Director of Marketing at Concordia Lutheran College, leading community engagement efforts.
I have been judging the Arts and Culture category for the Toowoomba Chamber Business Awards this week. It's been an excellent opportunity to engage with the local creative community. I'm having a wonderful time learning about what happens behind the scenes and plans for the future. I have been honoured to be on the judging panel for many awards over the years. Here are some tips I apply: 1. Understand the Criteria 2. Research the Nominees. Look into each nominee's background, previous projects, and contributions. 3. Have some consistent questions in mind. During the Site Visits 4. Observe the Environment. Pay attention to the physical space. Sometimes ot tells you more than spoken words. 5. Engage with Artists/Staff: Take the time to talk with staff, or volunteers if there is opportunity. Their passion and dedication can provide insight into the culture. 6. Take Notes. Document your observations and thoughts during each visit. This will help you compare nominees later and provide detailed feedback. After the Visits 8. Reflect and Compare. Take the time to reflect on each nominee in person with your fellow judges. Remember different perspectives can enhance the evaluation process. 9. Provide Constructive Feedback. Whether or not a nominee wins, providing constructive feedback can help them grow and improve in the future. 10. Stay Objective. While personal preferences may influence your views, try to remain objective and base your evaluation on the established criteria. Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce
