I am interested in entering the Effies. How do I enter?

The entry period for the 2009 Effie Awards competition is September – November 5, 2008. Full entry information for the 2009 competition can be found in the Entry Kit located in the North American Competition section of the website.

I want to make sure my entry is completed correctly. Any suggestions?

We recommend that you attend one of the Effie Entry Workshops where the staff will go over the changes to this year’s program and will also walk you through the judging criteria. In addition, we recommend you review past winners that have published their cases online and review the entry guidelines. To view published cases from past winners, simply go to the Winners Showcase page and select ‘Published Cases’ from the drop down list and enter the year you are most interested in reviewing.

When will I find out if I am a winner?

All finalists will be informed whether or not their entry is a winner in April. The level of the win (whether it was deemed a Gold, Silver, or Bronze winner) is announced at the annual gala in June.

I am interested in becoming a judge? How does this work?

We are always looking for new judges. To sign up, please complete the Judging Application and a member of the Effie staff will be in contact with you.

When is an entry considered complete? Will I receive an entry confirmation?

All entrants are to submit their entries using the online entry system. In addition, entrants will need to mail 20 copies of the actual entry form to the Effie Awards office, with 10 hard copy examples of any print work associated with the campaign, one copy of the signed Authorization Form and Payment Invoice (all available from the online entry area). A submission is not considered complete until all information has been completed online, and all necessary paperwork and full payment are received at Effie Headquarters. The person listed as the contact person in the online entry area will receive an entry confirmation once all entries have been processed.

Can I enter my campaign into the competition in more than one category?

Yes. You will need to complete a separate entry form, submit a set of creative samples, and pay the entry fee for each category that you enter.

However, New Product/Service Introductions are not allowed to enter into the Product & Service Categories; they can enter only into the New Product/Service category and if applicable, into additional Specialty Categories.

I have questions about submitting the 4-minute reel of my creative work. Who can I consult?

Read the Creative Reel Instructions in the Entry Kit. Remember to show key work that drove your results on the reel and also showcase your innovative tactics. Judges are looking to see your work on the reel. Call or email Erica Stoppenbach at 212-687-3280, ext. 229 with further questions.

I need an extension to enter. How can I obtain one?

You do not need to request an extension. The preliminary entry deadline is October 15, 2008. If you need more time, the latest you can enter your work is November 5, 2008. Entry fees are based on the date you enter your work, so be sure to review the Eligibility, Deadline, Fees section for full details.

What are your top recommendations for entry?

Read the 10 Rules for Disqualification in the Entry Kit and check your entry to make sure it complies. You can also review recent winning cases in the Winners Showcase.

When pulling your entry together, be sure to write in a compelling, engaging manner that is concise and includes all important data. Make sure all data in the case is sourced. Submit your key work and your innovative work. Work with your partners and be sure to credit them.