Enter the Vox Awards

This year is the 20th anniversary of the PRSA Memphis VOX Awards. The theme we’ve chosen to
celebrate this anniversary is 20/20: we look back with perfect clarity, recognizing the best work. We also look to the future with a clear vision of how PRSA Memphis will continue to be the premier
communications organization in the Greater Memphis area.

Starting with this upcoming VOX Awards, the Grandis has been replaced with the Best in Show Award which will be given for the top entry in Campaigns and the top entry in Tactics. Be sure to look over the updated categories, guidelines & tips which will help you put together your entries.

• 2013 Vox Entry Form
• 2013 Vox Categories

Submit your entry payment online.

Please ensure that a completed downloadable entry form from above is included with each entry submitted at take-in.

Mail Payment with a copy of your entry forms to:
PRSA Memphis Vox Awards
PO Box 341023
Bartlett, TN 38184

For Regular Take-in, bring your entries to the Holiday Inn (University of Memphis) on Friday, February 15th between 4 pm–7pm. You can pay online before then or bring your check or credit card and pay there.

Late entries can be turned in on February 21st at the Booksellers at Laurelwood from 3:00 pm-5:30 pm.  A late entry fee will be applied. 

PREPARING YOUR ENTRY

Entries will be judged on a 100-point scale. Entries that are above 80 points will be considered Finalists. Only entries awarded more than 93 points will be considered for the Vox (first place) award.

Best in Show: Judges will select two entries as Best In Show. One will be awarded to a Special Event or Campaign, and one will be awarded to a Tactic. Only individual category Vox winners are eligible for Best in Show designation.

TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUR VOX ENTRY

Each Vox entry should include one 1,000 word (for campaigns or special events) or 500 word (tactics) summary that address the following categories: Research, Planning (including Budget), Execution and Evaluation. In addition to the summary, supporting materials may be included to explain your entry. Supporting materials could be, planning documents, research analysis, survey results, complementary materials, media clips, etc. The judges will use these supporting materials to gain a full picture of the campaign, special event or how a tactic fit into a larger PR program. Use the following questions to help you prepare a strong entry:

RESEARCH

• What prompted the research?
• Was it in response to an existing problem, or does it examine a potential problem?
• What type of research did you use — primary, secondary or both? Primary research involves original research, including focus groups, interviews and surveys. Secondary research involves searching existing resources for information or data related to a particular need, strategy or goal (e.g., online computer database searches, Web-based research, library searches, industry reports and internal market analyses).
• How was the research relevant to shaping the planning process?
• How did the research help define or redefine the audience(s) or the situation?

PLANNING

• How did the plan correlate to the research findings?
• What was the plan in general terms?
• What were the specific, measurable objectives of the plan?
• Who were the target audiences?
• What was the overall strategy used?
• What was your budget?

EXECUTION

• How was the plan executed and what was the outcome?
• How did the activities flow in general terms?
• What were the key tactics?
• Were there any difficulties encountered? If so, how were they handled?
• Were other organizations involved?
• Were nontraditional public relations tactics used, such as advertising?

EVALUATION

• What methods of evaluation were used?
• What were your results?
• How did the results compare to the specific, measurable objectives you identified in the planning section?
• How well do the results reflect original strategy and planning?

HOW TO ENTER

WHO

Entries come from all business sectors including agencies, corporations, media, non-profit, small businesses and freelancers. Any communication professional may enter work. A PRSA membership is not required.

WHEN

Work submitted must have been produced and used in 2012. The majority of the work must be created and overseen in the Mid-South/Memphis metropolitan area served by the Memphis Chapter of PRSA.

HOW

1. Decide what work you will enter. Fill out a Vox entry form per entry/campaign and include five (5) copies of that entry form at the front of the binder.)
2. Write a summary (1,000 words for Campaigns, 500 words for Tactics) addressing Research, Planning (including Budget), Execution and Evaluation. See tips for preparing your summaries.
3. Gather supporting materials: planning documents, research analysis, survey results, complementary materials, media clips, etc.
4. Each entry must be submitted in a binder:
   a. Hard Cover
   b. No larger than a 3-inch, 3-ring binder
   c. 10.5 x 1 inches
   d. Binder may not exceed three inches at the mouth
5. Images: 1-5 images must be included on a CD or DVD, with a label or with name and entry written in sharpie. Images must be at least 150 dpi (high resolution). The disks will not be returned. These images will be used during the award ceremony.

All pieces of an entry in the binder must be secure and clearly labeled. Judges may disregard any material outside the dimensions of the binder.

For Regular Take-in, bring your entries to the Holiday Inn (University of Memphis) on Friday, February 15th between 4 pm–7pm. You can pay online before then or bring your check or credit card and pay there.

A late entry deadline take-in venue and time on February 21st at the Booksellers at Laurelwood from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.