Golden ARC Awards Guidelines
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements differ depending upon which Division is entered.
The "Campaigns Division" must be entered via mail, and a physical package must be delivered to the contest management headquarters by the deadline. Entries received past the deadline will not be accepted. ARC "Campaigns Division" entries must include the following:
1. Entry form with method of payment
2. Two-page summary
3. Binder with supporting materials.
Entries to the "Tactics Division" may be submitted via mail or via e-mail (in PDF format) by the deadline. Word documents or formats other than PDF will not be accepted. Entries received past the deadline will not be accepted. ARC "Tactics Division" entries must include the following:
1. Entry form with method of payment
2. Two-page summary
3. PDFs or hard copy of supporting materials. Binder not required.
Click here for entry form.
Summary
A summary - no longer than two pages - must be included in the front of the binder for "Campaigns Division" entries and attached to the e-mail in PDF format for a "Tactics Division" entry. (Please note: Entries in past years' have been disqualified due to a summary that exceeded two pages.) The two-page summary must address each of the primary division judging criteria.
The summary should include the following elements:
- Title and award category
- Campaign summary - One-paragraph summary of the campaign and what it accomplished
- Background - One paragraph to provide background or context for why the campaign was initiated
- Research - describe the primary and secondary research used in planning
- Planning - list target audiences, objectives, strategies and key considerations involved in program planning
- Execution - list or describe key activities
- Evaluation - describe program evaluation methods and results
- Other supporting information as necessary or appropriate
- Budget (optional)
The two-page summary should be typed, using a 10-point typeface or larger, with one-inch margins, on 8 1/2 x 11 inch or A4 paper. The format may be either portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal).
Supporting Materials
For a "Campaigns" or mailed "Tactics" entry, the two-page summary should be attached to the front of a three-ring binder with supporting materials. All supporting materials should be included in the binder, and pages should be no larger than 8 1/2 x 11 (or A4 size).
The binder should include supporting materials described in the two-page summary. Detailed information and supporting materials should be in tabbed sections behind the summary, and should follow a logical flow and order. Examples of supporting materials include: background information or situation analysis; surveys, research reports, environmental scans or surveys; plans or plan summaries; collateral or promotional materials; key program elements; news releases; clippings; web page captures; other samples of tactical materials; and documentation of measurement and evaluation.
In the "Tactics Division," entries may be submitted via e-mail or via mail. If the entry is submitted via e-mail, a cover sheet shoud be included listing each file/item included in the submission. Examples of supporting materials include those listed above.
Rules and Guidelines
For the 2011-2012 awards program at least some part of the program must have occurred in calendar year 2011.
Entrants must select a single category for each entry. Programs can be entered in more than one category, if the entry also meets the criteria or requirements of the additional categories. If a program is entered in more than one category, each entry must be submitted separately, with all of the required entry documentation, and with a separate entry fee.
Mail your entry form, two-page summary, supporting materials and payment to: Golden ARC Awards Contest c/o Amy Keith McDonald McDonald Marketing Communications 604 W Clinton Dublin, TX 76446
Note: The ARC Awards Committee may waive deadline requirements in the event of significant weather events, catastrophic events (earthquakes, volcanoes, acts of terrorism, natural or man-made disasters), or other significant events.
Entries are not returned, and become the property of ARC. Entries may be displayed at the awards ceremony. Judges' decisions are final. Entry fees are not refundable.
Winners will receive one award per entry. Additional copies of awards may be purchased through ARC, and will include the costs of duplicate awards, handling and shipping, and processing fees to be determined.
Entry Deadlines and Fees
- Deadline: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 by 5 p.m.
- Non-Member Fee - $300 for first entry (qualifies one for ARC Membership), $125 for each additional entry
- All entry fees are nonrefundable
- Member Fee - $125 per entry
Make checks payable to Ag Relations Council.