Across the Search Awards portfolio (UK, European, APAC, MENA and US), we have a range of categories that celebrate people, and the Emerging Talent Award is one of these.
Celebrating talent in your team or agency should be an integral part of your learning and development. Not only does it put your talent in the spotlight it also sends a powerful message to clients about your culture, talent and commitment to delivering innovative and creative approaches to delivering results on their behalf.
Ryan Chilton – Emerging Talent APAC Award Winner says…
“Being a finalist for the Emerging Talent Award at the APAC Search Awards & Semrush Awards for three years in a row was already something I was incredibly proud of. However, to hear my name called as the Winner in 2025, amongst a number of other highly talented young search professionals is something I’ll never forget.
Don’t get me wrong while the award means a lot to me personally, this recognition is more than just a trophy… Since winning, things have genuinely shifted. It’s helped me to grow my personal brand but more than that, it’s built real momentum for Digital Surfer.
Our prospective clients are now looking to me as the authority figure in SEO. This has resulted in several referrals and businesses coming in off the back of wanting to work with me directly.“
The entry form is the same one as the one for celebrating your agency and team, and it requires you to showcase your employees and everything they have achieved. We’ve broken down the entry form to ensure you don’t miss any details and can maximise the point scoring in each section.
How to Complete the Emerging Talent Entry Form
Overview of Agency/Team/Individual
Include their job title and the role the individual plays within your agency or business. You are not scored on this; keep it brief and succinct.
Objectives (1-10 points)
Include details of both the individual and wider agency objectives and goals, to demonstrate how the individual contributed to these. Use quantifiable metrics that results can be measured against.
Recent work examples (1 – 10 points)
This section requires you to showcase the work that your emerging talent has been instrumental in delivering outstanding results. Include the objectives, strategy, and any creative thinking that was demonstrated.
Details of recent achievements (1-10 points)
What results were achieved above and beyond expectation and made you and them proud? Give details of campaigns and results, and how this individual’s participation was key to your success. Show employee growth and development.
Details of any challenges faced and how these were overcome (1-10 points)
Demonstrate how the individual overcame any issues they faced and detail their flexibility and actions taken to overcome any challenges they faced.
Why should your team member win the Emerging Talent Award (1 – 10 points)
Detail what makes the individual stand out amongst others in the industry. What is their competitive edge and what do they bring to the industry that makes them deserving of the award? Is this their approach to problems, creative thinking and ideas, and/or have they introduced ideas that have transformed your business?
Our judges say this is one of their favourite categories to judge.
“Entries showcase some of the brightest talent in the industry. Entries are always varied but each has one thing in common – a gifted individual who is smashing their world and destined to become a future leader. As a judge, you get a snapshot into someone’s career journey and the opportunity to help them get the recognition and reward they deserve. Judging this award is truly a gift and privilege. To everyone out there, if you have someone who sets your world on fire, nominate them for Emerging Talent Award, it’s about the best thing you can do for them.”
Click on Don’t Panic’s Awards Calendar to see which awards suit your emerging talent.
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