Eligibility and Definitions
Entry Fees
Deadlines
Preparing My Entry
Notification and Winning Entries
Q: Who can enter the SMPS National Marketing Communications Awards Program?
A: The competition is open to both SMPS members and nonmembers working in US and international firms.
Q: In what time frame must the communications project be completed in order to be eligible?
A: All entries must have been created and completed between January 2010 and December 2011 for the 2012 competition.
Q: Is there a special category for small firms?
A: No, there is no longer a separate category for small firms. All firms will compete together no matter the size firm.
Q: How much does it cost to enter?
A: Please refer to this chart to determine the appropriate entry fees for your firm.
Q: What is the entry deadline?
A: The early-bird deadline is for entries postmarked by March 1, 2012. Final submissions must be received (not postmarked) by SMPS no later than March 15, 2012, along with an additional $50 fee per entry.
Q: What is the final submission deadline?
A: Final submissions must be received by SMPS (not postmarked) no later than March 15, 2012. Entries postmarked by March 1, 2012, may be entered at the discounted early-bird entry fee. Entries postmarked after March 1, 2012, are subject to an additional $50 fee per entry. Preparing My Entry
Q: What happens if I don’t follow the submittal requirements?
A: Entries that fail to follow submittal requirements will be penalized. Jurors’ decisions are final.
Q: Do I really need to show results?
A: Yes, results count for 10 out of 50 points in the Judging Criteria. Just as your firm expects you to show ROI for your marketing efforts, so do the jurors for MCA. Please refer to the Submittal Requirements for tips on how to show measurable results.
Q: What is a clarification statement?
A: A clarification statement is a brief document that explains what your entry is about. Please refer to the Submittal Requirements for details on information to include in the clarification statement.
Q: Do I need to create a cover sheet for the binder?
A: No, only the entry form and copy of check need to be in the front cover slip. You may do a cover/title sheet inside the binder, in front of the table of contents, but not required.
Q: What if my entry is too big to fit in a binder?
A: Use large metal binder clips or rubber bands to attach items (e.g., book, magazine, etc.), that do not fit in the clear plastic sleeves. Any materials that cannot be placed in a binder (such as clothing, hard hats, etc.) must be illustrated with a photograph. Inclusion of such materials in their actual form is elective, not mandatory.
Q: To whom do I make the entry fee check payable?
A: Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)
Q: Where do I send my Entries?
A: Send your entries to SMPS National at:
SMPS MCA Entry
123 N. Pitt Street, #400
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.549.6117
Q: What if my submission doesn't make the March 1 deadline?
A: Entries postmarked after March 1 require an additional $50 fee per submission, which must accompany the entry. Final submissions must be received by SMPS (not postmarked) no later than March 15, 2012, along with the $50 additional fee per entry.
Q: What happens to my entry—will my materials be returned?
A: Materials will not be returned. All entries become the property of SMPS and may be utilized in future MCA promotions or displayed during SMPS educational events as examples of best practices in marketing communications. Empty binders will be donated to a school or charity after the competition.
Q: How are winners notified?
A: In May, a notification letter will be mailed to the contact listed on each entry form explaining the status of the entry and including juror comments and entry trends. Winners will be notified of the categories in which their respective firms placed. Rankings within each category will be announced at the Awards Gala on July 12 during Build Business, the SMPS National Conference, in San Francisco, CA.
Q: What is expected of my firm if it wins?
A: Each winner is required to submit a display board and digital photo of its entry. Display board specifications will be provided in the notification letter. Winning entries will be displayed during Build Business, the SMPS National Conference, July 11-13, 2012. Participating firms are strongly encouraged to send at least one representative to the conference to capitalize on exposure at the Awards Gala on July 12. For more information on Build Business, visit www.buildbusiness.org.