Every organization has achievements worth celebrating, but turning those accomplishments into an award-winning Stevie® Awards nomination can be a challenge. Whether you’re looking to highlight your company’s innovation, leadership, or team success, it’s essential to tell your story in a way that resonates with the judges. Many organizations have what it takes to win, but struggle with the finer details of crafting a compelling narrative.

On 17 October 2024 at 2:00 PM (GMT +3) / 7:00 AM (EST), we will host a free webinar, "Secrets to Success: How to Create Impactful MENA Stevie Awards Nominations." This webinar is designed to help you overcome those challenges and boost your chances of success in one of the most prestigious business award programs in the region.

During the webinar, you’ll hear from the Stevie Awards Founder & Executive Chairman, Michael Gallagher, and two business awards consultants who will share proven strategies for winning. You’ll learn about the behind-the-scenes judging process and get tips on how to craft a standout submission, including how to ensure the judges see the full value of your work. You'll also gain insight into the Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Grand Stevie distinctions and what sets each apart.
Whether you’re an experienced entrant or considering entering for the first time, this webinar will walk you through every step of the process, from creating an entry account to finally submitting your nominations.

Now in its 6th year, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards honor innovation across 18 nations in categories ranging from Company and Organization Awards to New Product Awards. With more than 150 categories available, this webinar will give you the tools and insights to select the right categories, organize your entries, and present your achievements in the best light.

At the end of the webinar, audience questions will be answered during a live Q&A. Attendees will have access to the webinar replay (on-demand) and presentations through the end of 2024.

Don't miss this chance to get free expert advice on how to put your best foot forward!

 

Stevie-winner Chum is a Dubai-based price comparison app designed to help users save money and time by allowing them to compare prices across various stores for products ranging from groceries to tech gadgets.

By aggregating data from major retailers, Chum helps users find the best deals without the need to visit multiple websites. The app is particularly helpful for frequent purchases, like groceries, where it shows price comparisons across supermarkets, allowing users to select the cheapest options.

Additionally, Chum extends its service to travel bookings, offering comparisons for flights, hotels, and car rentals, making it a versatile tool for budget-conscious consumers. Its user-friendly interface enables shoppers to quickly identify price drops, with some products seeing discounts as high as 60% to 70% from retailers like Carrefour, Amazon, and Noon.

Chum also offers valuable features tailored to enhance user experience beyond simple price comparison. For instance, the app allows users to set price alerts for specific products, so they are notified when prices drop, making it easier to snag the best deals.

The ability to create and save wish lists ensures that users can revisit and purchase desired items at their convenience, without having to search for them again. Chum also provides cart comparison across supermarkets, helping users ensure they are getting the best deals on their grocery orders from various retailers.

What sets Chum apart from its competitors is the integration of multiple verticals, combining various categories like electronics, groceries, fashion, and even travel services (flights and hotels) within a single platform.

The app stands out in the UAE market as it utilizes AI-driven tools to compare millions of products, which gives it a significant edge in ensuring accurate and up-to-date price listings. This comprehensive approach, combined with user-friendly features like deal alerts and cart comparisons, offers customers a one-stop solution for efficient and budget-conscious shopping. 

Since winning a Stevie, they are now launching a Cashback feature, which will help customers get cashback on Chum for any shopping they do. This fuels their vision of being the first touchpoint in the region—no matter where a customer shops from, they want them to first come to Chum to see the best prices and deals and initiate cashback before buying the product they want from the respective stores.

Chum won two Gold Stevie Awards for Most Innovative Startup of the Year - Consumer Service Industries, and the Award for Innovation in Shopping or E-commerce Apps in the 2024 Middle East & North Africa Stevie^® Awards.

Interesting in entering for 2025?

Stevie-winner Melodica Music Academy is a prominent educational institution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that specializes in providing high-quality music education for students of all ages and skill levels.

