We’re coming up on the big annual awards, the ones that really mean something. Did you try for either the Laurels or the Auroras?
These are the ones that really matter to the outside world. The association awards (Realtor of the Year, Builder of the Year, etc.) are true honors but the selection has more than a bit of politics involved - often, the winner is the one who has done more for the association than the profession, for the good of the group rather than the good of the person who writes the paycheck.
The Laurels and Auroras appear to be as impartial as possible. I suspect that outside influences somehow try to worm their way into the process at some point but there also seem to be enough firewalls to make the impact minor, at best.
The Auroras are so big that it’s probably daunting to even think of entering. They’re awarded in conjunction with the Southeast Building Conference and include statewide recognition for those scattered over a dozen states. It’s also expensive ($235 per entry) and the rules seem to demand a presentation that requires an agency’s help.
But, they indeed are big and the winners get a major shot of publicity, and the opportunity to further publicize their success to customers.
Winning an Aurora is an achievement that can last a few years - in other words, you can ride that horse for a while.
The Laurels aren’t as grandiose but locally they carry just as much prestige, particularly within the real estate and construction communities.
They have a decent firewall (out-of-town judges) and a simpler entry system. They also have a big plus; the awards are presented here (the Auroras are given out in Orlando) so you have a chance to prance across the stage in front of your peers (and competitors.)
Different this year is the location. Chairman Mark Berman of GarageTek and his committee decided to gussy it up - the best hotel ballroom can hardly qualify as a place to gussy anything up - and have moved the awards to the Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville.
It’s a wonderful venue and one which can adapt to an Academy Award-type presentation. There’s ample room for socializing and the seating is ... well, it’s theatre-style, as you’d guess ... so everyone in the audience will have a great view without having to look over table centerpieces.
(Let us admit upfront that we like this for another reason. Our building is next door.)
It should be terrific. We’ve made no secret of the fact that we think the Sales and Marketing Council has a better handle on its activities than any of the myriad associations we deal with (remember, we also put out newspapers and magazines that cover golf, downtown and legal activities, too) and that’s no slap at anyone else - it’s just a raw fact that the SMC sets, and meets, a higher standard.
OK. We’ve droned on a bit, but maybe we’ve made the point: the big awards are meaningful and the Laurels ceremony will be boo-koo fun.
- Fred Seely is the editor of Realty/Builder Connection and editorial director of Bailey Publishing & Communications In. He can be reached at [email protected].