Azbee Award Categories

The Azbee Awards of Excellence are awarded in 64 categories across the following divisions:

• Overall Excellence
• All Content
• Print
• Design
• Online

The All Content, Print, Design, and Online category entries compete for both national- and regional-level Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. Some categories, including the Magazine of the Year, honor winners in two subgroups: 11 or Fewer Issues per Year or 12 or More Issues per Year for Print, and Association or Industry for Online. Learn more about the Regions.

Entries in all categories require PDFs of print material and/or URLs to online content for judges to review. See the category descriptions below for further details. The only category that requires you to mail in print magazine issues is Magazine of the Year.

Overall Excellence Categories

The Society's top awards each year go to the business publications that demonstrate consistent excellence and provide extraordinary reader service in pursuit of their mission. The Overall Excellence division recognizes the core editorial products that business publications typically offer their audiences, from print magazines and websites to email newsletters and social media.

Note: If you plan to enter an Overall Excellence category, please ensure that a member of your staff is able to attend the national awards presentation, which will be held in conjunction with ASBPE's 2024 National Conference, a virtual event, May 28-30, 2025.

• Magazine of the Year - The Magazine of the Year award goes to business publications in two divisions, based on frequency of publication, that demonstrate consistent editorial and design quality, and provide extraordinary reader service. Judging is based on: 1) quality of writing, reporting and editing; 2) value and usefulness to the reader; 3) editorial organization; 4) interaction with readers; and 5) layout and design, in regard to the flow and style of individual issues, as well as across three (3) consecutive issues. Entrants must submit three consecutive issues.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category. Entrants may submit pieces of content to this category that were also submitted to other categories.
  • Also note: This category requires you to both upload PDFs of three consecutive issues online and mail in three (3) sets of the same three consecutive issues. Mailing instructions are provided on the entry form. Mailed entries must be postmarked no later than the final entry deadline of Jan. 16, 2025 and received no later than Jan. 22, 2025.
  • Magazine of the Year entries are subdivided by frequency of publication: 11 or Fewer Issues per Year and 12 or More Issues per Year. Please include annual supplements and special issues from the entry year (2024) in your count.
     
• Digital Magazine of the Year - The Digital Magazine of the Year must demonstrate consistent editorial and design quality, and provide extraordinary reader service from the digital platform. This category will only accept PDF/flipbook-style digital editions. Submit URLs for three (3) consecutive digital flipbook issues of your magazine as published online in 2024. Judging is based on: 1) quality of writing, reporting and editing; 2) value and usefulness to the reader; 3) editorial organization; 4) interaction with readers; and 5) layout and design, in regard to the flow and style of individual issues, as well as across the three consecutive digital issues.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category. Entrants may submit pieces of content to this category that were also submitted to other categories.
     
• Website of the Year - Website of the Year entries will be judged based on quality of writing, reporting and editing; value and usefulness to the reader; layout and design, especially consistency in style throughout the website; use of web technologies; ease of navigation across the site; and use of interactive elements. Submit homepage, up to 10 additional URLs from your site, and username/password, if required to access any content.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category. Entrants may submit pieces of content to this category that were also submitted to other categories.
     
• Project of the Year - The Project of the Year category recognizes the best overall topical package of content by a B2B publication across platforms and mediums. The package should have a cohesive theme, include at least three pieces of content, and utilize at least three different platforms to deliver the project to the audience (e.g. print, web, social media, email, webinar, video, podcast, etc). Judges will examine the quality of writing, reporting, and editing; the value provided to the audience; ease of navigation between elements of the project; whether interactive elements are included and contribute to the overall understanding of the topic; quality and consistency of design and presentation; and how well the submission uses the best qualities of each platform to deliver a cohesive package for its audience. Please submit print material as PDFs and for digital materials, submit URLs as well as username and password (if needed to access the material). Entrants may submit up to 10 pieces total.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category. Entrants may submit pieces of content to this category that were also submitted to other categories.
     
• Social Media Account of the Year - This category is for both social media teams and individual journalists to submit their best social media account promoting a publication. Did you put together a well-thought-out and executed plan to promote your publication on a particular social media channel? Did this work get noticed outside of your normal audience? Please choose one account that best represents your social media efforts. Judges will evaluate the voice of the account, active engagement with the audience, demonstration of increased reach or participation, as well as the use of consistent branding and quality visuals. Supply up to 10 URLs (and username/password where needed to view content) and one PDF with supporting documentation showing traffic, likes and other forms of interaction. Entrants should document:
  • Did you host online chats, videoconferences, or other events within the platform?
  • How effective was your programming in reaching your target audience? What levels of attendance and participation did you receive?
  • How effective are you at attracting influential members of your reader community, or the broader community at large?
  • How effective is your social media account in bringing traffic to your publication? How many of your posts are liked, shared or otherwise mentioned across social media? By how many people?
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand or individual is permitted in this category. Entrants may submit pieces of content to this category that were also submitted to other categories.
     
