2017 Category Definitions

  • Submittal requirements vary depending on category. Read individual category descriptions below for submittal requirement details.
  • Materials completed between January 2015 andDecember 2016 will be accepted for the 2017 competition.
  • Be sure to review the officialsubmittal requirementsbefore entering.
  • If submitting digital files, please provide web link.Please test web links before submitting.
  • There is no limit to the number of categories a firm can enter. Multiple entries receive a discount per entry off the regular entry fee. Each firms FIRST Entry receives one complimentary ticket to the Awards Gala.
  • Entries that fail to followsubmittal requirements will be penalized. Jurors’ decisions are final.

Categories

1. ADVERTISING
An individual print or digital advertisement or ad campaign.
Submittal Requirements:Three copies of printed ad, or one print copy of each ad if a series.If print ad is large format and too large to print, please submit photo of ad. If entering a digital piece, include in your submission folder three copies of a printout and include a Web link to view original digital format online.

2. ANNUAL REPORT

A complete, originally printed or digital publication that addresses one calendar year. The publication must have a one year shelf life and be professionally produced for mass distribution. If the piece was originally created only as a digital piece, please include a link and specify the delivery method in your submission. Submittal Requirements:One copy of the report. If submitting a digital report, include in your folder one copy of a printout of the book and include a Web link to view original digital format online.

3. BROCHURE
A print or digital publication describing your firm’s general capabilities. A brochure has a limited shelf life, as a firm’s capabilities, staff, and projects change over time.
Submittal Requirements:Three copies of the printed brochure. If entering a digital brochure, include in your folder three copies of a printout of the brochure and include a Web link to view original digital format online.

4. CORPORATE IDENTITY
Specify identity type on entry form:
•New Identity: A consistent graphic image applied to your firm’s print and/or digital collateral materials for the purposes of a new corporate identity treatment.
•Rebranding:A consistent graphic image applied to your firm’s print and/or digital collateral materials for the purposes of rebranding your firm.
Submittal Requirements:For rebranding entries submit a before-and-after representative sampling of materials that convey your firm’s corporate identity. For New Identity entries, submit representative sampling of materials that convey your firm’s new corporate identity. Both types of submissions may include logo application such as letterhead, business cards, brochures, newsletters, and note cards. If available, the corporate identity manual or graphics standards should be included in your folder as well as Web links to view original digital components online.

5. HOLIDAY PIECE
A digital or printed piece produced for one-time use to promote a generally recognized holiday; examples include but are not limited to ecards, websites, Web apps, and videos.
Submittal Requirements:Include in your folder three copies of a printout of the piece and a Web link to view original digital format online.

6. INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Any print or digital communications vehicle intended for an employee audience, including but not limited to a recognition program, awards program, or communications associated with mergers, acquisitions, or new business-line initiatives. Employee newsletters should be entered in the Newsletter–Internal category.
Submittal Requirements:One copy of the materials. If entering digital communications, include in your folder three copies of a printout of the piece and a Web link to view original digital format online.
7. MEDIA RELATIONS CAMPAIGN
A strategic communications effort that uses media relations tactics and outreach—including but not limited to media releases, feature articles, backgrounders, opinion/editorial (op-ed) pieces, editorial meetings—to achieve a specific marketing, business development, or corporate image goal. This category focuses solely on outreach and success with the media and may include print and/or digital components.
Submittal Requirements:Three copies of your media relations plan that outlines goals and objectives. Samples of placements and other results must be included in the folder as well as Web links to any original digital format components online.

8. PUBLICATION/NEWSLETTER –EXTERNAL
An external, client-focused publication designed in newsletter or magazine format and produced via print or digital media. This includes a printed or digital serial publication or periodical in editorial format that presents one or more points of view. Magazine may enter this category if it has a client or external audience.
Submittal Requirements: Three copies each of the last three issues of the publication. If entering a digital newsletter, include in your folder three copies each of printouts of the three most recent issues and include a Web link to view original digital format online.
9. NEWSLETTER/PUBLICATION–INTERNAL
An internal, employee-focused publication designed in a newsletter format and produced via print or digital media. NOTE: If the newsletter is being used for employee retention purposes, enter it in the Recruitment and Retention Communications category.
Submittal Requirements:Three copies each of the last three issues of the newsletter. If entering a digital newsletter, include in your folder three copies each of printouts of the three most recent issues and include a Web link to view original digital format online.

10. SPECIAL EVENT
Digital or print pieces produced for one-time use to promote a special event including but not limited to an anniversary, new name, office opening, dedication, or ground breaking.
Submittal Requirements:Three copies of a printout of the digital piece and include a Web link to view original digital components online.

11. VIDEO
Specify video type on entry form:

  • Client specific Pursuit: A video created for the sole purpose of pursuing a specific client.
  • External: A video created for external communication purposes.
  • Internal: A video created for internal communication purposes.

Submittal Requirements:Submit Web link to view online or in original format. While judges will view video online, please print and include in the folder 5–10 pages (screenshots) from your video for their reference during deliberation. Videos will be viewed using the latest version of Chrome.

12. WEBSITE
Specify Website type on entry form:

  • External: An external, public websites that either promotes your firm or has been launched by your firm for a specific project.
  • Internal: Internal websites or intranets that have been launched for the purposes your firm’s internal communications.

Submittal Requirements:Include Website URL. While judges will visit your site, please print and include in the folder 5–10 pages (screenshots) of your website including your home page. Web pages will be viewed using the latest version of Google Chrome.

All entries are due IN HAND by March 21, 2017. Entries should be sent to the attention of Emily Fors, JE Dunn Construction 1001 Locust Street, Kansas City, MO 64106. Questions: Emily Fors – or 816.292.8520