Not all education product awards—and there are many—are created equal. Some programs rely on input from the public at large, others field a panel of judges to evaluate entries. In a few cases, it’s not at all clear how winners earn their recognition.
It’s natural for business-to-education (B2E) marketers to wonder which award programs are worth their scarce time, energy and resources—and which opportunities to pass over. Indeed, it’s a question we field on a regular basis from client partners and friends in the market: “Should we enter this?”
Well, should you?
When it comes to the SIIA CODiE Awards, the answer is almost always, “yes.” We believe in the CODiEs so much that CB&A serves as the Official Marketing Communications Agency of the award program.
What are the CODiE Awards?
Honoring education technology for over 30 years, the CODiE Awards shine a light on the top companies, products and people making a difference. The only peer-recognized program in the business and education technology industries, each CODiE Award win serves as incredible market validation for a product’s innovation, vision and impact.
Here are the top three reasons the CODiE Awards are a perennial favorite among many successful education vendors:
- The judging process is legit. No “smoke and mirrors” here. SIIA plainly spells out the product evaluation process on the CODiE Awards website. In the first-round review, all nominated products receive a detailed inspection by two expert judges via live demo. All nominees receive detailed feedback, which can be used in marketing and product development work. Top-rated products earn finalist status, and all finalists undergo a second-round peer review by SIIA members and teams of experts from the first round. Your nomination will get a fair, thorough look.
- The program stands the test of time. Since 1986, the CODiE Awards have recognized thousands of products, services and solutions. This matters because K-12 and higher education leaders have come to recognize the program as one they can trust to make high-quality, informed endorsements. Education marketers enter their products year after year because they see firsthand the impact of a CODiE Awards finalist or winner badge.
- Promotion of finalists and winners is built in. SIIA has proven over the years that it’s serious about publicly recognizing CODiE Awards finalists and winners. From press outreach to social media shout-outs and announcement ceremonies, SIIA exerts significant effort to promote its honorees. Finalists and winners also receive a promotion kit to incorporate into their own marketing communications programs.
When it comes to selecting the CODiE Awards category that best fits your product, you’ll find no shortage of options.
So, check out the CODiEs. And if questions come to mind along the way, reach out to us for an insider’s tip.
Related: How Efficacy Research Builds Credibility for EdTech Companies