| PRism Award FAQs |
|
We realize that entering an award for the first time can be daunting. Please review the “Call for Entries” brochure carefully. If after studying the entry form you still have questions, please consult the FAQs below. We will be updating the FAQs periodically with other questions/answers throughout the process. Check back for additional responses if your question/answer does not appear below.
Who can enter?
Anyone who has completed work with in the award year: July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. A PR team in greater Los Angeles or Southern California must execute the work.
How do I pick the proper category?
Pick the category that best represents your program. Extensive time and thought has gone into the category and sub-category types. If you cannot find a proper place for your entry, please place it in the category you feel best matches the program or tactic.
Why are there separate sections for Programs and Tactics?
The PRSA-LA Board voted to keep our awards consistent with the PRSA National program of separating Silver Anvils for programs and campaigns, and Bronze Anvils for tactical elements.
Are the PRism Awards the same for Programs and Tactics?
Yes, they are the same PRism trophies and the same Award of Excellence certificates for both sections of awards. Each group of award winners will be recognized during the PRism Award Banquet.
Why does it appear that the awards categories have changed this year?
The PRSA-LA board and Prisms committee periodically review our PRism categories to make sure they are consistent, current and relevant with the PR work being executed by the PR community. We felt there were a number of categories that were not represented and chose to add them this year. In doing this, we also re-organized some of the categories and designations for clarity and consistency.
Why is there an early entry and final entry?
We want to give you every opportunity to prepare your entry in a way that meets your high standards. We also want to give you the opportunity to save some money on entry fees if you get your entry in early. The latest entries will be accepted is 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2009.
Who can be nominated for one of the SPECIAL PRSA-Board awards?
Any PR professional or team in Los Angeles can be considered and nominated for the special awards listed in the Call for Entries. Please note the separate nomination process and requirements clearly listed in the brochure. These award nomination packages should be submitted directly to PRSA-LA, at 11271 Ventura Blvd. #514, Studio City, CA 91604. Phone 818-761-5575. All other regular entries for PRisms Awards should go to the designated address shown on the entry form.
Does entering an award guarantee we'll win an award?
No. Other regional PRSA chapters judge the awards. Awards are only granted when the judges deem an entry worthy. From time to time, no awards will be granted in a category where there were no meritorious entries.
Will we be notified that our entry was received?
No, there is no notification that your entry was received. If you require confirmation, please use a delivery service that provides that option.
Will we be notified of a winning entry?
Winning entrants will be notified that they are a finalist, but not whether they have won a PRism or an Award of Excellence.
What do we win?
PRism Award winners receive a trophy; Award of Excellence winners receive a certificate.
What are the qualifications of the judges?
Judges are selected by the partner chapter(s) in other geographic regions. The judges group comprises senior PR practitioners with many collective years of experience. Many of the judges will have APR or Fellow status. PRSA-LA provides these judges our criteria and score sheets, along with training on our standards and best practices.
Will we get our entry back?
Only winning entries will be returned at the PRism Banquet. Otherwise, entries are destroyed, because we simply don't have the filing space to handle the hundreds of PRism entries we receive each year. Should you wish to have a copy of your entry, you must keep a copy before you submit it to PRSA-LA. Additionally, as stated in the Call for Entries brochure, the award entry becomes public property of PRSA-LA and may be used as an example of strategic PR work in the future.
What if our entry must remain confidential?
The nature of the PRism Award process cannot preserve confidentiality. If you have confidential work that cannot be shared, it should not be submitted.
Will we receive the judges' score sheets?
No, the judges' score sheets become the property of the PRSA-LA chapter.
Is there a dispute process?
No. The PRism Awards are volunteer-driven program. Judging is subjective and all awards that are granted are final.
How can I become involved in the PRism process?
PRSA-LA encourages volunteers to participate in the PRisms Award process. Please contact any PRSA-LA board member or the PRSA-LA office to volunteer.
Whom should I call with questions?
To limit calls, please do your best to review the “Call for Entries” and this FAQ document for answers to your questions. If, and only if, you have outstanding questions, please e-mail Dennis Kaiser, at
. We will e-mail you a response and post the updated Q&A on this FAQ document for others.
Regarding the Special PR Industry Awards category, can we enter an outstanding team at the agency, or is this award for an agency-as-a-whole?
This award is open to ALL teams. "Team" can be defined in many ways, including: an account team at the agency, an entire agency, or a PR Team for an organization.
For Category 35, is this award for a SINGLE media placement?
Yes, this award is designated to honor ONE top placement in the following categories: (a) radio; (b) television; (c) print; or (d) online
Is it acceptable to include the entry forms and entry summary in our supporting materials binder, or do they need to be turned in separately (i.e., not put into the binder)?
They should go in the binder. It's easiest when everything is kept together.
Our agency is based in Orange County. Can we submit an entry for the LA PRSA PRism Awards?
Yes. The LA PRSA PRism Awards are open to all agencies located in the greater Los Angeles market, from Orange County to Ventura to Palm Springs.
"Can we submit a campaign that started in March 2008 and ended in August 2008? Thus, the campaign began before the allotted award time period (July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009), but it was completed during that time period."
The start date for your campaign does not affect eligibility. What matters is that the end date occurs during the award time period. The eligibility requirements state "work must have been COMPLETED between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009."
|