
Learning Technologies Awards 2025, last chance to enter
Judges share tips on writing a standout entry as the deadline nears on Friday 25 July.
With just one week left to enter the Learning Technologies Awards 2025, this year’s judging panel, which is chaired by the Learning Network, has issued a rallying call to learning professionals, urging them to submit entries that clearly demonstrate impact and innovation.
Speaking at a webinar, judges Tony Frascina, Emma Klosson and Tom McDowall offered practical insights into what makes a standout submission and what commonly lets entries down.
Entries must be submitted by midnight on Friday 25 July 2025 via the Learning Technologies Awards website.
The awards celebrate innovation and excellence across workplace learning, with categories spanning design, implementation, platforms and people-based awards such as Learning Designer of the Year.
Top tips from the judges
The session, titled Behind the Judges’ Table, gave would-be entrants a behind-the-scenes look at how the process works and what judges want to see. Key advice included:
- Answer the criteria like exam questions: Each judging point is scored independently, so entrants should structure submissions accordingly and avoid glossing over any section.
- Tell a clear and compelling story: Judges want to understand the business driver behind the work, how decisions were made, and why the approach was chosen, not just what was delivered.
- Prove your impact: Use before-and-after data, behavioural observations, and stakeholder feedback to show real change. Entries submitted too early, before outcomes are clear, risk falling flat.
- Respect the judges’ time: Submissions are reviewed quickly, often within an hour. Keep videos short (maximum five minutes), use clear evidence and make your case easy to follow.
Klosson encouraged entrants to “start big and edit down,” advising teams to get a full draft written, structured by the criteria and then refine within the 2,000-word limit. Frascina added, “Tell us how your work is good. Don’t assume we’ll just know.”
For shortlisted entrants, the second stage of judging, including interviews and presentations, is a chance to bring the story to life and strengthen areas of ambiguity. Judges welcome seeing end-users or clients present alongside vendors to showcase real-world impact.
Resources and next steps
- Entries can be submitted in any of the 20+ categories listed at learningtechnologies.co.uk/awards
- Submission guidelines, criteria and category descriptions are available on the same site.
As McDowall closed the session, he urged the sector to get involved, “If you’ve done good work, tell the world about it. We need people to understand what great learning looks like.”
View the complete list of categories.
Learning Technologies Awards offers outstanding sponsorship opportunities: enquiries by email to Ian Smout, ians@learningtechnologies.co.uk.
About Learning Technologies Awards
CloserStill, which organises the annual Learning Technologies exhibition and conference, runs the annual Learning Technologies Awards. The awards celebrate the best in learning technology across the private, public and third sectors. Winning a Learning Technologies award is a highly recognisable and a much sought-after achievement. The winners will be announced during the Gala evening at London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in November.
Join in the conversation via the event hashtag #LT25Awards. Further information is available via the Learning Technologies Awards website.
Entry registration fees
1-2 entries: £180 plus VAT per individual entry
3-7 entries: £175 plus VAT per individual entry
8 or more entries: £170 plus VAT per individual entry
Key dates
25 July 2025: Entry and submission deadline
August 2025: First round of judging
9 September 2025: Shortlist announced
11 September 2025: Table bookings open
Late September 2025: Shortlist presentations to a judging panel online
12 November 2025: Gala evening where winners are announced