If you are in charge of running a contest, choosing the right judges is essential. But how do you invite someone to be a judge? Writing a letter of invitation can be tricky, but with the right tips and examples, it can be a breeze. In this article, we’ll show you how to craft the perfect letter of invitation to judge a contest, as well as provide several examples to get you started.
Tips for Writing a Letter of Invitation to Judge a Contest
Before we get to the examples, let’s go over some tips for crafting a letter of invitation that will get a positive response:
- Be clear and concise: Your letter should clearly state the purpose of the competition, the date and time of the event, and what you are asking the judge to do.
- Explain why you chose them: If the judge is someone you know or admire, make sure to explain why you chose them specifically to be a judge.
- Provide all necessary information: Make sure to include any information the judge will need in order to make an informed decision, such as the judging criteria and any relevant rules.
- Show appreciation: Let the judge know how much you appreciate their time and effort, and offer to answer any questions they may have.
Examples of Letters of Invitation to Judge a Contest
Here are seven examples of letters of invitation to judge a contest, each with a different focus:
Invitation to Judge a Cooking Contest
Dear Chef Johnson,
We are thrilled to invite you to be a judge for our upcoming cooking contest, taking place on August 1st at the Downtown Farmer’s Market. As a noted chef and innovator in the culinary world, we believe that your expertise would be invaluable in our competition.
The contest will feature amateur chefs competing to create the best dish featuring local produce. Judging will take place between 10am and 12pm, with winners announced at 1pm. Judging criteria will include creativity, presentation, and of course, taste.
We understand that your time is precious, and we appreciate any consideration you can give to our invitation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Thank you in advance for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
The Farmer’s Market Team
Invitation to Judge a Science Fair
Dear Professor Hernandez,
We are excited to invite you to be a judge for our annual science fair, taking place on April 15th at Lincoln High School. As an esteemed professor of biology at the local university, we believe that your vast knowledge and experience would be a valuable asset to our panel of judges.
Students from all over the city will be presenting their research projects, and we would be honored if you would be able to lend your expertise to help us choose the most innovative and thought-provoking projects.
The fair will take place from 10am until 2pm, with judging taking place in the morning. Judging criteria will include originality, thoroughness of research, and presentation.
We know that your time is valuable, and we appreciate any consideration you can give to our invitation. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
The Lincoln High School Science Fair Team
Invitation to Judge a Poetry Contest
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
We are writing to cordially invite you to be a judge for our upcoming poetry contest, which will be taking place on May 10th at the Central Library. As a published poet and educator, we believe that your exceptional insight into the world of poetry would be a tremendous asset to our contest.
The contest will feature poets from all over the city competing for the top prize, and we would be honored to have you as one of our esteemed judges. Judging will take place between 2pm and 4pm, with winners announced at 5pm. Criteria for judging will include originality, creativity, and overall impact.
We understand that your time is valuable, and we appreciate any consideration you can give to our invitation. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
The Central Library Poetry Contest Team
Invitation to Judge a Fashion Show
Dear Mr. Wang,
We are thrilled to invite you to be a judge for our upcoming fashion show, taking place on October 1st at the Convention Center. As a world-renowned fashion designer and icon, we believe that your unique perspective and expertise would be a valuable addition to our panel of judges.
The fashion show will feature designers from all over the country, showcasing their latest collections. Judging will take place between 6pm and 8pm, with winners announced at 9pm. Judging criteria will include creativity, style, and overall impact.
We understand that your schedule is likely very busy, and we appreciate any consideration you can give to our invitation. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
The Convention Center Fashion Show Team
Invitation to Judge a Film Festival
Dear Mr. Lee,
We would like to extend an invitation to you to be a judge for our upcoming film festival, taking place from September 20th to 25th at the State Theater. As a highly respected director and filmmaker, we believe that your expertise would be a valuable addition to our panel of judges.
The festival will feature films from all over the world, and we would be honored if you would be able to lend your expertise to help us choose the most innovative and thought-provoking films. Judging will take place throughout the festival, with winners announced at the closing ceremony on the 25th.
We understand that your time is very valuable, and we appreciate any consideration you can give to our invitation. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
The State Theater Film Festival Team
Invitation to Judge a Dance Competition
Dear Ms. Copeland,
We are thrilled to invite you to be a judge for our upcoming dance competition, taking place on June 1st at the Community Center. As a world-renowned ballerina and choreographer, we believe that your unique perspective and expertise would be a tremendous asset to our competition.
The competition will feature dancers from all over the region, showcasing a variety of styles and techniques. Judging will take place between 10am and 12pm, with winners announced at 1pm. Judging criteria will include technique, artistry, and overall performance.
We understand that your schedule is likely very busy, and we appreciate any consideration you can give to our invitation. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
The Community Center Dance Competition Team
Invitation to Judge a Book Contest
Dear Ms. Morrison,
We are excited to invite you to be a judge for our upcoming book contest, taking place on November 1st at the local bookstore. As a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and respected literary critic, we believe that your extensive knowledge of literature and writing would be a tremendous asset to our competition.
The contest will feature unpublished authors from the area, competing for the top prize. Judging will take place between 2pm and 4pm, with winners announced at 5pm. Criteria for judging will include originality, writing style, and overall impact.
We know that your time is valuable, and we appreciate any consideration you can give to our invitation. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
The Local Bookstore Book Contest Team
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I address the judge in my letter?
It’s important to address the judge respectfully and professionally. Use their full name and appropriate title, such as “Professor Hernandez” or “Chef Johnson.”
Should I provide any materials or information to the judge before the competition?
It’s a good idea to provide judges with any relevant materials or information ahead of time so that they are fully prepared to make an informed decision. This might include the competition rules, judging criteria, and a list of competitors.
What should I include in the body of the letter?
In the body of the letter, be sure to provide all necessary information about the competition, including the date, time, and location. Also, explain what the judge’s role will be and what they are expected to do.
Is it appropriate to offer compensation to judges?
This depends on the context of the competition. If it is a small, local competition, compensation may not be necessary. However, for larger competitions or those with a significant time commitment, it may be appropriate to offer a stipend or other form of compensation.
How can I make sure my letter stands out and gets a positive response?
In addition to being clear and concise, try to personalize the letter as much as possible. Explain why you chose the judge specifically and express your appreciation for their time and expertise. Also, be sure to proofread the letter carefully for any errors or typos.
What should I do if the judge declines my invitation?
If the judge is unable to participate, thank them for their time and consideration and express your hope that they might be able to participate in the future. If possible, try to find another qualified individual to take their place.
How far in advance should I send the letter of invitation?
It’s best to send the letter of invitation as far in advance as possible, ideally several weeks or even a month before the competition. This will give the judge plenty of time to consider the invitation and make arrangements to attend.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of invitation to judge a contest can seem daunting, but with the right tips and examples, it can be a straightforward process. By being clear, concise, and respectful, and by offering all necessary information and materials, you can create a letter that will get a positive response. Whether you are organizing a cooking contest, a film festival, or anything in between, the right judges can make all the difference.