ExchangeWire’s prestigious Wires awards are back for 2022, and the 29th July entry deadline is almost upon us. Our stellar panel of judges are ready and waiting to take a look at the best work the industry has to offer.

We're looking the best work from across the digital industries; technology suppliers, marketers, media agencies, digital agencies, publishers and media owners.

To help you prepare your entry, we asked some of our expert judges for their thoughts on what makes a winning campaign, and what being a Wires judge means to them. They gave us their tips as to what makes for an eye-catching, stand-out entry, and what they'll be looking for in the Wires 2022 contenders.

What are our judges looking for?

“A strong purposeful brand-consumer relationship”

What do you look for in a winning campaign?

 Undeniably, the economic uncertainty will persist until the end of 2022. During this challenging time, consumers will look towards brands who can inspire them with purpose and orientation in their daily lives.

I am looking for a winning campaign which masters a trusted-data approach to facilitate a strong purposeful brand-consumer relationship. 

What excites you about judging the Wires this year?

The Wires is a great global platform to connect marketing and technology across different marketing disciplines such as brand, media, creative and e-commerce. 

I am thrilled to work as part of a very talented jury to identify exciting campaigns, which deliver inspiration, business growth and positive impact on brand-consumer relationships.

Janine Liu, HONOR

“Ideas that challenge conventional thinking”

What do you look for in a winning campaign?

I am attracted to ideas that challenge conventional thinking and can achieve more with less. Creativity and innovation is always great to see but, for me, the best campaigns are about translating key insights in novel ways to drive exceptional results.

What excites you about judging the Wires this year?

The Wires is a magnet for talent right across the digital industry. I am particularly excited about seeing a diverse range of people and ideas coming through. We live in such fast-changing times at the moment, so it will be intriguing to see how the industry is adapting.

Duncan Arthur, CoLab Consulting

“The campaign needs to be memorable”

What do you look for in a winning campaign?

Firstly, I am looking for a campaign that is memorable, it needs to stick out in my mind because it was original or setup in a way that made me take notice. Alongside being memorable it needs to have elements of going above and beyond, it can't just be the usual day to day, it has to be noticeably special. Finally, it needs to have exceeded targets as a result of the strategy that was implemented.

What excites you about judging the Wires this year?

After a few years of relentless challenges and changes it is great to be able to take stock and see the best campaigns the industry has to offer. It will also be great to meet the judges and entrants in person and celebrate accordingly!

Asher Gordon, Global Digital Partner at dentsu X

"I am excited to see innovative solutions, integration and activation." 

What do you look for in a winning campaign?

Innovation and pushing boundaries – that’s what’s my daily objective, and what I am looking for in any winning campaign. Small steps or big steps – it doesn’t matter – a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.  I am excited to see innovative solutions, integration and activation.

What excites you about judging the Wires this year?

Now more than ever, the digital landscape and opportunities are evolving at the lightning speed. I can’t wait to see the best of the best work that has been done and been submitted for the awards. Innovation and pushing boundaries, as well as collaboration of channels, disciplines – I expect to see the unexpected, and I am sure me and fellow judges will be blown away.

Ieva Butenaite, Hearts and Science

The Wires 2022 is now open for entries, with a deadline of 29th July. Find out more and enter here.