By reading this guide, you are already ahead of the competition. Our aim is to give you robust, practical advice to ensure your entry stands out from the crowd.
Mark Your Calendar
As the saying goes, "you’ve got to be in it to win it."
- Check the date: Visit worldooh.org/awards to confirm the current deadline.
- Plan ahead: Add a reminder to your calendar for a few weeks prior. Better yet, start your entry today.
Master the Submission Form
We have streamlined the process into two key sections, each limited to 300 words. Because space is tight, every word counts.
- Box 1: The Campaign. Describe what you did.
- Box 2: The Rationale. Explain why it should win.
Key Advice:
- Choose the right category: Ensure your campaign fits the criteria listed on the category page.
- Write bespoke copy: Avoid copy-pasting generic text from press releases. Tailor your answers specifically for the World Out of Home Organization Awards.
What the Judges Are Looking For
Originality and "Stand-Out"
While there is no limit on entries, focus on submitting your absolute best work. Judges understand that resources vary by territory and factor this into their scoring. However, they are experts who know if an idea has been done before.
- The Goal: Identify work that is fresh, new, or disrupts the status quo.
- The Judge asks: “Have I seen this before?”
A Compelling Narrative
Judges may not be familiar with your local market or brand, so you must tell a clear story.
- The Structure: Briefly outline the brand’s challenge, your solution, the execution, and the benefit to the audience.
- The Tone: Keep it factual. Avoid hyperbole.
- The Judge asks: “Do I understand what this campaign was trying to solve, and why?”
Championing the Medium
Your entry must demonstrate and promote the unique power of Out of Home. OOH should be central to the campaign, not just a cut-down version of a TV or social ad. Show us how you used location, context, time, or format creatively.
- The Judge asks: “Does this campaign demonstrate the specific benefits of OOH as a medium?”
Visual Evidence (Critical)
OOH is a visual medium. It is nearly impossible to award an entry without seeing it in context.
- Provide High-Quality Links: If you don't provide evidence, judges may search online and find the wrong visuals. Control the narrative by providing your best assets.
- Format: Images are a must. Contextual videos are even better.
- The Judge asks: “What did it look like in the real world?”
Measurable Impact
We want to see that the campaign worked. Entries that demonstrate they achieved or exceeded client objectives always score higher.
- The Data: Include engagement stats, sales uplift, social mentions, or behavioral changes.
- The Presentation: Do not upload raw spreadsheets. Summarize the top-line results that prove you made a meaningful difference.
- The Judge asks: “Did this campaign have a positive effect? If so, how?”
Scale vs. Special Builds
It is often easier to be creative with a single location (Special Build) than a mass media buy. We have separate categories for these to ensure fair judging. Please ensure you submit to the correct one; judges may move your entry if they feel it fits better elsewhere, but don't rely on this.
- The Judge asks: “Did this campaign have creative restrictions we should be aware of?”
Final Tip: Think Like a Judge
Judges review many entries and give their full attention to each. They appreciate fully completed forms, clarity on "why it should win," and high-quality visuals. How you fill out the entry can make the difference between a winner and a runner-up.
Good luck! We hope to see you on stage!
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