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ENTRY CRITERIA

Please enter campaigns and strategies that have been implemented between 1 April 2022 and 31 July 2023. For the Place Brand Strategy of the Year category, we are also interested in the longer-term perspective, but with specific reference to developments in this time period.

HOW TO ENTER

Download the entry form for each category to help you draft your entry – you can share this with key stakeholders for comment and sign-off before entering.

Download template for BEST CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

Download template for BEST COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY: TOURISM

Download template for BEST COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Download template for BEST COMMUNICATION STRATEGY: PLACE BRAND

Download template for BEST USE OF DATA

Download template for BEST USE OF DESIGN

Download template for BEST PLACEMAKING INITIATIVE 

Download template for PLACE BRAND OF THE YEAR

1. Please ensure that you do not exceed the word count for each section of your entry. For Best Citizen Engagement, all Best Communications Strategy categories, Best Use of Data, Best Use of Design, and Best Placemaking Initiative, your entry will be divided into four sections: the challenge/background [200 words]; the strategy [300 words]; the implementation [300 words]; and the results [200 words]. For Place Brand Strategy of the Year, there is a greater word count: the challenge/background [200 words]; the strategy [500 words]; the implementation [500 words]; and the results [200 words].

2. Decide on your supporting materials. You have the opportunity to include up to three pieces of supporting materials – links to videos or podcasts or web pages, video or audio files, photos, testimonials, or pdfs illustrating design etc. Please read our top tips for writing a winning entry to help you choose the right supporting materials.

3. When you are ready to enter, click on the ENTER NOW button shown across this website which will take you to the online entry platform. You will be asked to register your details, to copy and paste your written entry from your template, and to upload supporting materials. Once you have submitted your final entry, you will be asked to go to our payment site to pay for your entries.

4. Entry fees:

• For country branding committees, city and regional marketing boards, destination marketing agencies, investment promotion agencies, economic development boards and other place-based organisations, there is an administration fee of £75 per entry.
• For advertising and marketing agencies, design and brand consultancies, research and design agencies, and specialist place branding consultancies, there is administration fee of £150 per entry.
• VAT on all entries is included where applicable.
• You will be asked to pay by credit card. In exceptional circumstances, an invoice can be raised for payment by bank transfer.
• All entry fees must be paid by Thursday 7th September 2023.

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Five tips for a winning entry

1. Read through the Awards category descriptions carefully and ensure that your entry reflects the criteria described.  The entry templates also provide useful guidance.
2. Many places will be able to enter several or all categories, but we strongly recommend that you don’t just copy and paste your entries from one category to the next – there are clear differences between a great communications platform and a strategic approach to developing and managing a place brand, for example. If you’re entering the same work under multiple categories, take the time to tailor each entry to address the specific requirements for each category.
3. Tell your story as if you were in the room – the Jury could be reading through several entries at a time and will appreciate great storytelling and honesty. 
4. Don’t use empty superlatives – back up your success story with evidence and ensure your results reflect your objectives and KPIs.
5. Choose supporting materials that showcase your work but, please note, the evidence you share should only be provided to support your entry. Any really important information, particularly on results for example, should be included in your main entry. Examples of great supporting materials: 
   • Videos, images, examples of your communication materials [or links to view them]
   • Photos or images reflecting your place assets
   • Testimonials, quotes, reflections from your citizens or other key stakeholders

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