WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Entrants are advised to read the following criteria and guidelines carefully to ensure all relevant information is provided to the judges. Submissions must be current and relate to the official qualifying period of 30 November 2025 – 30 November 2026. A new submission must be provided each year; submissions from previous years will not be accepted.

All written submissions must be uploaded online via the awards website.

The written submission must be presented in two parts: the main document, containing responses to the criteria questions, and supporting documentation of no more than three pages.

Both parts must adhere to the following requirements:

LAYOUT: Each question or criterion must be addressed. State the question or criterion, followed by your response.

WORD LIMIT: The main submission must not exceed 1,000 words, unless otherwise specified.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Include relevant photos, tables, graphs or other supporting evidence, where applicable. Supporting documentation must not exceed three pages.

Please combine the written submission and supporting documentation into one PDF document.

HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR MARKS

Present your submission in a professional, corporate format.
Adhere to the 1,000-word limit.
Use the category-specific criteria and questions as headings throughout your submission.
Use tables or graphs, where applicable, to present figures and demonstrate results.
Include an appendix to support the information and claims outlined in your submission.

Any content exceeding the 1,000-word limit or the three-page limit for supporting documentation will not be considered during judging.

PROPERTY AWARDS – WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The general Written Submission Requirements outlined above also apply to the Property Awards.

Entrants are advised to read the criteria and guidelines carefully to ensure all relevant information is provided to the judges. Submissions must be current and relate to the official qualifying period of 30 November 2025 – 30 November 2026.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Additional photographs are required for Property Award submissions, including before-and-after images. Supporting documentation must not exceed five pages.

Please combine the written submission and supporting documentation into one PDF document.

PEOPLE AWARDS – WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A written submission outlining the nominee's outstanding achievements is required for the People Awards.

THE SUBMISSION

The submission must include:

A one- to two-page written submission outlining the nominee's outstanding achievements during the official awards qualifying period of 30 November 2025 – 30 November 2026.
A copy of the nominee's up-to-date CV.
A corporate headshot of the nominee, uploaded separately to the awards portal as a high-resolution JPEG file.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

The written submission should outline the nominee's key achievements during the qualifying period by addressing the following points:

Outstanding achievements: Summarise the nominee's achievements in their role, demonstrating performance beyond the requirements of their job description, supported by evidence such as recognition, projects or results.
Additional contributions: Highlight contributions beyond their core role, including learning and development or industry involvement.
Challenges and solutions: Describe challenges faced and how they were addressed.
Key actions and initiatives: Outline significant actions or initiatives undertaken by the nominee.
Measurable outcomes: Demonstrate the results achieved using relevant figures, data or other evidence.
Impact: Explain the impact of the nominee's contributions on guests, team members and/or business performance.
Leadership and professionalism: Demonstrate the nominee's leadership, professionalism and commitment to industry values.

NOTE: Nominees should be familiar with the content of their submission, as they will be required to expand on their achievements during the interview stage.

OPTIONAL SUPPORTING MATERIAL

Supporting material, such as testimonials, marketing links, images or performance data, may be included and must not exceed three pages.

Please combine the written submission and any supporting documentation into one PDF document. The nominee's corporate headshot must be uploaded separately to the awards portal.

PEOPLE AWARDS – INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS

Nominees will participate in an interview as part of the judging process. The interview is designed to build on the written submission, with nominees asked to expand on the achievements outlined in their submission in response to the category-specific questions.

Nominees will be assessed on their ability to clearly articulate their achievements and demonstrate excellence in their role.

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

Prepare thoroughly for the interview in advance.
Review your written submission, particularly the summary of achievements.
Read the category-specific questions and understand how your achievements align with them.
Be prepared to provide additional details, examples and outcomes beyond those included in your written submission.
Practise answering questions about your role, achievements and strengths, regardless of who prepared the written submission.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Be familiar with your submission and ready to confidently discuss your achievements.
Relax and take your time when responding to questions.
Dress professionally, even though the interview will be conducted via Zoom.
Greet the judges confidently, introduce yourself and engage positively.
Use the interview as an opportunity to showcase your hard work and clearly explain what you have achieved.
Demonstrate passion, enthusiasm and pride in your role.
Be yourself and answer questions honestly.
Take a breath before answering, or ask for a question to be repeated if needed.
If you momentarily lose your train of thought, pause, regroup and continue.

Remember: This is not a formal job interview. The purpose is to help the judges better understand you, your achievements and why you are excelling in your role.