Recruiting

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The final deadline to declare your eligibility for the 2008 PRISM Awards is July 14, 2008 at 3 p.m. Early bird entries received by June 30 can save on entry fees.

No late recruits will be accepted.

Entry Categories
Please read category descriptions carefully. Each entry will be judged independently and awarded points based on how well it meets the criteria listed under “Summary of Entry.” PRISM and Silver designations will be awarded based on total points received.

For-profit businesses, such as corporations or public relations/advertising agencies that have completed pro bono projects, may submit those entries under category 19.

Note: Entries in the first nine categories ONLY will be eligible for Best in Show.

1. Community Relations or Cause Marketing
Programs developed to enhance the community or improve the community’s perception or understanding of an organization or issue.
A. $50,000 or less
B. More than $50,000

2. Media Relations Programs developed to generate media coverage for a specific company, project or issue.
A. $50,000 or less
B. More than $50,000

3. Marketing Campaigns Programs developed to introduce new products or services or to publicize and promote established products or services.
A. Local or regional campaigns
B. National or international campaigns

4. Special Events Programs developed for commemorations, openings, observances, events or celebrations, etc.
A. $50,000 or less
B. More than $50,000

5. Internal Communications Programs developed to educate, influence or promote communication between internal audiences, such as employee incentive programs, recognition programs, intranet communications, management communication programs, etc.

6. Public Affairs/Lobbying/Issues Management Programs affecting legislation, government regulation or political activities; or, programs developed to help organizations identify and analyze emerging trends and/or challenges in order to prepare for and/or mitigate potential issues or crises.

7. Crisis Communications Programs developed to help organizations communicate effectively with various audiences, including the media, during a crisis or emergency situation.

8. Branding Initiatives Programs developed to help organizations brand or re-brand themselves effectively to various audiences, including consumers, influencers and media.

9. Special Programs Programs developed for specific audiences for purposes not covered by the above-listed categories. Project Categories

10. News Kit Created for internal or external use to publicize products, services or issues, shape public opinion or promote awareness.

11. Video Created for internal or external use to publicize products, services or issues, shape public opinion or promote awareness.
A. $50,000 or less
B. More than $50,000

12. Video News Release Videotaped news stories and footage created for the media to educate, inform, or influence opinion.
A. $20,000 or less
B. More than $20,000

13. Internet Communications Interactive communication or Web site intended for external audiences and designed to publicize products, educate, inform or influence opinion.
A. $20,000 or less
B. More than $20,000

14. Direct Mail Single or multiple direct mail solicitations developed to publicize and promote a specific product, cause or service.

15. Writing Individually written documents (such as news or feature articles, editorials, guest columns, speeches, etc.) prepared for internal or external use to publicize products, services, issues, or to shape public opinion or promote awareness.

16. Workshops/Seminars/Training Programs Programs designed for internal or external use to help train, educate, inform or influence opinion about specific products, issues, causes or services.

17. Social Media Projects Projects using interactive social media channels, such as blogs, podcasts or other interactive media channels besides traditional Web sites, created for internal or external use to help educate, inform or influence opinion about specific products, issues, causes or services.

18. Special Projects Elements of communication projects or programs that do not fit into the above-listed categories, including public service announcements (PSAs), CD-ROMs, non-pro bono fundraising activities, strategic planning, and etc.

19. Pro Bono Publico For-profit businesses, such as corporations, advertising agencies or public relations firms, may submit programs or projects completed for not-for-profit organizations, associations, and government agencies under the following categories:
A. Annual report
B. Brochure
C. Newsletter
D. Fundraising
E. Special events
F. News kit
G. Video/CD-ROM
H. Video News Release
I. Magazine
J. Direct mail
K. Media relations
L. PSA
M. Internet communication
N. Electronic publication
O. Social media (blogs/podcasts/chatrooms)
P. Other Publication Categories

20. Electronic publication (ex: e-newsletter, graphically-enriched e-mails)

21. Newsletter

22. Magazine
A. Three colors or less
B. Four or more colors

23. Brochure
A. Three colors or less
B. Four or more colors

24. Annual Report
A. Three colors or less
B. Four or more colors

Entry Fees and Deadlines
Early bird entries received by 3 p.m. on June 30:
$55 for members. $75 for non-members.

Final entries due by 3 p.m. on July 14:
$70 for members. $90 for non-members.

No late recruits will be accepted.

Remember, PRSA does not have corporate memberships. To be eligible for the member price, at least one team member listed on the entry from must be a current member of the Greater Kansas City chapter of PRSA.

Entry Fee Payment
You may pay for your PRISM entries with a credit card or with a check. If entering more than one item, you may pay for all entries with one check or one credit card number. In order to expedite your entry process, please include a letter detailing payment. A receipt will be provided for all entries upon request.

If paying with a credit card, please click here to pay online a with credit card. Complete this form, and return a copy with all PRISM entries.

If paying by check from a personal checking account, please indicate company name and number of entries on the memo line.

Early Deadline
An “early” discount is available for entries submitted by 3 p.m., Monday, June 30, 2008. The early entry fee is $55 per entry for PRSA members and $75 per entry for non-members. If you cannot meet the early deadline, the final deadline is 3 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2008.

Please deliver entries to:
PRSA/PRISM Judging Committee
Gina Leo
HOK Sport Venue Event
300 Wyandotte Street
Kansas City, MO 64105

Entries will be available for pick-up on the evening of the event. If you are unable to attend the event, please contact Gina Leo at (816) 329-4409 by October 20, 2008, to claim your entry and award. Entries not claimed within two weeks following the event will be discarded.

Invitations for the October 10, 2008 PRISM Awards Gala at The College Basketball Experience will be mailed the week of August 18, 2008, and award notifications will be mailed the week of August 25, 2008.

Need Help?
Click here to review tips for writing entries and past winning entries or contact PRISM co-chairs Erin Curtin or Gina Leo for additional information. Erin Curtin can be reached at (816) 460-3455 or ecurtin@nicholsonkovac.com and Gina Leo at (816) 329-4409 or gina.leo@hoksve.com.