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10 Tips for Entering the 2005 Marketing Communications Awards Program
These tips on preparing an entry for competition were suggested in a survey of judges from 10 industry-related awards programs and compiled by Lyn Hogan, Director of Marketing, Gensler Architecture Design & Planning Worldwide, and Dorothy J. Verdon, CPSM, Territory Manager, Shaw Contract Group.
1. Read, understand, and respond to judging criteria.
2. Exercise principles of good writing.
3. Be clear, concise, and brief.
4. Have a third party proofread your entry submission.
5. Make required information easy to find.
6. Use graphics and photos effectively to reinforce your story.
7. Substantiate claims regarding the successes of the piece or project.
8. Enter into the right category.
9. Ask questions of the sponsoring organization.
10. Enter the competition each year to improve your process and skills at preparing a successful entry.
The SMPS National Marketing Communications Awards (MCA) recognize excellence in marketing communications by professional services firms in the design and building industry. Awards are presented in 18 categories:
Open to both SMPS members and nonmembers, this program provides an unparalleled opportunity for firms to showcase their best marketing efforts each year. Entering is easy—and there's no limit to how many categories your firm can enter. Visit www.smps.org/awards/mca.htm for category descriptions, submittal requirements, entry forms, competition rules, and samples of winning entries from previous years.
Award-winning firms/entries will be:
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honored on August 12 at the 2005 Awards Gala in New Orleans
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highlighted in national press releases, in SMPS publications, and on www.smps.org
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displayed at industry-related events throughout the year.
Winning firms benefit from:
Small-firm awards in each category allow companies with limited marketing resources to compete against each other. For the purposes of this competition, a small firm is defined as a firm with annual revenues of $4.5 million or less. If your firm qualifies, simply mark the "Small Firm" box on the entry form. SMPS chapters are welcome to enter chapter-related marketing materials in any category as a small firm.
First-place entries in all categories will be considered for the 2005 Best of Show award. Representatives from major national trade publications and media leaders will judge the Best of Show entries in August.
For answers to questions regarding the MCA Program, contact Molly Dall'Erta at 1.800.292.7677, x231, or e-mail molly@smps.org
Entry Deadline: Friday, April 8
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