Scott Willsallen Returns as a Judge for the 2024 MONDO-DR Awards
We’re proud to share that Scott Willsallen, our founder and director, was once again invited to join the judging panel for the 2024 MONDO-DR Awards, the only awards in our industry that focus solely on fixed installation projects in entertainment venues.
This year’s event took place at Ole Red in Las Vegas during InfoComm, drawing over 300 people from across the AV world. With a record number of submissions and the introduction of a new ‘Hotel’ category, the standard of work was incredibly high, a true showcase of what’s happening in our industry right now.
This was Scott’s second year on the panel, and being asked back is a nod to his experience and contributions to the industry. “It’s always an honour to be asked,” Scott says. “Being a judge is a recognition that others in the industry value my perspective and that’s something I don’t take lightly.”
Judging also offers a rare chance to explore a wide range of projects from around the world and spot the trends shaping our industry. One that’s become increasingly noticeable, Scott says, is the integration of spatial sound and immersive video, not just as a feature, but as a core part of the experience. “It’s a great way to see what’s happening across all disciplines, not just audio,” he adds.
When it comes to selecting standout entries, he offers simple but invaluable advice: be clear, be specific, and highlight what makes the project truly unique. “Don’t just tell us what you did, tell us why it matters. What was the bespoke element? How did it respond to the brief? If it just sounds like a generic project write-up, it won’t stand out.” He goes on to say, “Doing a great job isn’t worth an award, but to have designed something truly bespoke to the requirements of the project and to have done a great job integrating it, that deserves an award.”
For Scott, awards like MONDO-DR play a valuable role in spotlighting exceptional work, not just because they celebrate technical and creative excellence, but because the judging process brings together an independent panel of people from across the industry, each with their own background, perspective and priorities. “It is probably the most meaningful kind of endorsement our industry can offer.”
Congratulations to all the 2024 winners and shortlisted entries, and thanks to the MONDO-DR team for continuing to shine a light on the amazing work happening in our industry.
