Please review the 2011 PRism Award Call For Entries Forms thoroughly as they contain all the information needed to prepare and submit entries. If after reviewing the Call For Entries Forms you still have questions, please consult the FAQ’s below. These have been updated for 2011 and we will continue updating the FAQ’s periodically as other questions arise throughout the process. See below on whom to contact if your question is not addressed here.

Who can enter?

Anyone who has completed work within the award year period from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Award categories are open to all public relations practitioners who work in the greater Los Angeles area, or have completed assignments for Los Angeles-based clients.

Where can I find the Entry Forms?

2011 PRism Award Entry Forms are accessible online in an easy-to-use editable PDF document. There are two parts:

1. Entry Payment Form (one page) to provide information about the entrant, campaign and fee payment 
2. Entry Overview Form (two pages); There are several sections designed to guide you in providing complete written information on your entry for the judges to review 

Deliver or Mail entry binders to: Brian Shaffer, PRSA-LA PRism Awards Co-Chair, 11271 Ventura Blvd., Suite 376, Studio City, CA 91604

How do I pick the proper category?

Pick the category that best represents your entry. Extensive time and thought has gone into the Campaign, Program and Tactic categories/sub-categories. If you cannot find a proper place for your entry, please place it in the category you feel best matches the campaign, program or tactic.

Entrants are responsible for designating the correct category and/or subcategory for each entry. Judges are not required to assign or re-assign categories for entries.

Why are there separate sections for Programs and Tactics?

The PRSA-LA Board voted to keep our awards consistent with the PRSA National Silver Anvil Award program of separating programs and campaigns and the Bronze Anvils for tactical initiatives.

What is the difference between a PRism Award and an Award of Excellence?

PRism Award trophies are given to honor the best entry in each of the entry categories (Campaign & Program and Tactic). Based on the results of the judges an entrant may receive an Award of Excellence certificate for their entry even if judges did not award a PRism in that category.

Why does it appear that the awards categories have changed this year?

The PRSA-LA board and PRism Awards committee periodically review categories to make sure they are consistent, current and relevant with the PR work being executed by our community. We felt there were important categories that were not represented and chose to add them this year. In doing so, we also re-organized some of the categories and designations for clarity and consistency.

Why is there an Early and Final Deadline?

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 money on entry fees if you get your entry in early.  The latest any entry will be accepted is Friday, Aug. 12, 2011 Friday, August 19 (deadline extended), in-hand by 3:00 PM.

Does submitting an entry guarantee we'll win an award?

No. Other regional PRSA chapters judge the entries. 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 confirmation option.

Will we be notified of a winning entry?

Entrants will be notified that they are a finalist, but not whether they have won a PRism or an Award of Excellence. All awards will be presented at the 2011 PRism Award Show on November 9, 2011 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel.

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 markets. 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 Awards Show on November 9, 2011. Otherwise, entries will be distributed to colleges and universities in greater Los Angeles to serve as learning tools for students pursuing degrees in Public Relations and Communications. 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, 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 a volunteer-driven program. Judging is subjective and all scores and decisions are final.

How can I become involved in the PRism process?

PRSA-LA encourages volunteers to participate in the PRism Awards. If you are interested in volunteering to serve on the PRism Awards Committee which manages the Call For Entries and Judging process, contact Brian Shaffer at . If you are interested in volunteering for the PRism Awards Show, contact Brian O’Connor at .

Whom should I call with questions?

Please do your best to review the Call for Entries Forms and these FAQ’s for answers to your questions. If, and only if, you have outstanding questions, please email Brian Shaffer, at . We will email you a response and/or post the updated Q&A on this FAQ document for others.

Category 29, is this award for a SINGLE media placement?

Yes, this award is designated to honor ONE top placement in the following categories: (a) Broadcast, (b) Print, (c) Online

Is it acceptable to include the Entry Form and Entry Overview Form in our supporting materials binder, or do they need to be turned in separately (i.e., not put into the binder)?

Place two copies of the Entry Form (one page total) IN the front pocket of the binder along with entry payment.
Place one copy of the Entry Overview Form (two pages total) IN the first section of the binder before supporting materials.

Please do not staple the two forms together.

Our agency is based in Orange County. Can we submit an entry for the PRSA-LA PRism Awards?

Yes, provided project or service was performed for clients based in greater Los Angeles.

Can we submit a campaign that started in March 2010 and ended in June 2011? Thus, the campaign began before the allotted award time period (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011), 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, 2010, and June 30, 2011."