth answering properly.
In response to our pre-launch survey, one person wrote:
“I’d like to see genuine winners, not just mates of the organisers. May take a couple of years to get to that, but in the early years that’s probably normal.”
It’s a fair concern. And a common one in the early stages of any new awards programme. So here’s exactly how we’re planning to make sure the EAMAs are built on transparency, trust, and a level playing field from day one.
Organisers Don’t Pick the Winners — Judges Do
When nominations open, we’ll assemble independent judging panels made up of experienced marketers and industry voices from across the region. Those judges will score entries against clear, public criteria. No one gets special treatment. No one is judged differently.
On Sponsors, Friends, and Familiar Names
It’s true that sponsors often end up as finalists in awards like this – but it’s not because they’re insiders. It’s because they’re involved. Sponsors tend to ask questions, read the guidance, and submit strong, thoughtful nominations that align with the criteria.
They don’t get early access, special information, or a free pass. Everything they use to craft a nomination is publicly available to everyone else too.
As for friends of the organisers – I’ve worked in marketing in Norwich for five years now and I’ve made a lot of connections by actively showing up: to events, communities, panels, collaborations. Naturally, I know people who may end up entering. But they won’t get any advantage from that. Our judging process is designed to be completely separate from me – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
From the Get-Go
I get it. Early days come with doubts. But we’re not here to wing it.
Here’s how we’re making sure this isn’t just another clique:
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Judging criteria will be published before nominations open
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Judges will be listed publicly – and rotated each year
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Judges won’t assess categories where they have personal or professional conflicts, we’ve always run bias checks – and always will
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All nomination guidance will be openly available to everyone
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We’re actively trying to advertise beyond the usual networks for nominees and judges alike
We’re not promising perfection – but we are promising principles.
Want to See It Done Right? Get Involved.
If you’re reading this and feeling a bit sceptical, I’d love to invite you to follow along. Better yet, get involved. Nominate someone you admire. Volunteer as a judge in future years. Come to one of our events and see who we’re championing – and why.
These awards aren’t about who you know. They’re about what you bring to marketing in East Anglia. And that’s a promise.