The academy offers a diverse range of music programs, including instrumental lessons, vocal training, and music theory, delivered by dedicated and experienced instructors. 

Over the past two years, Melodica Music Academy has undergone significant growth and expansion. Initially starting with a few branches in Dubai, the academy has increased its presence by opening additional locations in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, now totaling 25 branches.

Increase in Student Enrolment
Melodica Music Academy's growth is reflected in its notable increase in student enrolment. Starting with 10,000 students, the academy’s programs and skilled instructors have attracted a diverse range of learners across various age groups and skill levels. The rise in enrolment from 10,000 to over 50,000 indicates a heightened interest in music education and a recognition of the academy's teaching methodologies and curriculum.

Diverse and Dedicated Workforce
In tandem with its student growth, Melodica Music Academy expanded its workforce to maintain effective instruction. The academy employs over 300 teachers to ensure a favorable teacher-to-student ratio, facilitating personalized learning experiences.

Additionally, the administrative and support staff has grown to more than 1,200 employees. This diverse workforce plays a crucial role in delivering a comprehensive educational experience.

The growth of Melodica Music Academy extends beyond enrollment and staffing; it has also influenced the cultural landscape of the UAE. With an expanded capacity, the academy has been able to organize numerous events, concerts, and performances, showcasing the talents of its students. These activities contribute to the cultural experiences available to the community and foster a greater appreciation for the performing arts in the UAE.

Melodica Music Academy won a Silver Stevie Award for Innovative Achievement in Growth in the 2024 Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards.

Interested in entering the 2025 program?

World's Top Honors for Women Professionals to Be Presented in New York City on November 8

Finalists were announced today in the 21st annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business, the world's top honors for women entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they run.

Visit http://www.StevieAwards.com/Women for a complete list of Finalists by category.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are produced by the creators of the prestigious American Business Awards® and The International Business Awards®, among other business awards programs. The Stevies are widely considered to be the world's premier honors for achievement in the workplace.

This year's Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award placements from among the Finalists will be revealed during an awards banquet at the Marriott Marquis in New York City on Friday, November 8. More than 400 women and their guests worldwide are expected to attend the presentations, which will be broadcast live.

More than 1,500 nominations were submitted this year by organizations and individuals for consideration in more than 100 categories including Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Startup of the Year, Women Helping Women, and Women-Run Workplace of the Year.

Nominations were submitted by organizations in 36 nations including Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong / Greater China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.

Among the many extraordinary organizations and women who have been recognized as Finalists, the following stand out as those with three or more Finalist nominations:

IBM, various cities (13), Purpol Marketing Ltd, Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (11), Ocean Rescue Alliance International, Apollo Beach, FL USA (6), Athena, San Juan, Puerto Rico (6), Everise, Plantation, FL, USA (6), Speak Up, Giza, Egypt (5), OneBPO, Iloilo City, Philippines (5), Stress Free Super Mum, Gisborne, Australia (5), C-Strategies Inc., Chicago IL USA (5), Blue Beanie Projects Limited, Western Australia (4), Epique Realty, Houston, TX, USA (4), iFOLIO, Atlanta, GA, USA (4), AlphaSense, New York, NY USA (4), The American University in Cairo AUC, Cairo, Egypt (4), DanceSyndrome, Chorley, United Kingdom (4).

Finalists were determined by the average scores of more than 200 professionals around the world, organized in six juries. Their scores will also determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie placements from among the Finalists, to be announced on November 8.

Winners were announced today in the 2024 People's Choice Stevie® Awards for Favorite Companies, an annual feature of The International Business Awards®, the world's only international, all-encompassing business awards program, now in its 21st year.

The worldwide, public vote was conducted from mid-August through 13 September, with the highest number of votes deciding the People's Choice winners in a variety of industries. More than 56,000 votes were cast. All Stevie Award winners in the Company/Organization of the Year categories in this year's International Business Awards (IBA) were eligible to be included in the vote.

