Evaluation
Senior communication practitioners judge all Ovation entries. Each entry is reviewed by at least two judges using IABC Gold Quill criteria. To win, an entry must show clear objectives, original thinking and measurable results.
Judges use IABC’s Seven-Point Global Scale of Excellence, which provides a consistent standard and fair process. Entries are evaluated against the criteria, not against each other. Entrants also receive scores and comments from communication professionals.
Award Force will be used as the online submission system. The system allows organizations to submit entries across all IABC award programs to gain national and international recognition.
Judges score both the work plan (Divisions 1, 2 and 3) or online entry form (Division 4) and the work sample.
Communication Management (Divisions 1, 2 and 3)
- Work plan: 50%
- Work sample: 50%
Communication Skills (Division 4)
Scores are based on:
- Strategic alignment
- Professional standards for the category
- Creativity, resourcefulness or innovation
Award Levels
Two OVATION Award levels are available:
- Award of Excellence
- Award of Merit
Score Requirements
- 25 to 5.74 earns an Award of Merit
- 75 to 7.00 earns an Award of Excellence
There is no limit to the number of awards in each category.
Awards of Distinction
Awards of Distinction recognize entrants with the strongest overall performance across all categories.
Point System:
- Award of Excellence: 3 points
- Award of Merit: 1 point
The entrant with the highest point total in each category wins.
If there is a tie, the average score of all entries determines the winner.
Awards of Distinction Categories:
- Boutique Agency of the Year (five or fewer employees)
- Small Agency of the Year (six to 20 employees)
- Mid-Size Agency of the Year (21 to 50 employees)
- Large Agency of the Year (more than 50 employees)
- Corporate Communication Department of the Year
- Not-for-Profit Communication Department of the Year
Judges Choice Award
The Best of the Best Judges’ Choice Award recognizes the highest-performing entry submitted in the Greater Toronto Area. Evaluators recommend the winner, and the committee confirms the final selection. The winner is announced at the OVATION Awards celebration and receives a special trophy.
Entrants who do not want their submission considered for this award can select “No” during the online submission process. There is no fee to participate.