• Email Newsletter of the Year - Enter three complete issues of your email newsletter with active links. Judges will examine the efficacy of newsletter copy including subject lines, headlines, and teasers; organization; ease of navigation; the value provided to the audience; and recognizable branding. Supply URLs for either the "view in browser" links from the newsletters or for the back-issues hosted on your publication's website. Alternatively, publications can supply an .eml export file from each of the three newsletter issues. Provide username and password where needed to view newsletter content or linked content.
  • Note: Generally, only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category. If your publication has more than one newsletter product, they must be entered as separate submissions. Email Newsletter submissions that include issues from more than one newsletter product will be disqualified and no refund provided.
     
• Best Body of Work - This top tier recognition will award one staff journalist, one freelance journalist and one designer for their portfolio of 2024 work. Entrants should choose five (5) submission pieces that display creativity, range of work, impact on audience, skill, and craft. Judges will score submissions based on criteria noted for each subclass below.
  • By a Staff Journalist - Staff journalists are required to submit a total of five work products (articles, multimedia pieces or other pieces) displaying carefully crafted writing/reporting skills, a keen sense for developing a story, and a developed and thoughtful journalistic voice. The portfolio of work submitted should display breadth, depth of understanding, and creativity. Judges will also review whether the work provides immense value to the audience and makes an impact on the industry(ies) or profession(s) covered.
  • By a Freelance Journalist - Freelance journalists are required to submit a total of five work products (articles, multimedia pieces or other pieces) displaying carefully crafted writing/reporting skills, a keen sense for developing a story, and a developed and thoughtful journalistic voice. The portfolio of work submitted should display breadth, depth of understanding, and creativity. Judges will also review whether the work provides immense value to the audience and makes an impact on the industry(ies) or profession(s) covered.
  • By a Designer - Designers (staff or freelance) are required to submit five design work products displaying carefully crafted presentation, layout and typography skills, an intuitive sense for graphics and imagery, and a clear ability to develop design suited to a topic and the publication's mission. The portfolio of work submitted should display both variety and depth and immediately capture attention and convey meaning. Submissions can include designs from multiple platforms, however this is not required. Pieces can include work completed for the publication and organizational designs including conference materials, social media, annual reports, media kit, etc. For multi-spread features, designers may include the opening spread or the full feature. Full-issue designs or redesigns are not eligible for this category.

All Content Categories

In recognition that the publishing industry is changing and that we no longer work in "silos," ASBPE created this Azbee Awards division to reflect your reporting work in print, online, and other digital formats. Much of our work is no longer separate. We don't just write articles for print anymore; we create stories that live in multiple formats — sometimes for different audiences. The All Content division now houses 20 categories that accept a wider range of entries, from both print and web platforms. Only static media (e.g.: photos, infographics, charts, etc.) will be considered in these categories. Animated graphics, video and audio will not be considered by judges.

