Friday February 26 is the deadline to submit to this year’s ACE Awards and returning judge, Lisa Covens, vice president of communications and public affairs at Leger, discussed her marking style and approach to judging this year’s campaigns.
Before stepping up as a judge, Lisa would attend the ACE Awards to support the clients who used Leger and the research they conducted for the award winning campaigns. When the opportunity came up to be one of the esteemed ACE judges, Lisa took it and started doing something she had never done before.
Lisa shared with us her strategy to marking submissions and to help prepare this year’s hopeful campaigns. Here are some highlights from her interview:
On her judging approach
“My focus will be on the RACE formula.” Research and evaluation jump at her the most.
On what makes a campaign stand out
“Today, campaigns are now so integrated – videos and visuals – which allow people to be very inclusive in their submission. Not only is the winning campaign sharp, but there’s something special about them. It is supported with research, includes creativity, success was measured and explained and overall well-executed.”
On the importance of submitting to the ACE Awards
As a returning judge for the third year in a row, Lisa listed why it is important to submit to recognitions awards such as CPRS Toronto’s ACE Awards:
- Keeps public relations professionals on top of their game throughout the year
- This isn’t done in market research so this a an opportunity worth taking advantage of
- Provides a good reflection on the campaign – when summarizing a submission it makes you think of the campaign from beginning to end
- Outline and learn from the issues encountered
- And of course, recognition is always a good thing
On one piece advice for this year’s submissions
“It’s a shame when we mark a submission and it’s so creative and clear but misses a part of the requirements. Doing that will take you out of the running for the gold.”
TIP: Ask someone, who was not part of the campaign, to review the guideline and checklist. Ensure all the components are included because anything can be overlooked and the missing section will be marked with a zero.
On what she is looking forward too
“One aspect of the ACE Awards I really enjoy is the Best In Show judging day. That day, candidates are on top on their game. You get to witness great presenters and great speakers. I take away so much and I even receive insight on how to be a better presenter. It is such an inspiring night.”
One last thing: “Keep up the great work!”
Follow Lisa Covens on Twitter: @lisacovens
Submission deadline is this Friday February 26. Submit your campaigns here.
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Written by Charzie Abendanio, Humber College BPR Student and CPRS Toronto’s Student Steering Committee President
