8 Reasons Why Entering the SEGD Global Design Awards Is Good Business

February 19, 2025

The SEGD Global Design Awards aren’t just about recognition—they’re a strategic opportunity to grow your firm’s reputation, visibility, and business.

If you need help making the case to invest in entering the design awards, here are eight reasons that all add up to a win—even if you don’t take home an award this year (hint: you can try again next year—resubmissions win too).

Submitting your work ensures it’s seen by industry leaders, potential clients, and collaborators year-round.

1. Get Seen by the Right People—All Year Long

SEGD winners enjoy sustained exposure:

• SEGD.org attracts 50,000 visitors annually, generating half a million engagements.
• The projects section is one of the most visited areas, drawing 20,000 viewers and 175,000 engagements.
• Some award-winning projects from a decade ago still receive 500+ views per year—a long-lasting return on investment.
• SEGD features award-winning projects weekly across newsletters, social media, and digital platforms, keeping your work in the spotlight.

2. The Only Award Dedicated to Experiential Design

SEGD is the only awards program exclusively celebrating experiential design, making it uniquely valuable for firms in this space.

• The awards are judged by leading experts in the field, ensuring meaningful peer recognition.
• They celebrate excellence in wayfinding, exhibitions, digital experiences, placemaking, branded environments, and more.
• SEGD entrants have a 1 in 10 chance of winning, offering far better odds than many other design competitions where you’re up against hundreds—if not thousands—of entrants.
• Unlike some awards that spotlight only winners, SEGD provides complete project profiles for all finalists and winners, maximizing exposure.

3. A High-Value, Low-Cost Marketing Strategy

An SEGD award is a cost-effective way to build credibility and attract new business.

• A single entry fee delivers sustained marketing value and exposure.
• Award-winning projects naturally attract new clients, reinforcing your firm’s expertise.
• Adding ‘award-winning’ beside your name goes a long way—recognition differentiates your firm in proposals, RFPs, and client pitches.
• Winning unlocks valuable PR and media opportunities that amplify your visibility without the high price tag.

4. Elevate Your Industry Reputation

An SEGD award signals excellence and leadership in experiential design.

• Earn client trust with third-party validation from a respected global organization, separating you from the competition.
• Winning firms report increased business inquiries, media attention, and recruitment success.
• Award winners are often tapped for speaking engagements, article contributions, and webinars through SEGD, further positioning them as thought leaders in the industry.

5. Employee Retention & Team Pride

Awards aren’t just about external recognition—they build internal motivation and pride.

• Employees feel valued and inspired when their work is recognized.
• Winning helps with team retention and morale, reducing turnover costs.
• The recognition acknowledges the effort of the entire team, strengthening company culture.

6. Attract Top Talent

Award-winning firms become magnets for the best designers in the industry.

• Winning helps with recruiting by showcasing your company as a leader in experiential design
• An award shows your investment in creativity and excellence, making your firm a desirable place to work

7. Leverage Your Project Documentation

The effort to document your project goes beyond the awards—it benefits your firm’s marketing and business development for years.

• Well-crafted project documentation—crafting a clear, compelling written narrative highlighting the project’s value, design challenge, approach, solution, and impact—clarifies your firm’s messaging and strengthens future proposals.
• High-quality photography and films not only boost your chances of winning but also enhance engagement on your own website, social media, and among potential clients.

8. Powerful PR & Media Exposure

Winning an SEGD award provides free publicity that extends well beyond the ceremony.

• Featured on SEGD.org, newsletters, social media, and global design platforms.
• Creates a ready-made PR moment for press releases, case studies, and portfolio updates.
• Increases visibility with prospective clients and partners, reinforcing your firm’s creative strength.

Your Work Deserves Recognition

Great design should be seen and celebrated. The SEGD Global Design Awards highlight the best in experiential design—this is your chance to showcase your project excellence, innovation, and impact.

📅 Open for Entries: Final Deadline, March 15, 2025

Invest in your firm’s future. Gain recognition. Win new business. 🚀