Frequently asked questions

First of all, you get to attend one of the two days of Friends of Search and enjoy a well-curated line-up of speakers. Next to that, early ticket buyers get to the chance to attend a few online webinars that we organise during the build-up to Friends of Search. So, when you’ve purchased a ticket, check your mailbox regularly for invitations.

Tickets can be cancelled up to 7 days before the date of your planned visit to Friends of Search. Please, send an e-mail with your cancellation request to evenementen@ddma.nl. Refunds will be transferred in 4 to 5 workdays.

As a rule, Friends of Search in Amsterdam follows the guidelines provided by the Dutch government, the RIVM and the event location to prevent any further spread of the COVID-19. For all measures and guidelines, check out this page.

In case of cancellation, Friends of Search 2021 | Amsterdam will be pushed back to a date that is to be announced. Tickets will still be valid.

Friends of Search will take place on the 16th of November in de Kromhouthal in Amsterdam.

Friends of Search is the #1 congress in the Benelux for (experienced) online marketers and SEO / PPC professionals. The event is organized by DDMA and IAB Netherlands.

Registration for the Friends of Search Awards 2021 will open on May 25, 2021. For more information on how to enter, check out this page.

You can find tips about the judgement process in this blogpost. After the entry deadline the judging panel will be given access to read your submission and view your images, videos and links. The judging panel will only read and use the entries for the purposes of the judging and are required to sign NDAs. The judging panel will be looking for evidence of:

• Clear strategic thinking;
• Innovation;
• Effectiveness;
• Tangible results;
• Clarity and Transparency.

Give each entry a unique title to grab the judges interest – try to avoid generic names e.g. “Best strategy”.
When writing your report don’t assume the judges have seen your work or campaign, give clear concise answers on the brief, the objectives and results and figures should include the starting point and any increases.

Your entry should be no more than 1500 words plus an extra 250 words should be used for an executive summary and you must use the entry templates available here, once the awards are open for entry.
Download your entry templates in the section above.
The format for your report is as follows:

• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
  Executive Summary to summarise the key points in your report.

• BACKGROUND TO PROJECT/CAMPAIGN
  Brief description of project/campaign/strategy.

• BUDGET
  Provide details of the campaign/strategy’s budget.

• OBJECTIVES
  Brief and objectives, including any targets set. (e.g. cost-saving, income generation, increasing brand awareness).

• YOUR STRATEGY
  Strategy for achieving the above objectives (including details of marketing, PR, etc).

• RESULTS
  Results including evidence of effectiveness prior and post campaign E.g. and increase in sales/revenue/traffic /awareness etc. Please provide comparable before and after figures. Use exact figures rather than %.

Entries are open to anyone in the search industry who are producing great work in search.
Agencies, search engines and technology providers however, are excluded from entering as ownership of an entry must be with brand/advertiser side.

Entries for both categories of the Friends of Search Awards are free.

• To demonstrate your digital talent and skills to your company and peers by presenting your case at Friends of Search 2021.
• To have your work judged by international search experts and Friends of Search speakers on our judging panel.
• To raise your profile as an award winning company in the search industry and gain fantastic PR/Recruitment opportunities.
• To boost morale throughout your company and to reward your hard working individuals and teams.

Each year, the search community turns its attention to the annual Friends of Search Awards. Interest and anticipation eventually build to the fevered case presentations of the winners at Friends of Search, where at least 600 search fanatics are present to watch the ceremony and learn who will receive the highest honours in search marketing. For more information, check out this page.