On November 24, IABC/Toronto hosted a webinar with a panel of distinguished communications experts and previous OVATION Award recipients and judges.
The session was introduced by Mandy Gibson, President, IABC/Toronto. The speakers included:
Maliha Aqeel (SCMP, PMP, MC), Director, Global Communications and Digital Channels & Past President, IABC Toronto
Nathalie Noel, Communications Specialist, The Law Foundation of Ontario & Freelance Strategist, Brand and Communications
Michael Blackburn, Manager, Election Communications and Community Engagement, City of Markham & Executive Vice President, IABC/Toronto
Michael began the workshop by sharing updates for 2022 and explaining how the Award categories are structured. One category has been added and one renamed for 2022.
- Renamed category – IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility] previously Diversity and Inclusion
- New award category – Reconciliation
OVATION Awards are classified into four divisions: You will need to identify if your submission best aligns with Communication Management, Communication Research, Communication Training and Education or Communication Skills.
Maliha and Nathalie walked participants step-by-step through each section of an entry and how to begin the process of creating a work plan.
Important tips to remember:
- An entry is an opportunity to tell the story of a work project or campaign.
- When preparing a submission, ensure you demonstrate how the project relates to your business and how the business gained meaningful results from it.
- Make sure it is clear and concise to provide the best impression possible to the judges.
- Since the audience for your entry (judge) is another communicator, write as though you are talking to a peer.
- Judges use IABC’s Global Seven-Point Scale of Excellence to grade submissions. So format all sections of your entry knowing each one will be evaluated against the rubric.
When preparing work samples, share materials that have the key messages integrated, look professional, are appropriate to the target audience and paint a full picture of the project. This is the proof of your work plan!
Speakers shared best practices and advice for crafting winning submissions:
Maliha told participants to select only their best projects to submit. She chooses ones she is confident could win since creating a great entry takes time and effort.
Michael shared that he frames all of his projects around the Global Standard for Excellence in communication – not only does it make entries easier and higher performing, it benefits your clients and organization!
Nathalie encourages anyone who has not judged or entered before to do it! She commented that it is the best form of professional development you could do for yourself.
Key deadlines:
Entries are due by 11:59 p.m. on each date listed.
- Call for Entries open: December 1, 2021
- Early Bird deadline: January 10, 2022
- Deadline for Entries: January 17, 2022
- Late Deadline: January 31, 2022
Miss the session but want to access it? View the recording here
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