Winners of the crystal People's Choice Stevie Awards will be honored during the IBAs' awards banquet on Friday, 11 October at the InterContintal Istanbul, in Istanbul Turkey. Tickets for the event are now on sale.

The winners of peer-adjudicated Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards - selected from more than 3,600 nominations received from organizations in more than 62 nations - will also be recognized during the ceremony.

The winners of the 2024 People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies are:

Advertising, Marketing & PR: Pixel Co Creative & Marketing
Apparel, Beauty & Fashion: ACE Sunglasses
Banking: Ziraat Katılım Bankasi A.Ş.
Business or Professional Services: Athena
Computer Services: Stefanini
Computer Software: MYBUSYBEE, INC.
Conglomerates: SM Investments Corporation
Consumer Products & Services: Dr. Phone Fix
Diversified Services: Welspun Transformation Services Limited
Energy: ESCON
Financial Services: Planet Tax Free LLC
Food & Beverage: Bubble Citea
Government or Non-Profit: Megaworld Foundation, Inc.
Health Products & Services: Compass CHC of Barnstaple
Hospitality & Leisure: Beyond the Valley
Insurance: Thai Life Insurance Plc.
Legal: Avant Law LLC
Manufacturing: Makers Nutrition
Materials & Construction: Ayala Land, Inc. - Makati Development Corporation
Media & Entertainment: Jasmine Norris Photography
Real Estate: AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp.
Retail: Yeşilırmak Elektrik Perakende
Telecommunications: TELUS
Transportation: Royal Line Logistics Inc
Utilities: YEDAS AI

Entries for The 22nd (2025) International Business Awards will be accepted starting in February. More information is available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/IBA.

 

More than 220 professionals from around the world will gather at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in the heart of New York City's Times Square this Monday, September 16 for the presentation of the ninth annual Stevie® Awards for Great Employers, and the first Stevie Award for Technology Excellence.

The Stevie Awards for Great Employers are the world's top honors for human resources professionals, teams, and departments, and the suppliers and new products and services that help to create, and drive, great places to work.

The Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of individuals, teams, and organizations shaping the future of technology across all industry sectors.  Winners were determined by the average scores of more than 100 professionals.

Winners in both competitions were announced in August.  The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners will be celebrated during Monday's ceremony.  Two Grand Stevie winners in each competition - for Organization of the Year (the most honored participant) and the Highest-rated Nomination of the Year - will also be honored.

Here is the list of organizations that will be represented at Monday's awards ceremony:

Abu Dhabi Customs

Access Health Connecticut

AfriNova Digital

AgileOne

Altos Labs

Amazon

Apexon

Automated Business Designs

BM Technologies (BMTX)

Brandfizz Employer Branding & European Association of Employer Branding Agencies

BrightSpring Health

BrightSpring Health Services

Capital One

Capital One Financial

CARBO

Cigniti Technologies, a Coforge Company

Clearpath Learning Group

Cogent Data Solutions

DAGİ

Deep Genomics

Dell Technologies

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight

Digital Hands

Discover Financial Services

Dubai Humanitarian

eMoney Advisor

Encora

Endo, USA Inc.

EnFuse Solutions Ltd.

EPIC LONG ISLAND

Equifax Inc

Eren Enerji

Freedom Forever

Galaxy Holdings

Gamefam, Inc

GCash

Gemini Trust Company, LLC

General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs-Dubai

Globe Telecom, Inc.

Google

Gov2Biz, Inc

Grazitti Interactive LLP

HCLTech

IBM

IBM Manufacturing Solutions Pte Ltd

IBM Singapore Manufacturing Solution

ICON Place

Indegene

Innova Solutions

inviteCHANGE, Janet M. Harvey CEO/Owner

Limak Cement

Lowes

Management Dynamics

MicroHealth, LLC

ModMed

Multibeam Corporation

OP360

Orchid

PAR Technology Corporation

Pegasus Airlines

Philadelphia Press

Pinnacol Assurance

Playa Hotels & Resorts

PLDT & Smart

ProcessMaker

ResultsCX

RIYADH AIRPORTS COMPANY

Samsung

SAMSUNG Semiconductor Inc.

