The CIHT Awards are back and bigger than ever. After a record breaking year in 2023, Bruce Connal, CIHT Marketing and Communication Manager, outlines how entering the CIHT Awards for free can help position your organisation as a leader to the budget holders and decision makers of the sector.
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How long have you been involved with the CIHT awards?
This will be my fifth year in charge of the entry process to the CIHT awards and in that time we have increased the number of entries by almost 60 per cent since my first year. It is always an exciting time for CIHT. The entry phase for the awards is a great way to start the year as we get to see all the brilliant initiatives and projects from organisations, big and small around the world, and we have the opportunity to showcase them and give them the recognition they deserve on a worldwide stage.
What do you think have been the reasons for the awards’ success?
I think there are multiple factors that have accelerated the growth of the CIHT awards.
Firstly, I think there is widespread recognition that we genuinely want to celebrate the great work of the sector and the way it benefits the public. We make our awards stand out and differentiate ourselves from the competition by enhancing the value of entering and in having a rigorous judging process. We do not put any obstacles in the way – entry is free and you do not have to be a CIHT member to enter or work for a CIHT partner organisation – as we want to see the work your team and organisation has done. We then promote your work to tens of thousands of professionals in our network including highways and transportation’s key budget holders and decision-makers .
Secondly, every entry is read not only by the judges but by members of the CIHT editorial , policy and event teams. Plus, every shortlisted entry will be read by a member of the senior management team. Therefore, every entry is not only considered for the awards but for future content, events, roundtables, white papers and other incredible PR opportunities. Every entry, whatever the level of success, will be considered throughout CIHT and will potentially drive future activities at CIHT for the next twelve months and beyond.
Finally, the CIHT awards provide the opportunity for organisations to enhance their brand reputation and gain new business - as our awards are seen as a genuine sign of quality helping to attract potential clients, strategic transport bodies and investors. We have ensured that the structure of the categories gives the organisation a platform to tell their story and position themselves as leaders in the sector, which makes being shortlisted a fantastic accomplishment.
What are the practical benefits of being shortlisted for a CIHT award?
It brings huge credibility to an organisation, creates new opportunities and motivates staff. In 2022, So-Mo, I hope they won’t mind being described as a small but fantastic organisation, were shortlisted for the Research Initiative of the Year Category. Their entry brought their organisation and their great work to our attention. Their participation in the awards has provided them with considerable opportunities in the sector and we have featured them in Transportation Professional magazine; they have spoken at the 2023 CIHT Emerging Professionals Conference to the future leaders of the sector; presented at a CIHT Masterclass; been part of CIHT panels with other thought leaders; and are now in discussion about e-learning opportunities with CIHT. All from a single shortlisted entry.
It shows that we are sincere in our claims. Even if you do not win the category, the value of your entry goes well beyond the announcement of the shortlist and the awards ceremony. A simple, concise CIHT awards entry could be the best press release you do all year.
Are there any changes to the awards this year?
We have fine-tuned the entry criteria based on participants’ feedback. We have made the structure of the entry form closer to the structure of a report or white paper. Therefore, you may find you have done all the work already and can easily adapt a pre-existing report. As before, there are no trick questions. We just want to give you and your colleagues the chance to shine and tell your organisation’s story so we can give it the platform it deserves.
And finally, if you had a message for CIHT members who haven’t, as yet, entered the awards, what would it be?
Most awards only reward the winners. With the CIHT awards, we make sure that whatever the level of success your entry has, the time you take to enter is rewarded and worthwhile. We know that you and your organisation have done the hard work and are rightly proud of your projects. Therefore, do not hesitate to have a look at the CIHT award categories, discuss with your team and find the categories that best reflect your work. With thirteen categories there will be many that are relevant to your work. Then start your entry, you won’t regret it. Entry is free and simple. You have nothing to lose and 2024 could be your year.
If you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to contact me at bruce.connal@ciht.org.uk. I will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Key dates
Entries open: 8 January 2024
Deadline for entries: 4 March 2024
Shortlist announced: 23 April 2024
All submissions must be made online via the online entry portal at CIHT Awards.
Submissions must be made in English only.
Get the recognition your work deserves.
Free to enter for any organisation working in the sector.
Entries can be submitted by anyone whether a CIHT member or not
>>> Find out moreContact awards@ciht.org.uk
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
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