Rules & Guidelines
Simple Steps to Shine
Our awards are easy to enter and open to everyone in education. The details below will guide you in preparing your winning entry!
Shine Bright at the GESS Education Awards: Your Path to Global Recognition!
Eligibility for Entry
The awards are open to all education institutions and suppliers worldwide, regardless of whether they are exhibiting at GESS 2026. Entries can be submitted by institutions or individuals themselves, or through nominations. If entering on behalf of someone else, ensure their consent.
Entry Fees
Entry is free for teaching professionals and schools. A $75 fee applies to entries in the supplier/distributor category.
Online Submission Guidelines
All entries must be submitted online. Submissions should be no longer than 6,000 characters and must address the key criteria for the relevant category.If the entry is not submitted by the legal owner of the product then the submitter must have permission to submit the product on behalf of the manufacturer.
Submission Requirements
Companies or schools must upload a high-resolution logo, while individuals must provide a high-resolution headshot for use in marketing materials if shortlisted.
Language of Submissions
All submissions and supporting materials must be in English to ensure fair evaluation, as not all judges speak other languages.
Judges' Decisions
The judges' decisions are final. They may reassign entries to more appropriate categories if necessary and reserve the right to reject entries that do not meet the GESS Education Awards requirements.
Independent Judging Panel
The awards are judged by an independent panel of experts who select winners for each category.
Consultants and Entry Forms
Consultants, such as marketing or PR teams, may complete entry forms on behalf of entrants.
Conflict of Interest
Judges must declare any conflicts of interest and withdraw from judging entries where such conflicts exist.
Organisers' Rights
The organisers reserve the right to adjust deadlines and categories as needed.
Confidentiality of Financial Data
Financial data submitted will remain confidential unless explicit permission is given to use it. Clarify any elements of your entry that should not be made public.
Use of Submitted Materials
By entering, companies authorize the organizers to use submitted data and visuals for the awards presentation.
Supporting Evidence
Videos must be submitted via web links, and tables should be uploaded as separate supporting materials rather than included in the submission text.
Multiple Categories
Entrants can submit entries for multiple categories but must complete separate submissions for each.
Collaborative Entries
Collaborative efforts should specify all major contributors. Submissions for joint initiatives should come from the lead institution, with partner institutions mentioned at the awards ceremony where appropriate.
Permission for Product Submission
If the entry is not submitted by the legal owner of the product, the submitter must have permission from the manufacturer.
Preparing Your Entry
When preparing your submission text (reasons for entering), please review the award criteria carefully and keep any specific requirements that the judges will be looking for in mind.
Ensure that your submission contains sufficient robust information. Please include relevant facts and figures where possible. Some categories may ask you to include details of a particular initiative or initiatives; please think carefully about these and select those that best promote your expertise.
Please note that for continuity purposes we will use the institution name throughout the process in our publicity, although if you are shortlisted then a reference will be made on the night to a specific department or project if this is listed in the nominee field of your submission form.
Supporting Materials
You may back up your nomination by attaching supporting materials. These can include: photographs, documents containing statistics, testimonials, supporting research, brochures, case studies, evaluation or inspection reports, press cuttings and promotional material. Please highlight any sections you believe are particularly relevant. If you wish to submit a video as supporting evidence you will need to supply the URL where the video is hosted in the relevant box. You will also need to upload your high-resolution logo on the nomination form if you are a company or school, or if you are an individual a high-resolution photograph headshot as this will also be used if shortlisted for marketing materials during the awards ceremony.