The search is on for Europe’s top search and digital talent, as the European Search Awards 2014open for entries.

Now in its third year, the European Search Awards attracts hundreds of entries from the leading search and digital agencies and professionals throughout Europe. Categories include Best Use of Search, Best Pan-European Campaign, Best Mobile Campaign and Best Agency. The awards, which are organised by Greater Manchester based events agency Don’t Panic, are open to companies based worldwide who are delivering work in Europe.

The deadline for entries is 17 January 2014, and the shortlists will be published on 14 February.The judging panel includes:

• Jose Truchado, Director of SEO, Expedia

• Danny Goodwin, Associate Editor of Search Engine Watch

• Gianluca Fiorelli, Founder of LoveSEO

• Kaspar Szymanski, SEO Consultant

• Bas van den Beld, Founder, State of Digital

• Bastian Grimm, Managing Partner, Grimm Digital

• Fernando Maciá Domene, CEO, Human Level Communications

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Reykjavik, Iceland, on Friday 28 March 2014.

Don’t Panic launched the UK Search Awards in 2011 and the European Search Awards in 2012. This year saw the inaugural US Search Awards take place in Las Vegas.

The European Search Awards are delivered in partnership with several sponsors, including Reykjavik Internet Marketing Conference(RIMC) and SEMPO, among others.

For more information about the European Search Awards, please visit http://www.europeansearchawards.com/

The US Search Awards held alongside Pubcon this past October were a big success, with lots of effort by the judges to narrow very competitive fields. Bing was asked to participate in the judging for the US Awards and it was exciting stuff. Lots of work, but thoroughly worthwhile. The European Awards have been around a bit longer and competition is sure to be tough this year.

Bottom line: Review the criteria and if you think someone is worthy of a shout out, submit them! With over 20 categories, you’re bound to know someone who qualifies!

Duane Forrester
Sr. Product Manager
Bing