award categories

 

1. Best automotive title

Titles entered in this category can be either consumer or b2b but can only be entered once in categories 1-10. Judges will look at the way the publication supports or enhances the brand proposition, how much it appeals to customers, whether its content and design are appropriate to the customer profile and, most importantly, if it works as a marketing tool to drive sales and customer retention.

2. Best finance title

Titles entered in this category can be either consumer or b2b but can only be entered once in categories 1-10. Judges will look at the way the publication supports or enhances the brand proposition, how much it appeals to customers, whether its content and design are appropriate to the customer profile and, most importantly, if it works as a marketing tool to drive sales and customer retention.

3. Best travel and leisure title

Titles entered in this category can be either consumer or b2b but can only be entered once in categories 1-10. Judges will look at the way the publication supports or enhances the brand proposition, how much it appeals to customers, whether its content and design are appropriate to the customer profile and, most importantly, if it works as a marketing tool to drive sales and customer retention.

4. Best membership title (not-for-profit/charities/associations)

Titles entered in this category can be either consumer or b2b but can only be entered once in categories 1-10. Judges will look at the way the publication supports or enhances the brand proposition, how much it appeals to customers, whether its content and design are appropriate to the customer profile and, most importantly, if it works as a marketing tool to drive sales and customer retention.

5. Best public sector/government title

Titles entered in this category can be either consumer or b2b but can only be entered once in categories 1-10. Judges will look at the way the publication supports or enhances the brand proposition, how much it appeals to customers, whether its content and design are appropriate to the customer profile and, most importantly, if it works as a marketing tool to drive sales and customer retention.

6. Best internal Communication

Titles entered in this category can be either consumer or b2b but can only be entered once in categories 1-10. Judges will look at the way the publication supports or enhances the brand proposition, how much it appeals to customers, whether its content and design are appropriate to the customer profile and, most importantly, if it works as a marketing tool to to communicate with staff and stakeholders about the company.

7. Best B2B title

Titles entered in this category can be either consumer or b2b but can only be entered once in categories 1-10. Judges will look at the way the publication supports or enhances the brand proposition, how much it appeals to customers, whether its content and design are appropriate to the customer profile and, most importantly, if it works as a marketing tool to drive sales and customer retention.

8. Best consumer publication (retail)

Titles entered in this category can be either consumer or b2b but can only be entered once in categories 1-10. Judges will look at the way the publication supports or enhances the brand proposition, how much it appeals to customers, whether its content and design are appropriate to the customer profile and, most importantly, if it works as a marketing tool to drive sales and customer retention.

9. Best consumer publication (non-retail)

Titles entered in this category can be either consumer or b2b but can only be entered once in categories 1-10. Judges will look at the way the publication supports or enhances the brand proposition, how much it appeals to customers, whether its content and design are appropriate to the customer profile and, most importantly, if it works as a marketing tool to drive sales and customer retention.

10. Best consumer publication (membership)

Titles entered in this category can be either consumer or b2b but can only be entered once in categories 1-10. Judges will look at the way the publication supports or enhances the brand proposition, how much it appeals to customers, whether its content and design are appropriate to the customer profile and, most importantly, if it works as a marketing tool to drive sales and customer retention.

11. Best international publication

The scoring for this category takes into account cultural synergy and how the agency has implemented an international strategy. The localisation of the publication is as important as the languages in which the magazine is published, as is how it’s been specifically tailored to a country. You must clearly state the countries in which the publication is published and if it includes any translation.

12. Best brochure

The most important factor here is brand execution. Since most of the content is based on historical data or images, it’s expected that there will be comparatively little evidence of effectiveness.

13. Best catalogue

Again, brand execution is key, but evidence of effectiveness is expected to be explained.

14. Best annual report

The most important factor for consideration within this category is brand execution. Since most of the content is based on historical data or images, it’s expected that there will be comparatively little evidence of effectiveness.

 

Creativity

 

15. Best use of photography

This category explores how original and eye-catching use of photography can bring a story and message instantly to life. You may submit one commission in a single issue for entry. Since it’s difficult to measure the effectiveness of a creative solution, the judges will only consider brand synergy and creativity.

16. Best use of illustration

Great use of illustration and typography can enhance the visual impact of a creative solution, so judges will be looking for innovation and relevance to the brand. You may submit any one commission in a single issue for entry. Since it’s difficult to measure the effectiveness of a creative solution, the judges will only consider brand synergy and creativity.

17. Designer of the Year

Along with the creative values of the publication or digital solution, judges will examine how the look and feel of the product reflects the client’s brand values and the expectations of the target audience. Freelance designers and individuals through an agency are eligible for this award.

18. Editor of the year

Entrants in this category must be full-time agency employees editing one or more titles. In their written submission (which is not scored), entrants must state their exact role or roles.

 

Digital

 

19. Best B2B/internal solution

To win this award, the digital solution needs to combine strong and relevant editorial content with a level of interactivity that proves irresistible for browsers. It should also demonstrate an ability to attract and retain customers, using enticing copy to showcase the brand. As well as websites, other digital solutions such as e-zines, blogs and podcasts can also be entered.

20. Best consumer solution

Here, development of the client’s brief plus the site’s effectiveness will be taken into account. As well as websites, other digital solutions such as e-zines, blogs and podcasts can also be entered.

21. Best charity/not-for-profit/public sector solution

Charity and public sector work demands particularly sensitive creativity and content, with powerful editorial crucial to the impact of the work. Entrants must demonstrate all these attributes to win. As well as websites, other digital solutions such as e-zines, blogs and podcasts can also be entered.

22. Best video

Whether used as an entertainment portal, internal training aid or pure sales tool, video is still an effective and widely used medium for brands. Entries in this category can be created for any purpose – online or off – as long as they are produced on behalf of a client.

23. Best mobile solution (including apps)

Branded content for mobiles or tablets requires a different set of creative, strategic and technological skills than for print or online. Whatever the platform or device it’s created for, judges will be looking at how appropriate and innovative the content is for the medium, as well as its usability and effectiveness.

For digital and mobile entries please include all relevant urls and/or directions on how to download apps etc.

The APA will ensure that judges have the appropriate equipment to view entries.

 

Cross Media Marketing

 

24. Best Specialist communication

The ability to innovate and provide the client with a completely new content-driven solution is a primary factor for consideration in this category.

25. Best integrated marketing solution of the year consumer

Judging of this new category will take into account an agency’s strategic thinking – how the solution integrates a number of different elements and utilises the right choice of media to create a strong and valid message in the mind of the consumer.

26. Best integrated marketing solution of the year B2B

As before, this category takes into account an agency’s strategic thinking – how it integrates a number of different elements and utilises the right choice of media to create a strong and valid message, this time in the mind of a B2B audience.

27. Launch of the year

Originality of entries will be paramount in judging this category, with particular regard to how the agency has taken the brief and developed it to create a completely new and exciting concept for the client.

 

Overall

 

28. Grand prix

The Grand Prix will be chosen from the winners of categories 1-27. The judging panel will choose the overall winner based on the single piece of work that stands above all others based on effectiveness, creativity, brand synergy, originality and strategic thinking.