5 (Not So Obvious) Reasons to Submit for a Markie Award

Since the dates for next year’s Modern Marketing Experience were announced, we’ve been waiting with angst for the 2017 Markie season to commence. And it’s finally here! Hooray!

Oracle Marketing Cloud has opened up the application process for their Markie Awards, which honors outstanding achievements in marketing excellence. The deadline for submission is 5:00pm ET on January 31, 2017. They’ve also officially released the 2017 Markie categories for the next round of awards. Amongst the repeat categories are new titles that will honor customers of OMC’s most recent acquisition: Maxymiser.

If you have not submitted an application for a Markie in the past for one reason or another, or you are newer the Oracle Marketing Cloud and you are just hearing about these things called “Markies”, here’s what’s up – they are a BIG deal. Just check out these photos from past years’ award ceremonies to get a glimpse into the glitz and the glam of it all. To be added to the list of hall-of-famers who have won a Markie Award is a career accomplishment. I remember when I attended my first Markie Award ceremony. I was at Eloqua Experience in 2008 (fun fact: the Markies came out of Eloqua). Joe Payne, CEO of Eloqua at the time, and Adrian Chang, currently Director of Customer Success at Oracle Marketing Cloud, walked up on stage and the crowd went wild! Seriously, it was like two hollywood celebrities had graced us with their presence. Joe and Adrian were a dynamic duo that evening and it made an impression on me to last a life-time. But, I digress.

It may be obvious that the primary reason for submitting an application for a Markie Award is the opportunity to celebrate your organization’s achievements in the context of using Oracle Marketing Cloud solutions. But, you may not have thought about these not-so-obvious reasons to participate in this prestigious process.

1. Reflection and Review
It’s not often us marketers have the time to look back at all that was accomplished from the past year. The Markie Awards provides a reasonable excuse to stop and take the time to review successful and not-so-successful programs and projects from which take-aways can be gleaned for future efforts.

2. Become Internet Famous
Beyond the flashing lights and roaring applause you’ll receive at the Markie Awards reception if you are a finalist, your accomplishments will expand in online reach through tweets, LinkedIn posts, viral videos, partner shout-outs and case studies. Talk about career building!

3. Viva Las Vegas
Vegas for work? That’s right! This year’s Modern Marketing Experience will be at Mandalay Bay. If you make it to the finalist list, you’ve just got to be there in person to hear your name called out in an arena filled with your marketing peers and to accept your potential award. #BudgetJustification

4. Crush Your Competition
You know your competition follows you and your company’s digital presence. How intimidating would it be to see that their competitor’s marketing organization won an award for best-in-breed marketing? Gulp.

5. Free Fashion Show
Not going to lie. One of the highlights of the Markie Awards for many is experiencing Adrian Chang’s attire at the awards reception. From black-tie formal to flags to flickering glitter, it’s always a treat. Anticipation of his selections begins on Twitter a couple months before the conference. If you’re lucky enough to get on stage, you’ll get a picture with this stunner.

So, are you up for the challenge? Roll up your sleeves, reflect back on the past year and position the results. I’ll see you in Vegas in April and I’ll be rarin’ to get my cheer on for YOU.