HOW TO ENTER

How to Enter

Please read all instructions carefully. If you have questions about submitting an entry, please contact Dawn Lindgren, 612-465-8399, dawn@a-s-i.com or Sarah Stakston, 952-346-6303, sstakston@webershandwick.com. Deadline Deadline for receipt of entries is noon, Friday, Dec. 14, 2007. There are no deadline extensions. Each entry must be submitted according to the "How to Prepare Your PRSA Classics Entry" instructions or it will be disqualified with no refund. Eligibility The majority of an entry's work must have been completed between Oct. 1, 2006 and Nov. 30, 2007. Programs tend to have a better chance of winning near their completion, as evaluation against initial objectives can be better determined. The PRSA Classics awards competition is not limited to PRSA members. Entries are encouraged from all communication professionals in Minnesota.

Entry Forms Complete the online PRSA Classics Entry Form. All entries are due no later than noon on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007. Click here for the PRSA Student Classic entry form. To see an entry example, click here.

How To Prepare Your PRSA Classics Entry

1. Online Entry Form
   Each entrant must designate on the Entry Form the category that is most appropriate for the entrant's program. While an entry may be appropriate for more than one category, entrants should examine program objectives and target audiences in order to select one category.
   
   Segments of a Classics Program entry may also be entered in a Classics Elements category.
   
   If an entry is in an obviously incorrect category, judges may move the entry at their discretion.
   
   Attachments via the entry form: Copies of the entry summaries (Classics Elements and Classics Programs) should be uploaded as a pdf along with the 100 word summary and three fun facts via the online entry form. For more information regarding the entry summaries, see below.
   
   100-word summary: You must include a 100-word summary describing your project via the online entry form. This will be used to describe your entry in the banquet program if it is a Classics finalist and in the presentation if it is a winner. NOTE: If your summary is longer than 100 words, we will only use the first 100 words. Please check your word count.
   
   Fun facts: Include three fun facts about your entry that could be used during the banquet should your entry win.
   
   Artwork: Please upload upload one piece of artwork (logo/photo) that belongs with your entry submission. If you have more than one graphic, please load all artwork to a disk and submit it along with your entry binder.
2. Entry Binder
   Entries must be limited to one three-ring binder no wider than one inch thick for Classics Elements or three inches thick for Classics Programs. The only exceptions are entries in the "Media Kits" category, which do not have to be in a ring binder.
   
   Use one three-ring binder for each entry submitted.
   
   Typed pages inside the binder should be no larger than 8 1/2" x 11" so that pages do not extend beyond the borders of the binder.
   
   Binders should be labeled on the spine and the front with the category number and subcategory letter, title of entry and name of organization (and assisting agency, if applicable). The front cover should also include a contact name, address, phone number and e-mail.
3. Entry Summary
   Write a concise summary for each entry. Prepare the summary carefully, as the judges will review it closely. This is perhaps the single most important element of the Classics entry.
   
   The summary should be uploaded via the online entry form and appear as the first page inside the hard-copy binder.
   
   The length of the summary must be no longer than one typed page for Classics Elements and no longer than two typed pages for Classics Programs. Entries will be disqualified if a summary is not included or exceeds the maximum length.
   The summary should be typed using no smaller than a 10-point typeface.
   
   Summaries must address the Judging Criteria. Feel free to include more information in tabbed sections of the binder to support these criteria.
4. Supporting Materials
   Include any supporting materials referred to in the entry summary. For example, if you refer to a public relations planning document, a copy of the plan should be included in the binder.
   
   Other examples of supporting materials include photos, letters, scripts, reports, media placements and samples of tactical materials.
   
   Label all materials for easy identification in case they are separated from the binder.
   Judges prefer a representative sampling of media placements with a complete typed list of all placements.
   
   Label all video and audiotapes with category, entry title and company name. (NOTE: These frequently get separated from their ring binders during the judging process, so please secure and label them well.)
   
   Do not include bulky or oversized items or boxes (no matter how small they are) in your entry. Instead, include photos of these items and label the photos. The only exception is in the "Media Kits" category, which should be entered fully intact.
   
   All materials must fit within your binder's natural dimensions. If the opening of the binder is wider than the spine, you must remove some items or the entry will be disqualified.
5. Entry Materials Envelope instructions, please read carefully
   Each entry must include a 9" x 12" envelope labeled "ENTRY MATERIALS ENVELOPE" - placed inside the front of the entry binder. On the outside of the envelope, include the category number and subcategory letter, entry title, company name, contact name, phone number and e-mail.
   
   Please include your registration identification number on the outside of the envelope. If you are paying by check, please include your check (with referenced ID number) in the entry materials envelope.
   
   Include digital artwork that illustrates your project in some way, which will be used in the awards banquet presentation if your entry wins. You can either upload your artwork via the online registration form or submit artwork on a disk in TIFF or EPS format and label the disk with the entry title and category number.
   
   Include one self-addressed, first class-stamped envelope if you wish to receive the judges' comments on your entry.
   
   Entry fees are nonrefundable, even if the entry becomes disqualified. Fees for each entry are:
   PRSA Classics Elements: PRSA Members, $75; Nonmembers, $95.
   PRSA Classics Programs: PRSA Members, $90; Nonmembers, $120.
6. Completed Entries
   Send completed entries by noon, Dec. 14, 2007 to:
   Minnesota PRSA Classics Awards C/O Nonprofit Solutions, Inc.
   1821 University Avenue West, #S256
   St. Paul, MN 55104
   
   Mark the entry package as "Minnesota PRSA Classics Awards Entry."

Judging Criteria For Classics Elements

The one-page entry summary must include a statement of objectives, budget, quantity produced and audience. Judging will be based on content, creativity, quality of production, technical excellence and appropriateness for the declared audience. A description of research is optional, but should be included if applicable. Outline the results or impact this piece had in relation to the overall project or ongoing program. Also consider any specific information requested under individual Classics Elements categories.

Judging Criteria For Classics Programs

Judging will be based on the merit of four criteria: 1) research, 2) planning, 3) execution and 4) evaluation. To assist in preparing your two-page summary, use the following as a guideline:

Research: Describe the situation on which the program is based. Briefly describe the research. Was research used to identify an opportunity or was it in response to a current or potential problem? Did research findings help re-define the situation? How did the findings help define the audience(s)?

Planning: Who was involved in the planning? What was the plan? How do the plans correlate to the research findings? What are the specific objectives of the program? Who were the target audiences? What was the overall strategy employed? What measurement criteria did you establish to evaluate success? What was your budget?

Execution: How were the plans executed? In general terms, how did the activities flow? What materials were used? Were any difficulties encountered, and if so, how were they handled? Was the budget adjusted during execution, and if so, why and how? Were other organizations involved? Were non-public relations tactics, such as advertising employed?

Evaluation: What were the results? To what degree and in what way(s) did the program meet its objectives? What methods were used to identify, analyze and quantify results? How are results related to research findings? How are results related to strategic objectives?

Entry Forms