How to find brilliant judges (and keep them coming back)

Good judges are the foundation of your awards programme. The right panel not only brings rigour to your judging process, but will also add credibility to your awards and do wonders for your reputation. Brilliant judges who will come back year after year are worth their weight in gold - here’s how to find them, and make sure they stick around.

Start with your wish list
Think beyond the obvious big names in your industry. Sure, having a few recognisable faces adds prestige, but a diverse panel brings real value. Look for people who are respected practitioners, not just famous personalities, and mix senior figures with rising stars - you'll get experience plus fresh perspectives.

Make it meaningful
When you’re recruiting, don’t just send a generic ‘Would you like to judge our awards?’ email. Explain why you're asking them specifically. What unique perspective do they bring? People are more likely to say yes when they feel genuinely valued, not like they're just filling a quota.

Respect their time (seriously)
Top-quality judges are busy people. If your judging process is clunky or time-consuming, they may be loath to come back! Be upfront about the time commitment, provide clear criteria and guidance, and make the scoring experience as smooth as possible (hint: this is where AwardStage comes in!). The easier you make it, the more likely they are to return next year.

Create a judges' community
The best retention strategy? Make judges feel part of something worthwhile. Share the impact of the awards programme, introduce them to fellow judges, and keep them updated on winners’ progress. When judges see the difference their work makes, they’re invested in the outcome.

Show genuine appreciation
A formulaic thank you email won’t cut it. Feature judges on your website, acknowledge them publicly, and consider small perks like early access to results or invitations to the ceremony. Recognition matters, even to people who are already successful.

Great judges don’t just validate entries - they elevate your entire programme. Treat the recruitment and retention process with the care it deserves, and you'll build a panel that strengthens your awards’ reputation year after year.

If you’d like to upgrade your judges’ experience - and your whole awards programme - we’d love to chat to you about how AwardStage can help. Just drop us a line or request a demo.