The Joy of Judging: Why You Should Judge Advertising Award Shows

By Janet Barker-Evans (with editorial assistance from her personal GPT “ChatRadish”)
Executive Vice President, Chief Creative Officer, AbelsonTaylor Group

Ever wondered what it’s like to sit in the judge’s seat at an advertising award show? Spoiler alert: it’s exhilarating, eye-opening, and a helluva lot of fun. If you’re a creative director — seasoned or fresh-faced — judging these awards can be one of the most enriching experiences in your career. Here’s why you should dive into the world of award show judging.

Start Small, Dream Big

You don’t have to aim for the global Effies, Clios or Cannes Lions right out of the gate. Regional and smaller shows, like the local Addy Awards or New York Festivals Advertising Awards, which are fantastic entry points. They offer a more intimate setting where you can cut your teeth, get comfortable with the process, and build your confidence. Plus, these shows are often brimming with hidden gems—campaigns that are as inspiring as they are innovative, even if they’re not splashed across national headlines. And because regional shows feed their winners into national ones, you get to see all of the campaigns first.

Feast Your Eyes on Creativity

One of the biggest perks of judging is the sheer volume of creative work you get to see. It’s like being a kid in a candy store. The diversity and brilliance of the submissions can spark ideas and push your creative boundaries. Every piece you review will challenge your thinking and make you reconsider new avenues for your own client work. For newer creative directors, it’s like a masterclass in advertising, but instead of one teacher, you have hundreds.

The Thrill of Debate

Advertising isn’t just about creating; it’s about arguing over what ideas are stronger, what makes something better for a specific audience, and how the creative helps meet the client’s business goals, or as we at AbelsonTaylor Group like to call our promise for measurable results, “Return on Imagination.” When you discuss entries with your fellow judges, you’ll have some of the most stimulating conversations of your career. And at times, some of the most heated! You’ll debate the merits of different pieces, defend your favorites, and hear compelling arguments that can shift your own views.

Fall in Love All Over Again

Every time I judge an awards show, I fall in love with our industry all over again. There’s something magical about being surrounded by brilliant work and passionate people. It reminds me why I got into advertising in the first place—the thrill of a great idea, the satisfaction of seeing it come to life, and the joy of sharing it with the world and helping our clients reach their business goals.

So, if you haven’t yet dipped your toes into judging, now’s the time. Sign up for a regional, local or smaller show and see where it takes you. You’ll come away inspired, connected, and more in love with advertising than ever before.