Best Association of the Year

Please click the buttons below to view the category criteria and enter via our online entry form.

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This award is given to an Irish association that offers the most exemplary representation, advancement or experience for its members. Judges will look for a clear and coherent strategy, workforce and member engagement, proven success in advancing the aims of your association and excellence in management/leadership. Entry is by a 5-page A4 PDF submission; the judges will be looking for a clear plan and evidence that it is delivering on core objectives, paying particular attention to the criteria listed below.

  • Organisation Overview: Give an overview of the association, its history, its mission, and key milestones. Share the size and composition of the membership, details about leadership and governance, a snapshot of financial stability, and the association's guiding values and culture.
  • Exceptional Contributions and Achievements: Highlight the specific contributions and achievements the association has made over the past 12 months. This should include significant projects, initiatives, events, or programmes that have had a substantial impact on your members, your industry, profession, or community.
  • Industry Leadership and Excellence: Highlight your association ’s industry leadership, contributions to professional development and education, and any awards, accolades, or industry recognition received. Emphasize a commitment to excellence with concrete examples of leadership and high standards in your field over the past 12 months.
  • Positive Impact and Outcomes: Demonstrate the positive impact your activities and initiatives have had over the past 12 months, and how they have benefited your members, the profession, industry, or the wider community. Use quantifiable data and success stories to support these claims.
  • Advocacy and Influence: Showcase the association's role in advocating for its members and industry, sharing specific achievements from the past 12 months in representing members' interests to government bodies, regulatory agencies, or other relevant stakeholders.
  • Engagement and Outreach: Discuss how you have engaged with your members, stakeholders, and the public, and emphasise any outreach efforts to promote the profession or field. Highlight events, programmes, and activities that have fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking within the industry.