SMPS interviewed Katie Overbaugh, CPSM, corporate communications manager with Perkins + Will regarding her experience participating in the 2011 SMPS National Marketing Communications Awards (MCA). Katie shares her goals and efforts and explains what this achievement means to the marketing staff at her firm. Perkins + Will won first-place in the Holiday Piece category during the 2011 competition.
SMPS: Why did you enter the MCA competition?
Katie: It has been our goal as a firm to have at least one entry in the MCAs for the past several years. We feel that it is a good way not only to support SMPS and marketing professional services but to encourage and reward our own marketing efforts.
SMPS: What about this project are you most proud?
Katie: We are most proud of the versatility of this piece; originally designed as a holiday greeting (New Year’s card), this piece was used throughout the year to reinforce our position as leaders in sustainable design, moving towards regenerative design, with our clients.
SMPS: What do you think made your entry stand out from the competition?
Katie: The high-quality, professional voice of the piece coupled with its presentation in video form.
SMPS: What does this recognition mean to you and Perkins + Will?
Katie: This recognition is important to our marketing staff, recognizing their hard work and encouraging them to strive for excellence in all of our communication pieces.
SMPS: How did you share the news about winning this award?
Katie: A firmwide email recognized the team that collaborated on this project.
SMPS: What did you learn from the other winning entries on display at Build Business?
Katie: That the quality overall of marketing/communication pieces is improving! We are getting more and more creative with the way we present our messages. It is important to be innovative as well as to capture measurable results/ROI on our efforts.
SMPS: What keeps you coming back to enter MCA?
Katie: We appreciate the feedback that we receive on what we consider to be our best marketing pieces for the year. We use the feedback constructively to improve our communication efforts. And of course, winning! It is encouraging to be recognized by our peers.
SMPS: Do you have any advice for future entrants on how to plan a winning entry?
Katie: Make sure to note the measurable results of your efforts – this is something we continue to improve upon.
For information on entering the 2012 MCA competition—including categories descriptions, submittal requirements, and the entry form—visit the MCA web page. The discounted entry deadline is March 1 (postmarked), and the final entry deadline is March 15 (must be delivered by this date to the SMPS National Office to compete). New in 2012: If you are entering a holiday piece in this year’s competition, please submit your entry in the Special Event category.
Pictured below is Perkins + Will’s first-place-winning entry in the Holiday Piece category of the 2011 MCA competition.
