How do I enter?
What are the categories in which I can enter?
What determines if an entrant or entry is
eligible?
Can I submit several different entries?
Can I submit the same entry more than once?
How are entries judged and awards determined?
How are entries scored?
Do entrants receive feedback on their entries?
What happens to my entries?
How are recipients of the award notified and
recognized?
How
do I enter?
It’s easy. Simply choose an appropriate
category, write a 100 word summary, complete a
Work Blueprint according to the requirements outlined
in the Call for Entries brochure, assemble your
Work Sample, and send it in a 3-ring binder to
the TMCA Offices by the deadlines posted on the rregistration form. Make sure to obtain a brochure for
full details for qualification and steps to enter
your work. Please note: One 3-ring binder
per entry.
What
are the categories in which I can enter?
Categories are Integrated Communications Program,
Single Advertisement, Advertising Campaign, Direct
Mail Campaign, Communications Collateral, Publications,
Web-based Media, Multi-Media Marketing, Special Events, and Media
Relations.
What
determines if an entrant or entry is eligible?
- The individual listed on the entry form is
considered the entrant and must have had primary
involvement in implementing the project entered.
Do not submit work under someone else's name
- The entry must be focused on organizational
communication within the freight or passenger
transportation industry.
- 2009 Compass Award entries must have been
produced for primary use from Jan. 1 -
Dec. 31, 2008 (unless the entry spans multiple
years, in which case only the work produced
in 2008 will be considered).
- If you're no longer affiliated with the organization
for which you did the work or if you are an
outside supplier (i.e., agency or consultant),
you must have the organization's written approval
to enter.
- TMCA members and non-members may enter the
Compass Awards Program. To be eligible for the
lower member entry fee, you must be a paid TMCA
member. To join TMCA and take advantage of the
lower entry fee and other benefits, click here.
Can
I submit several different entries? Back
to top
You may submit as many different entries as you
wish. However, you must submit a separate Work
Blueprint, Work Sample, and Entry Form for each
entry. Separate fees apply for each submitted
entry.
Can
I submit the same entry more than once? Back
to top
Yes. You may submit the same entry more than once. An entry submitted in the Direct Marketing category may fit well in the Integrated Communications and Advertising Campaign categories as well. Be sure to tailor your written Blueprint for each. Individual entry fees apply.
How
are entries judged and awards determined?
Back to
top
Entries are evaluated by a team of judges using
standardized criteria that reflect the information
provided in your Work Blueprint. Judging teams
are carefully chosen and are comprised of practicing
marketing and communications professionals and
other leaders in the profession. Winning entries
in each category will receive either an Award
of Excellence (the highest award) or an Award
of Merit. If no entries in any given category
meet the criteria established to receive an award,
there shall be no award given in that category.
All judges' decisions are final.
How
are entries scored? Back
to top
Each judging team uses a proven 6-point scaling
system to evaluate various aspects of each Work
Blueprint and Work Plan. Winning entries must
clearly state objectives and show originality
and creativity. Judges look for evidence of careful
planning, how well a program is created and executed,
and how appropriate the strategy and objectives
are in relation to the results. Your score will
be judged heavily on the strategy of your project
as well as execution, so fully address all areas
in the Work Blueprint.
Do
entrants receive feedback on their entries?
Back
to top
Yes! One of the benefits to this program is that
you will receive feedback from the judging teams.
Entrants receive a one-page evaluation form for
each entry, which provides judges' evaluation
scores and outlines brief comments. To guarantee
receipt of your evaluation form, you must include
a self-addressed, business-sized, stamped envelope
with your entry (postage stamps only; no postal
meters, please!)
What
happens to my entries? Back
to top
All items must fit in a three-ring binder. Please
note: One 3-ring binder per entry. Do not
send large, oversized items. Do not send irreplaceable
material. No material will be returned; all entries
become the property of TMCA for use in publications,
on our Web site, or as samples. (If the material
is proprietary and not available for such use,
indicate this clearly on your entry). TMCA is
not responsible for lost or damaged entries.
How
are recipients of the award notified and recognized?
Back
to top
Notification will be made to all winners late
March, 2009 using the contact information provided
on the entry form. Recipients of the Compass are
presented with an award and Excellent winner entries will
be displayed at the annual TMCA Annual Conference. In addition, a formal banquet will take place
earlier that evening) Recipients also are recognized
in TMCA's member newsletters On The Move and
TMCA e-News, on this Web site, in Best
Practices In Transportation Marketing and Communications,
and in various transportation trade media following
the conference.
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