SAP America INC

Saudi Aramco - Jubail Producing Department (JPD)

Skai

SOCAR Türkiye

South Ghawar Producing Department - Saudi Aramco

SPS North America

Synopsys Software Integrity Group

Tata Consultancy Services

Tata Consultancy Services Canada Inc.

Tata Consultancy Services USA

Technology Innovation Institute

Technology Innovation Institute (TII)

Technology Navigation, Inc.

TELUS

The Predictive Index

Thomson Reuters

TooFar Media

Translate Plus Limited

TransUnion

Truth Initiative

Türkiye Kalkınma ve Yatırım Bankası

TWILIO

ValueLabs LLP

Vanderbilt University

Wells Fargo

Zenutna Holdings Corporation

Zift Solution

The Stevie® Awards, organizer of the world’s premier business awards programs, has issued a call for entries for the 2025 (sixth annual) Middle East & North Africa Stevie® Awards, sponsored by the RAK Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Entry kits and complete details on the competition are available at http://MENA.StevieAwards.com.

 

The Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards are the region’s only awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all its forms. The awards are open to all organizations within 18 nations in the MENA region: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

All individuals and organizations - public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small - may submit any number of nominations to any number of the categories.

There are no entry fees in this awards program. Organizations may submit as many nominations as they would like, without cost. Instead, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners will pay a “winners fee” for each successful nomination.

Nominations may be submitted online through two entry deadlines. Winning nominations submitted through the first deadline, October 2, will have reduced winners’ fees. November 6 is the second and final entry deadline.

Winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards in the competition will be announced on January 16, 2025, and celebrated during a gala event at the Waldorf Astoria in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, on February 22.

New for the 2025 competition, the Sustainability Categories recognize the recent achievements of individuals, teams, and entire organizations to plan, approach, and achieve organizational, industry, or national sustainability goals.

Other new categories include Most Innovative Finance Executive of the Year, Most Innovative Operations Manager of the Year, Most Innovative Product Manager of the Year, Most Innovative Sales Executive of the Year, Most Innovative Sustainability Leader of the Year, Most Innovative Technology Leader of the Year (added to the Individual Professional Awards Categories), Award for Innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Award for Innovation in Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), Award for Innovation in Education Technology (EdTech), and Most Innovative Technology Team of the Year.

Nominations citing innovative achievements will be accepted and judged in both Arabic and English, in more than 100 categories across the following category groups:

• Apps & Websites
• Achievements
• Annual Reports & Other Publications
• Company/Organization
• Corporate Communications & Public Relations
• Customer Service
• Human Resources
• Individual Professionals
• Live & Virtual Events
• Management
• Marketing
• New Products & Services
• Social Media
• Sustainability
• Technology
• Videos
• Thought Leadership

Winners of the 2024 edition with multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards include Abu Dhabi Sports Council, UAE; Acceligize, UAE; AXS - TECOM Group, UAE; Beyaz Kağıt San. ve Tic. A.Ş., Turkey; Big Data Minds MENA, Jordan; DHL Express, multiple locations across the region; Dhafra Region Municipality, UAE; General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, UAE; Glimpse, UAE; KAFALAH, Saudi Arabia; Megamind IT Solutions, Saudi Arabia; Miral Destinations, UAE; Ooredoo Group, multiple locations across the region; Petromin Express, Saudi Arabia; Qatar Vision Production Company; QNB Finansbank, Turkey; RAK Ceramics, UAE; RAK Police, UAE; Royal Commission for Jubail & Yanbu, Saudi Arabia; Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia; SOCAR Türkiye; STC, Saudi Arabia; The Captain Agency, Turkey; Ministry of Justice, UAE; The Others Brand Experience Agency, Turkey; Vaki Bank, Turkey; Visiontech Systems International LLC, UAE, and ZIGMA8 | 360º CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS, Iran, among others.

