BE THE BEST OF THE BEST
The APMC Star Awards showcase effectiveness and creative excellence in Ireland in Promotional Marketing and its pre-eminence has been achieved by rigorously maintaining standards over the years.

To be nominated as a finalist places your campaign in the top echelon of achievement and being declared a winner adds the impartial stamp of approval by the whole industry for producing outstanding Promotional Marketing during 2011.

Like our industry, the APMC Star Awards continue to evolve and develop, reflecting both ever-changing market places and the advent of new techniques and technologies.

All Awards winners will be featured in the APMC's Promotional Marketing Awards 2012 website and category winning campaigns also receive the opportunity to enter the European Promotional Marketing Awards and your promotion could be amongst next year's European winners.

If you believe that your work in 2011 meets the high standards expected and you can demonstrate creativity, innovation, lateral thinking, effective use of resources and real results, then you should enter the APMC Star Awards.

APMC Star Awards 2012 - The Best Promotion You'll Ever Get.

HOW TO ENTER
The APMC Star Awards 2012 are easy to enter, so maximise your chances by ensuring that you:

• understand the categories
• enter all applicable categories
• support your entry with appropriate materials
• provide evidence of effectiveness and proper results
• only give factual and relevant information and follow the entry rules

Who May Enter?
Entries may be made by either a Consultancy or Service Partner on behalf of a Promoter or by the Promoter direct.

Qualifying Dates

• Only work which ran in Ireland and started or finished during the calendar year 2011 is eligible. This may preclude the entry of certain campaigns, which did not begin until late 2011 and are still running. Such campaigns should be entered in next year's Awards
• Previous APMC or IISPC Award-winning campaigns may not re-enter, except if they form part of the 'Best Long Term Campaign' Award

Entry and Entry Forms
Each entry in each category must be accompanied by:

(A) The Entry Form

• This must be fully completed, including the signing of the Declaration by the Promoter and, if applicable, the Entrant.
• The entry forms have been updated for the 2012 Awards.
• Four copies (photocopied) plus the original entry form must be submitted with each entry.

(B) The Submission Form

• All entries must be submitted on the official Entry Form
• This should be completed in 12-point type only, following the Headings provided and MUST NOT exceed the word count maximum in each section.
  
• Presentation is all important. Our Judges do not have the time to wade through rambling diatribes full of unsupported waffle!! With less than 8 minutes per entry, including visuals, brevity is essential.
• Please provide a succinct and factual summation of the key points of your campaign relevant to the category being entered. Poor spelling and grammar, irrelevance and lack of attention to detail will inevitably be marked down.
  
• The results of the campaign must be provided. Show the results as precisely as possible, giving independent verification where available. Results must be measurable, i.e. redemption percentages are not sufficient. They must be qualified by numbers of units and numbers of packs (if applicable). Any other increase in sales etc. should also be quoted. Vague results may lead to poor marks. Results will remain confidential and will only be seen by the judges. However indexing can be used but must be clearly explained.
• Budget details must be clearly outlined including the breakdown of costs, for example design, production, media support etc. Any element not included in the budget figure specified; for example point of sale, print etc. should be clearly indicated.
• If the Entrant is not the Promoter, then their name must not appear anywhere on the Form.
• We reserve the right to publish details and images of entries, including results as stated. If you have included information of a confidential nature which is not to be divulged to an audience beyond the Judging Panels, the relevant section(s) must be clearly marked: Not for Publication.
• FIVE copies of the Submission Form must be submitted with each entry as well as the entry form provided.
• All entries must be submitted with Client approval and signed by the Client. The Client Approval Form must be returned with each original entry. Failure to comply with this rule will automatically disqualify the entry from consideration.

(C) Support Materials

• You may submit product packs, leaflets, photos, audio files in MP3 format, video on DVD or Mpeg, CDs, web site or computer screen printouts, samples of premiums and POS materials to support your entry. No more than two A2 Cappa Boards displaying printed support material. You must supply separate boards for each category entered. (Incorrect sizes will not be considered for judging). Clearly indicate the category in which the promotion is being entered on the reverse of the board using the Entry ID label, remembering that the Judges only have limited time available to review each entry.
  
