3 Tips to Win Awards from Jury Insiders
January 28th, 2026
Winning awards isn't about shiny trophies, it's about telling a sharp, credible story that proves impact. If you're submitting work this season, especially for the 2026 HMC Strategic Excellence Awards Powered by Collage Group, keep these jury-approved tips in mind:
1. Start with the business problem, not the execution
Great creative matters, but juries want to know what problem you solved and why it mattered. Set the stakes early and make the idea instantly clear. If a judge has to re-read your case to understand it, you’ve lost them. Clarity beats cleverness every time.
2. Prove it worked
Strong results — business, brand, or cultural impact — separate finalists from winners. Show outcomes, not just intentions.
3. Respect the craft of the case and give it time
The case study is the work’s final expression. Tight writing, smart structure, and a compelling narrative make good ideas land harder. Award-winning cases aren’t rushed. The strongest submissions are polished, pressure-tested, and thoughtfully packaged, never last-minute.
Bottom line: Awards reward work that drives growth, not just buzz. Tell the story like it matters—because it does.
Want to learn more? View an on-demand webinar featuring Luis Miguel Messianu of MEL, Angela Rodriguez of alma, Fernando Machado of Activision Blizzard, and Gustavo Lauria of We Believers.