Best Exterior AV Product

General Criteria

The Smart Building Awards 2025 are trade-only awards, meaning consumers are not permitted to enter any category. Each award will be judged fairly by an expert panel based on the criteria set out for each category. The judges will individually score each entry,

There is a qualifying period which will define which entries will be valid. This period will be between January 2024 and July 2025. That means any product launched, or project completed, before or after these dates will not be eligible to enter.

Each category will have a 500-word limit, while a further 250 words will be available to explain why you think you deserve to win the award. There will be different criteria for each award category, and while it’s not mandatory to meet every criteria point, covering as many as possible provides the best chance of success.

The awards are completely FREE to enter and there is no limit on the number of categories or number of submissions you can tender. Entries will close on 1 August 2025.

Best Exterior AV Product Criteria

Who can enter: The Best Exterior AV Product category can be entered by either a distributor or manufacturer who has announced or released an Exterior AV Product during the qualifying period. A representative, such as a PR company, may also enter their client.

When entries close: Your entry should be submitted by 1 August 2025.

What we’re looking for: Innovation in providing a compelling audio visual or smart home product that significantly moves this sector forward in terms of appeal and functionality. How does the product cope with being outside? what technologies does it use to survive and thrive outside? how easy is it to use? what performance characteristics will end users value the most? what will installers like about the installation process?

Entry Judging: This entry will be judged based on three criteria. The judge will give a weighted score based on the overall quality of the automation platform, based on the words provided. Additional scores will be given for both design and functionality.

Additional Materials Required: In order to judge on design, please supply up to three images of the product. We also require an image of the company’s logo. Entrants may also supply up to one page of supporting evidence, such as testimonials, press coverage, case studies, spec sheets.