Marketing & Communications Award of Excellence

This award recognizes excellence in print, audio visual or electronic communications that (1) externally promote the agency’s public parks, facilities, recreation or leisure services programs and have successfully demonstrated an increased level of public awareness or (2) are used to enhance the agency’s internal communications to staff, policy makers, or current program participants.

One Excellence Award may be awarded in each category and each class. 

Categories

Digital Media-Videos

Entry can include television, public service announcements or informational videos

Digital Media-Web/Social Media

Websites, social media, blogs, new/emerging platforms or mobile device app development

Print Publication or Materials

Entry can include agency guides, program or facility brochures that promote general programs, specialty programs or special events whether for a single program or event or for a series of related events such as a concert series, facility guides, annual reports, etc.

Marketing Campaign

Entry utilized a variety of promotional items (ads/print materials/promotional items, or social media) targeted to promote a specific agency event, program or facility. An itemized list explaining how each item was used in the campaign is required. Individual items used in the campaign may not be entered as single items in other categories.

Class 

(Based on Population Served)

• Class 1 - up to 50,000
• Class 2 - 50,001-125,000
• Class 3 - 125,001 to 250,000
• Class 4 - 250,000 +

Challenge: Describe the marketing and/or communications challenge or goals the entry addressed. [250 word maximum] (20 pts)

Resourcefulness: Extent the entry reflects creative vision, artistic aptitude, innovative graphic design, and was aesthetically pleasing. Describe the role of staff or community focus groups, if any, during the development phase. [400 word maximum] (25 pts)

Execution: Extent the entry communicated consistent and effective message(s) that supported the goal(s) of the marketing/communications effort. [400 word maximum] (20 pts)

Accomplishment: Extent the entry resulted in a noticeable positive change, increased participation or attendance or significantly advanced awareness of park and recreation services in the community. Include reference to analytical tracking tools or reports if available. [400 word maximum] (25 pts)

Mission: Extent the entry organized and communicated a consistent and effective message that supports the mission of the profession and / or promotes the Parks Make Life Better!® campaign. [250 word maximum] (10 pts)