• Copies of the campaign's Terms & Conditions must be included, both in the format in which they were seen in the marketplace and as an A4 portrait hard-copy and in 12-point type. In the case of Instant Win Promotions, entrants should submit clear evidence that their promotion complies with the Gaming & Lotteries Act 1956 – 2000. i. e. a copy of their lottery licence
  
  These WILL be checked and any illegalities will result in the entry's disqualification…as, of course, will any campaign against which an ASAI, MEAS, industry or any other statutory body complaint has been upheld.  In the light of such facts or any other material information arising after a campaign has been judged and nominated for an award may be withdrawn at the discretion of the judges. It will be the responsibility of the entrant to clarify such facts at entry stage
  
• Campaigns which are deemed to be in breach of the Irish and European Code of Sales Promotion Practice by the judges will also be disqualified
• Entries which need specialist equipment other than audio or video, may be required to provide this equipment to assist in judging. In such circumstances this will be at the cost of the entrant
• Each entry must be accompanied by a PowerPoint slide of the creative, submitted on CD (Multiple entries should be placed on the one CD once it is clearly marked on the outside as well as the folders when opened). In the event of the campaign winning an award, this image will be used in the awards presentation. Also include the 70 words summary and EPS image for inclusion in the Awards book
• Ideally, your entire entry i.e. Entry Forms, Entry Forms, Ts &Cs and the Support Materials, should be contained within a document wallet, to the outside of which must be attached an APMC Star Awards entry label showing:
  • the number of the category being entered; and
  • the campaign's title

• Please note: all Entries and support materials submitted for the Awards become the property of the APMC and will not be returned

(D) Entry Fees

• The Basic Fees per category entered are:
  • APMC Corporate Members: €95 + VAT at 23%
  • Associate Members: €115 + VAT @ 23%
  • Non-members: €190 + VAT @ 23%
• Late entries
  These will only be accepted by prior agreement and under exceptional circumstances. An additional administration fee of €25 + VAT per entry must be included with the Entry Fee payment.
  
• Payment
  • Payment must be made be made by cheque accompanying your entries: If this is not received, the entries will be judged at the discretion of the APMC. Failure to pay by the date of the awards ceremony will automatically disqualify the entrant from receiving an award.
    
    NB: If one payment is being made to cover multiple entries then please supply a completed Summary Sheet showing the category number and campaign title for each entry, and an explanation of how you calculated the sum due
• A receipted VAT Invoice will subsequently be sent to you for your records
• Entry Fees are non-refundable

Entry Deadline.
All entries must arrive at: Tradewins, Unit F, Airport Business Campus, Santry, Dublin 9. NO LATER THAN 4pm on Friday 17th February 2012. PLEASE NOTE THAT ENTRIES WILL BE REFUSED AFTER THIS TIME

THE JUDGING PROCESS
Please note:

• All Awards are made entirely at the Judges' discretion and they are under no obligation to make Awards in every category.
• In the case of a split decision the Chair will hold a casting vote.
• The Judges' decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

THE CATEGORIES
General Entry Notes.

• Both business to consumer and business to business campaigns may be entered.
• To be eligible for an Award your entry must contain a Promotional Marketing element, defined as:
  
  An action directed at a consumer or business that enhances product appeal by offering an extra reason to purchase or participate.
  
  Campaigns may therefore be entered by companies active in any Promotional Marketing discipline i.e. Sales Promotion, Performance Improvement, Motivation, Direct Marketing, Promotional Merchandise, Field Marketing and Incentive Rewards.

• Throughout this document the term 'consumer' means the individual or organisation towards whom the promotion is directed and who received the benefit gained from participation.
  
  A campaign may only be entered once in categories A1 to A10 (i.e. the appropriate Industry Sector) but may be entered in as many technique categories as are applicable in Section B. Equally, entries in Section B do not have to be entered in the appropriate Industry Sector in Section A

The Judging criteria and maximum marks available for each Section are:

Gold awards will be made in each category to the outright winner providing the entry achieves 75% or more of the marks

The minimum rating for silver is between 65% - 75%
The minimum rating for bronze is between 55% - 65%

In the event of more than one campaign achieving the required score to merit a gold, silver or bronze, the judges will review all the campaigns and determine the number and nature of the awards. - In many cases particularly the more competitive categories, campaigns will score a lot higher than the minimum requirement.

A campaign will receive a nomination for an award if it is ranked in the top 6 campaigns in its category, however it must score a minimum of 55%. In the event of more than 3 campaigns receiving awards, more than 6 campaigns may be nominated, however all must have scored at least 55%.

SECTION A: INDUSTRY SECTORS.
Please note:

• The Promoter's main line of business is the key to deciding the appropriate Industry Sector
• A campaign may be entered in only one of categories A1 to A10
• Campaigns implemented by Charities and other not - for - profit organisations on their own behalf should be entered in category A

A1 Retail
automotive and household goods. For the most effective promotion of these specific shopping channels. This includes Retail and Forecourt outlets; Mail Order and Internet shopping; Wholesale and Distribution outlets; Pubs and Clubs; Restaurants and Fast Food outlets.

