Welcome from our Awards Chair

Celebrating 20 years of the Star Awards

As we reach a significant birthday of the Star Awards this year, I thought I should reflect on our original objectives and key principles.

The awards were developed in line with our vision to build a vibrant marketing community in Scotland renowned for enlightened thinking, innovation, and creativity.

Our objectives are to promote best practice in case study writing as well as recognising talent at all levels from schools, colleges and universities to our leading organisations, rising stars and inspirational leaders.

The awards also encourage collaborations between clients and their agencies in helping to craft entries before celebrating together as a community at the gala dinner.

Each year we encourage new entrants from a wide range of sectors and disciplines and from organisations large and small. In 2023 we were delighted that there were more than 50 new entrants.

An important principle of the Star Awards is ensuring the judging process is as inclusive, consistent, and transparent with all members of The Marketing Society encouraged to participate. And we are hugely appreciative of the role Hugh Burkitt has played over 20 years making sure the judging is as fair and robust as possible.

With an increasing number of entries and higher standards of case study writing each year it is a real accolade to win a Gold, Silver or Bronze Star award, but it is also a real achievement to be a finalist and reach the shortlists.

Finally, I’d like to thank The Union for this year’s astrological theme. It’s all about understanding that your fortunes are guided by craft and graft, and not examining tea leaves or poking a stick in some sheep’s entrails. When strategy and creativity align, then success takes care of itself.

I wish you all the best with your entries and I look forward to seeing all our industry stars sparkle on the night in question. Scorpios and Sagittarians, I’ll be keeping an eye on you.

Kirsteen Beeston
Global Marketing Director – Bowmore, Auchentoshan & Irish Whiskey, Beam Suntory
Chair of the Star Awards 2024