What’s the point of the Silicon Prairie Awards? And why should you be involved this year? We’re glad you asked.
1. It’s a media event with national reach.
Every day SPN draw readers from all corners of the US, and our audience continues to expand. Everybody in your local circle may know the buzz, but the SPAwards are great opportunity to let the world know what’s happening in your neighborhood.
2. It’s a big picture snapshot of our region circa 2015.
People want to know: How are we doing? Where are we headed? How have we changed? What’s next for us? The SPAwards doesn’t pick next big thing, but it does provide a “group photo” of who we are and what we are excited about this year.
3. It’s a way to throw off your insecurities and be proud of your work.
When evaluating our community, we often get stuck comparing ourselves to other parts of the country. No mas. Self-deprecating or not, we are proud of our work. We are already epic. At least one night a year we should stand up and recognize that.
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4. It’s a massive regional networking and resource-sharing opportunity.
We receive hundreds of nominations and thousands of votes for the SPAwards. Participating in the SPAwards is a great opportunity to see what’s working in the region. People in Kansas need to see what’s succeeding in Iowa; Nebraska has something to learn from Missouri. Essentially, it’s a chance to crowdsource the prairie. We need your insights.
5. It’s a way to celebrate our diversity.
As many of our readers know, the startup communities of the Silicon Prairie don’t exactly fit the stereotypes of our region. And there are many people in our startup communities who don’t fit the stereotypes of startup culture! The SPAwards are one way we can affirm that and celebrate how diverse a community we are.
6. It’s an opportunity to give major props to non-founders.
Most of the time, media attention goes to startup founders. Fair enough. But the SPAwards are actually one of the few times we give praise to all the other rock stars–the service providers, developers, designers, creators and community champions. They need love, too! And they deserve it.
7. Nobody else celebrates us.
This is a big one, SPNers. The Silicon Prairie tech community crosses all boundaries. We set up camp wherever there is wi-fi. We work remotely for companies on the coasts, and we serve clients around the globe. We are on the next flight out, and then we are hitting the road to KC or Des Moines. There are no maps with our country on it. The SPAwards celebrate who we are, in a way no local chamber or state association does.
8. It’s an excuse to #BangTheDrum for someone else.
We’re calling all power promoters to champion the people they know who are successful, heads down, hard-working—yet still under the radar. Nominate those individuals you admire and respect from afar. Get your whole team involved in cheering on a company, person or organization that has had an impact on you this year.
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