Jurors are selected for their expertise in marketing, communications, and the design and building industry. The entries in each category will be evaluated on Judging Day by a panel of four or more jurors representing the A/E/C industry, media, design and graphics professions, and clients. Feedback by the jurors are provided to all entrants upon request, along with copies of their scoresheets.

All entries will be evaluated using the following 100-point system:

• Marketing Objectives-20
• Research/Planning-10
• Content Messaging-15
• Content–Deliverable-20
• Results-20
• Creative Brief-15

Evaluation will be based on:

• Demonstrating their approach to identifying and developing strategic, innovative and mutually beneficial business strategies and relationships, resulting in significant, measurable growth for their firm
• Extraordinary accomplishments for which the individual was responsible
• Unique approaches to obtaining new clients and/or retaining existing clients
• Fostering a firmwide, holistic business development culture that encourages networking, relationship building, and client satisfaction
• Exhibiting leadership in the AEC community, conducting business with integrity and ethics, and cultivating respect for their firm and the industry as a whole
• Mentoring others

Evaluation will be based on:

• Demonstrating high standards within six domains of practice (including market research, marketing planning, client and business development, proposals, promotional activity, and management)
• Accomplishments, measurable results, benefits and how they exemplify marketing excellence
• High level of success through various metrics including proposal hit rates, promotional activity, brand awareness, etc.
• Extraordinary accomplishments for which the individual was responsible
• Innovative approaches that added value to the firm
• Exhibiting leadership in the AEC community
• Mentoring others

Award winners will be announced and recognized at the SMPS DC Summer Celebration on June 4th, 2019. Awards will be given only if the entries meet all the necessary criteria. Jurors’ decisions are final. Winners are not guaranteed in every category.

First-place entries in all categories will be considered for the Best-in-Show award. The winner will be announced and recognized during the SMPS DC Summer Celebration on June 4th, 2019.

All winners are eligible for the People’s Choice Award. Winning MCA entries will be displayed during the SMPS DC Summer Celebration on June 4th, 2019. Attendees will be invited to vote for their favorite entry. The winner will be announced and recognized during the event.