A2 FMCG Food
For the most effective promotion of food products. This includes all foods, biscuits, snacks and confectionery. Remember it does not include products like soup and milk which should be in non alcoholic beverages

A3 FMCG Non Food
For the most effective promotion of household products including cleaning materials and detergents; kitchen and bathroom paper products; domestic stationery; pet foods. Or the promotion of the products and services which keep us healthy and looking good. This includes ethical pharmaceuticals, OTC medicines and remedies; medical equipment and accessories; health and fitness clubs; all personal hygiene, cosmetic and toiletry products.

A4 Non Alcoholic Beverages
For the most effective promotion of non alcoholic beverages both hot and cold. This includes all beverages including hot beverages and soft drinks

A5 Alcoholic Beverages - Beer
A5 Alcoholic Beverages - Beer For the most effective promotion of beers. This includes drinks consumed both at home and in pubs and clubs. (NB. Campaigns by pubs and clubs on their own behalf should be entered in Retail).

A6 Alcoholic Beverages – Wines & Spirits
For the most effective promotion of wines and spirits. This includes drinks consumed both at home and in pubs and clubs. (NB. Campaigns by pubs and clubs on their own behalf should be entered in Retail).

A7 Service Industries, Travel & Leisure
For the most effective promotion of the Services necessary to keep our homes and businesses functioning, including pension, savings and investment plans; assurance and insurance (including pets); credit, loan, HP and leasing facilities; High Street banking and Bureaux de Change; Retailers' financial services; Independent brokers and advisors. For and services provided by national and local government; the emergency services; public sector agencies and companies; utility companies; waste management and recycling services, travel and leisure industries.

A8 Media, IT & Telecoms
For the most effective promotion of the media by themselves or for the most effective promotion of the products and services which help us to work and communicate.

A9 Government, Charity and Cause Related
For the most effective promotion of a government service. The most effective promotion of a Charity or charitable organisation.

A10 Business to Business Trade & Salesforce , Trade & Sales Force
For the most effective promotion of Professional and Business Services or for the most effective promotion to existing Trade Customers or the Sales Force. This includes health, medical and veterinary practitioners; Professional, Business, Training and Education services.

SECTION B: PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES.
Please note: Campaigns involving more than one Technique may be entered in each applicable category, but ensure that the emphasis of your submission properly reflects the marketing issues and results for the Technique concerned

• B1: Best Long Term Campaign
• B2: Best Promotional Innovation
• B3: Best Integrated Campaign
• B4: Best use of Social Media
• B5: Best use of Digital Media
• B6: Best Use of Mobile
• B7: Best use of Experiential Marketing < € 30K
• B8: Best use of Experiential Marketing > €30K
• B9: Best Visibility at the Point of Purchase
• B10: Best use of Broadcast media
• B11: Best Best use of a Small Budget <10K

  This category has been amended for 2012 and is intended to be open to entry for agencies and clients; specifically SME's and start - up companies. It will reward innovative campaigns which work within the constraints of a 15K budget -this figure to include agency fees where applicable.

• B12: Best Creative Execution

SECTION C: JUDGES AWARDS

THE CHECKLIST
So, to be the counted amongst the Best of the Best in Irish Promotional Marketing start preparing your entries now - don't leave it until the last minute, as you'll only do your work a disservice. Make sure that you:

• Review the Categories and select the one most appropriate for the campaign you intend to enter. Carefully read the category definitions.
• Provide your entries, ideally in a document wallet or box file,( to the outside of which is attached a label showing the campaign's title and number of the category being entered).
• Download & complete the relevant Entry Form from the Entry Form Section of this site
• Complete the Client Approval Form (included in each Entry Form), in the Entry Form Section and send one copy per entry.
• Download & Complete the Summary Control Sheet, detailing the Client Company, name of promotion, category code and name
• Complete the ‘Entry Fees’ column on the Summary Control Sheet, totalling the total amount of fees due. All entries must be accompanied by the full amount of fees due. Cheques should be made payable to ‘APMC’
• Compile all the entry material requirements (see Entry Materials Section)
• One CD containing a jpeg image for each of the entries you have submitted - CD should be marked with the agency name. This is for use in a PowerPoint presentation on the night of the Awards ceremony.
• ONE CD containing the summaries for each campaign for the awards book and an accompanying image for each campaign for this book - again CD should be clearly marked with the agency name and include the 70 words summary and EPS image for inclusion in the Awards book.
• We are very pleased to offer the following discount in entry fees for agencies entering a large number of entries to the awards:
  10 - 15 inclusive = ONE free entry allowed
  16 - 20 inclusive = TWO free entries allowed
  21 - 25 inclusive = THREE free entries allowed

Forward your submissions to:

APMC STAR AWARDS,
c/o Tradewins,
Unit F, Airport Business Campus,
Santry,
Dublin 9
PH: (01) 8441150

To arrive NO LATER THAN 17th February 2012 at 4pm.

Thank you and good luck