What are The REAL Cyber Awards about?
Here are some questions we have been asked about the Awards
Why did you do it?
We wanted to do something that had REAL integrity and actually means something when you win.
There's too many 'Pay to play' awards out there! They are a scam! If you're buying an award, then why not just go out and buy your own and cut out the middle man?!
Other Awards have merit, but they still expect a high ticket price to sponsor and/or attend. They also have the same judges, the same winners (it seems) on an annual basis. the 'old-boys-network' is still thriving! (but their days are numbered).
Is it ok to be a Sponsor AND enter the awards?
Yes... But understand that you'll be scrutinised even more closely. If you think that sponsoring will guarantee a 'win', then you're sadly mistaken. In truth, because you are a sponsor we will seek to validate any claims you make on your entry. If it feels like your marketing team (or ChatGPT!) wrote your entry , we'll know.
To put it simply... we don't take money in exchange for an award.
How has it gone so far?
Amazing!
In 2023 we had 160 people attend our first awards and the feedback was incredibly positive. We got a little excited on the night and announced we would be back in 2024, because we sensed that's what people wanted. This year we had around the same number attend, which we were very happy with.
Any surprises on the night?
'The Bin is Back'... Check out the Gallery and you'll see some categories did not have a winner! To put it plainly... if the judges aren't convinced with the merit of the entrants, then we have a 'no winner' result and the award 'goes in the bin'!
Why did you do that?
These are the REAL Cyber Awards. You don't win by copying and pasting your marketing blurb into an entry form. Making bold statements of being 'the most innovative X', needs to be backed up with some REAL evidence. We WILL check your claims, and we expect a little evidence that you're doing what you say you do. We're looking for those who make a REAL impact, not just fancy claims from your copywriter.
So if you are shortlisted, you've done incredibly well. We don't shortlist everyone... so well done to everyone shortlisted.
What can we expect next?
New judges, new categories and plenty of fun and entertainment... but we will announce next steps soon. For now, we're enjoying hearing how people enjoyed The Real Cyber Awards 2024.
Thanks to everyone who made it so special.