Preparing for jury day properly

The IFOY Audit at TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS is the main event for the finalists, but also for the testers and judges, who form their final verdict on the finalists in the test hall. After the first jury session, the jury sets off on its highlight tour. The impression you make on the judges during this highlight tour depends on the following factors:

1. Respect the time limit for pitch and questions. Prepare a 3-minute pitch in German AND English and then answer questions for 2 to 3 minutes.
   
   

   The judges have a tight schedule and focus on up to 20 nominated products and solutions during their highlight tour.
   Exceeding the speaking time in order to fit in as much content as possible not only goes down badly with the judges, experience has shown that it actually has the opposite effect. The core message is lost.
   It is better to actively invite the judges to your stand for further questions and individual testing. For example, prepare a simple test course or challenge for the judges and arouse their curiosity during the Highlight Tour.
   
   

2. Do not underestimate the self-testing effect. The paper form is one thing, but experience shows that the assessment of the jurors and testers is usually different after personal experience. It is not uncommon for everything to change again.
   
   

3. Concentrate on the central core messages in your pitch. Avoid explaining product features in detail.
   
   Divide into:
   a) Functionality: What does the product/solution do?
   
   b) Market relevance: For which target group(s) is the product made? For whom is it relevant and why?
   It is not the size of the market that is important here, but the degree of relevance for the defined target group. A major improvement can also be highly relevant for a small target group.
   
   c) Novelty / innovation: What is new about the product or solution and what USP does it have compared to the competition and, if applicable, to predecessor products or solutions?
   The degree of novelty and innovation is usually the main evaluation criterion for the judges.
   
   d) Customer benefit: What are the specific benefits for the customer, for example before-and-after effects? This criterion traditionally plays an important role in jury voting – and it is becoming increasingly important. It can even exceed the degree of innovation if the customer benefit is outstanding. Figures, data, facts and possibly examples are required here.
   The customer benefit is all the more effective if it can be proven. Experience shows that the effect is significantly greater if a customer confirms this part or even presents it during the highlight tour.
   
   
4. Avoid PowerPoint presentations. The jury already knows the paper form from the nomination phase and wants to see the product in action – either live in the hall or via live broadcast on a screen.