The 2025 competition will be judged by more than 100 professionals around the world. Those who wish to apply to participate on one of the juries may do so at https://mena.stevieawards.com/sa-judge/register.

Stevie-winner Trupanion is a leading medical insurance provider for cats and dogs in North America. With over 1,200 global employees, they help pet parents budget and care for their pet’s veterinary bills when they face unexpected sickness or injury.

Trupanion stands out for its simple, customizable plans, offering up to 90% reimbursement on eligible veterinary expenses and no annual or lifetime payout limits, making it a preferred choice for many pet owners.

In contrast to competitors, they feature a per-condition deductible rather than an annual one, meaning once a customer meets the deductible for a particular condition, they won’t have to pay it again for that condition's treatment during their pet's lifetime. Another key feature is the Vet Direct Pay system, which allows Trupanion to pay participating veterinarians directly at the time of treatment, minimizing the upfront costs for pet owners. This system is supported by their proprietary software, Trupanion Express, which streamlines the claims process and ensures fast payment.

Tactics for Telesales and Call Center Teams
With only 3% of cats and dogs having insurance in North America, they have consistently needed to scale their Telesales team to support Trupanion’s reach.

Pet parents are not required to insure their cats and dogs and often don’t realize that there are insurance options to help cover the cost of their veterinary bills. With that in mind, they have built a team of sales representatives who can explain how covering pets with Trupanion’s insurance is so impactful in extending the time families can have with their furry family members.

Trupanion has been operating since 1999, but the telesales team established itself within Trupanion’s contact center in 2011 due to the rapid growth of its member base. In 2021 the team was around 30 sales agents and has doubled in size to 60 agents.

Unique to other telesales teams, Trupanion’s only focus on warm leads. Converting leads to members in the discovery phase also ensures that members are enrolling their pets before any medical emergencies arise, contributing to the best experience they can have with any pet insurance product. 

Since 2021, Trupanion’s Inbound Sales team has been handling approximately 17,000 inbound leads per month with a consistent conversion rate of 45%. Year over year, Trupanion grows by at least 20% net new pets and the Inbound Sales team brings in over 90k of those new pets each year.

Their product covers Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, and Australia, with a 150-person customer service team providing 24/7/365 support for global members and over 937,000 pets.

Some may consider the call center at Trupanion as untraditional in that they don’t use scripts or have handle time goals. They believe that team members shine the best on every call without rigid guidelines and that they need the time and flexibility to take care of the customer in a manner that feels authentic to them.

Since the pandemic, their contact center has evolved to be a remote-first environment, with team members working from home across the United Stastes and Canada. If team members prefer to have an office experience, the Seattle headquarters is open to all, including team members’ cats and dogs.

Trupanion won two Silver Stevie^® Awards and a Bronze Stevie for Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year - Financial Services Industries; Contact Center of the Year (Over 100 Seats) - Financial Services Industries; and Inside or Telesales Team of the Year, respectively, in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Interested in entering the 2025 awards program?

Stevie-winner Simply Contact is a customer support outsourcing company, originally founded in Dnipro, Ukraine, in 2013.

Over the past decade, the company has grown significantly, expanding its operations across Ukraine with offices in Kyiv, Lviv, and Poltava, as well as establishing a presence in Warsaw, Poland. With a team of over 600 employees, Simply Contact provides multilingual and multichannel customer support services to clients worldwide, handling operations in more than 18 languages.

The company's client roster includes a diverse array of organizations, from established brands like Wizz Air and government entities such as the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Ministry of Digital Transformation to innovative startups like Bolt, Wheelshare, and Ditto Music. Simply Contact’s ability to serve such a broad range of clients is a testament to its versatility and commitment to delivering high-quality customer service solutions.

