ENTRY NARRATIVES

Entrants must complete each of the following five sections on plain white 8 1/2 " x 11" paper. Be concise, using short sentences and bullets whenever possible. The entire narrative must not exceed five typed pages. A budget line is recommended but not mandatory. If budget played a significant role, we strongly advise to include it. Excessive typos and general sloppiness may eliminate your entry from consideration.

1. Situation Analysis

Describe the factors in the marketplace or organization that created the need for this project. Explain the problem(s) and opportunity(ies) pertaining to this project. Be sure to avoid industry jargon and explain the project in language the judges (who do not necessarily work in your industry) will understand.

2. Statement of Objectives

Provide a specific, detailed explanation of the objectives that guided the development of the project.

3. Program Planning and Strategy

Discuss the techniques, methods, and approaches you used to achieve your objectives and solve the problem. Single-item entries should include enough explanation of strategic and tactical considerations so that the context from which the piece evolved is clear.

4. Results Documentation

Provide both quantitative and qualitative documentation of the success of the project, such as inquiries or sales generated, press clippings, or positive feedback from management or client contacts that demonstrate that you met objectives. The results documentation must contain factual information, not impressions and should confirm achievement of the set goals.

5. Communications Excellence

Discuss what makes this entry worthy of an award. Explain how your entry or campaign maximized results through solid, tactical PR work, an innovative approach, or results that exceed what was expected/anticipated. If the entry does not clearly exhibit creativity and innovation, be sure to explain why the grassroots or solid fundamental PR practices used make this a superior example. The response should address why this entry stands out and why it deserves to win a Bell Ringer Award.

REQUIRED FOR CAMPAIGN ENTRIES ONLY

50 Word Summary

Provide a 50-word summary of your submission both online and with the physical entry, as this will be used by presenters in the event your entry wins. This is required to submit with the online entry.

Scoring

The entry narrative will be the basis for scoring entries. Total maximum points for any entry is 100.
Point breakdown is as follows:

Situation Analysis: up to 20 pts
Statement of Objectives: up to 20 pts
Program Planning and Strategy: up to 20 pts
Results Documentation: up to 20 pts
Quality of Entry: up to 10 pts
Communications Excellence: up to 10 pts

All winning entries will remain confidential until the night of the awards ceremony. Please note, judges are eligible to enter this year's competition but are not allowed to judge those categories that they or their companies have entered.