One of the key strengths of Simply Contact lies in its ability to adapt and scale its services efficiently, especially during periods of fluctuating demand. The company has implemented a blended support model, which allows for dynamic agent allocation based on immediate needs. This approach has proven particularly effective in reducing call center abandon rates and improving response times. For instance, on the Wizz Air project, Simply Contact managed to reduce the average handling time by 30%, while ensuring that 80% of calls are answered within 35 seconds and all emails are addressed within five days. This level of efficiency not only enhances customer satisfaction but also optimizes operational costs, saving clients up to 10% in total cost of ownership.

Another notable achievement is the improvement in customer satisfaction (CSAT) for Bolt, one of Simply Contact's key clients. By retraining agents, developing a dynamic monitoring system, and implementing targeted strategies for specific scenarios, Simply Contact was able to elevate Bolt’s CSAT from 64% to over 80%, surpassing the industry standard. This significant improvement is indicative of the company’s systematic and thoughtful approach to customer service, which continues to drive positive results for its clients.

Simply Contact's ability to adapt to client needs and improve operational efficiency has made it a strong contender in the customer service outsourcing industry. Through innovative practices like the blended support model and a focus on reducing handling times and increasing customer satisfaction, the company has consistently delivered cost-effective solutions. These strategies have proven successful in enhancing the customer experience for clients across various sectors, from established brands to emerging startups.

As the company continues to evolve, it remains focused on delivering tailored, high-quality services that address the unique challenges of each client, reinforcing its position as a leader in multilingual and multichannel customer service.

Simply Contact won a Bronze Stevie^® Award for Contact Center or Customer Service Outsourcing Provider of the Year in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Interested in entering the 2025 awards program?

Stevie-winner Accela provides a unified suite of cloud solutions trusted by governments across the globe to accelerate their digital transformation, deliver vital services, and build stronger communities. 

The company offers agile, purpose-built solutions and the power of a platform that provides users with a consumer-like experience, shares data across departments, and ensures world-class security. With over 600 jurisdictions worldwide, Accela’s products manage critical tasks efficiently and effectively.

The Challenge
Accela implemented a Salesforce-powered community where members sought fast, relevant information. However, there were some challenges. Customers and support representatives had to juggle between multiple content repositories to find all available information. At times, they ended up with irrelevant or missing results due to the many content silos. The team knew gaps existed in their published knowledge repositories but had no way to identify all of them or understand which ones were having the biggest impact on their customers. Consequently, their support team was flooded with customer support requests. The management team wanted to reduce the load by improving the self-service experience.

All things considered, Accela was looking for an overarching solution that could not only enable users to self-serve but also provide access to all documented information from a single search point.

The Solution
Enter SearchUnify, a unified cognitive search platform. Its out-of-the-box support for 60+ enterprise platforms helped Accela index all its disparate content repositories and integrate them seamlessly with its customer community. This created a unified discovery experience for their customers within the online community.

As a result, when customers searched for help, the engine scoured all of Accela's documented knowledge to find and return every relevant answer. Support reps received the same experience in their agent console. This eliminated the need to switch tabs or login to separate systems to access the right content.

SearchUnify's ML-fueled algorithms significantly improved search relevance in the online customer community. It factored in customer data such as their activity across all touchpoints and engagement patterns. This ensured every customer only saw content relevant to their profile. Its insights engine empowered knowledge teams to immediately identify and close content gaps, which further helped improve customer satisfaction scores while reducing the load on customer support teams.

Furthermore, SearchUnify’s platform bridged the gap between multiple systems to provide a real-time, end-to-end view of the customer's self-help journey. Accela teams could now follow individual customer paths starting with search terms, to search results, content clicks, and answers read to cases submitted. This provided powerful and actionable insights that allowed Accela to dramatically improve its customers’ experiences.

Accela won a Gold Stevie^® Award for Best Use of Technology in Customer Service - Computer Industries in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Interested in entering the 2025 awards program?