• Case Study - Enter one article about how a single organization defined a problem and applied technology, equipment or management techniques to solve it. Articles will be judged on quality of writing and reporting, depth and breadth of information, quality and use of sources and source materials, value to the reader, and overall visual presentation. No video or other multimedia will be considered by judges.
• Data Journalism - This category recognizes articles that are primarily based on data analysis. Entries may include up to three articles and must have some form of data graphics (charts, tables or other forms) as well as text that explains the data graphics. While articles can include reporting or non-data references, the bulk of the articles must rely on analysis of data. Judges will evaluate the articles for effective use of data, solid statistical techniques, transparency about size and significance of data, and quality of insights drawn from the data. Quality of the writing, value and insight provided to the reader, and overall visual presentation are also important aspects. No video or other multimedia will be considered by judges.
  • Note: This category is not for data visualizations, which have a separate category in the Design division.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Enter a single article demonstrating how your publication provided advice on, or covered issues surrounding, Diversity, Equity and/or Inclusion in your readers' industries. In your essay, please discuss why this story was important to pursue, and how/if your article brought about change or furthered an industry discussion on DE&I. The article will be judged on quality of writing and reporting, depth and breadth of information, quality and use of varied sources and source materials, value of insights provided to the reader, the purpose and impact of the article, and overall visual presentation. This category accepts articles published in print and/or on the web. No video or other multimedia will be considered by judges.
• Editor's Letter or Note - A good editor's letter (print) or note (digital) provides readers with an engaging entry point to a publication, often through personal observations or anecdotes. Good editor's letters/notes offer insight and context into a topic, piquing the desire to read the associated article(s). Judges will also evaluate writing, voice and tone, and insights provided to the reader. Please enter three (3) editor's letters or notes written by the same editor.
  • Note: Thought leadership pieces should be submitted to the Thought Leadership category. Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category.
• Enterprise News Story - Submit one original news story that is not largely based on press releases or news conferences. Judges will be looking for evidence that the reporter had an original idea, developed sources, and produced a story not generally available elsewhere. Judges will also review quality of writing and reporting, value to the audience, impact on the audience or industry, and overall visual presentation. In your essay, please discuss why this story was important to pursue. Supply URLs and username/password where necessary to view the content. No video or other multimedia will be considered by judges.
  • Note: Longer, more complex stories should be entered into the Impact/Investigative category.
• Government Coverage - Submit a total of three distinct government-related articles (covering any aspect of federal, state or local, executive, legislative or judicial branches, departments, actions or processes). Articles must be taken from three separate issues or posted as three distinct articles on three different days. This category's aim is to recognize publications that continuously produce a volume of outstanding government coverage. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting skills, comprehensive coverage, and the value of analysis and insights provided to the reader. No video or other multimedia will be considered by judges.
  • Note: Do not submit a single article or a single government news section; each may be submitted in other categories.
• Group or Company Profile - Enter one article profiling a single company, organization, or group of people with aligned purposes and goals. The article will be judged on quality of writing and reporting, depth and breadth of information, quality and use of varied sources and source materials, value of insights provided to the reader, and overall visual presentation. No video or other multimedia will be considered by the judges.
  • Note: If the article profiles a single person, enter it in the Individual Profile category. If the article contains individual profiles of many people covered as part of a group recognition program (such as "30 Under 30" or "20 Top Engineers"), enter your article in the Group Recognition Program category.
• Group Recognition Program - Submit one article or feature containing individual profiles of multiple people covered as part of a group recognition program. The individuals must be recognized for a common reason, and profiled as individuals. Examples include "30 Under 30" or "Top Innovators" packages. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting skills, context and insights provided to the reader, clear explanation of the program's purpose and how individuals are chosen, and overall visual presentation. No video or other multimedia will be considered by the judges.
  • Note: If the article profiles a single group with a common cause, purpose or goal, submit it to the Group or Company Profile category. If your article profiles a single individual, submit it to the Individual Profile category.
• How-To Article - Enter one article published to help readers carry out technical or business processes or procedures by giving them practical advice on the preparation and steps required to achieve their goal. Your article should walk the reader through the steps necessary to perform a particular activity. Clear, concise writing and presentation should make it easy for the reader to apply the process described. Describe how you used visual elements — such as data visualizations, illustrations, photos, charts, or other elements — to demonstrate or explain key elements to the reader. Supply URL and username/password where needed to view content.
  • Note: Articles that explain technology without an emphasis on "how-to" application should be submitted in the Technical Article category. Videos can be part of your entry, but if your entry is primarily a video, it should be entered in the Video category.
• Impact/Investigative - Submit one in-depth story demonstrating solid reporting/writing skills. Comprehensiveness, the value of insights provided to the audience, and skillful presentation of useful material are important. Submissions should include an explanation of the investigative nature or the resulting impact of the article. The story should demonstrate what topic/issue was investigated, stick to the facts and include attribution to the details uncovered, and what changes are needed/were made. No video or other multimedia will be considered by judges.
  • Note: Articles that cover breaking news should be entered in the News Analysis or Online Breaking News categories, and features built around original research, including surveys by a magazine, should be entered in the Original Research category.
• Individual Profile - Enter one article profiling a single individual. The article will be judged on quality of writing and reporting, depth and breadth of information, quality and use of sources and source materials, value to the reader, and overall visual presentation. No video or other multimedia will be considered by judges.
  • Note: If the article profiles a company, organization, or a single group with a common cause, purpose or goal, enter it in the Group or Company Profile category. If the article contains individual profiles of multiple people covered as part of a group recognition program (such as "30 Under 30" or "20 Top Engineers"), enter your article in the Group Recognition Program category.
• Innovation Article - Enter a single article discussing how innovations, technological or otherwise, are impacting and improving your industry. The article should provide context into why this specific innovation is significant to your industry and how your coverage moves the industry discourse forward. The coverage will be judged on quality of writing and reporting, depth and breadth of information, quality and use of varied sources and source materials, the value of insights provided to the reader, and purpose/impact for the industry. This category accepts articles published in both print and digital formats. No video or other multimedia will be considered by the judges.
• News Analysis - Submit one analytical news story that provides insight into a breaking news story in a thorough context and demonstrates quality writing, reporting, editing, and usefulness to readers. Articles will be judged on editorial values of balance, adequate development, source variety, proper attribution, timeliness, value of insights provided to the audience, depth of information, and enterprise. Article must appear in the next available issue after the event occurs; the date of event on which the news analysis is based must be included in the essay. Judges will also evaluate whether the article places the event in context and explains critical issues, and wehther visual elements support comprehension of the topic. No video or other multimedia will be considered by judges.
• Original Research Article - Submit one article and accompanying charts or graphics that cover an organization's or publication's own survey, independent product ranking, statistical, or other proprietary research. The article must cover the research in a meaningful way, such as providing analysis, and expand upon the research report. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting, clear and comprehensive information, the value of insights provided to the audience, and overall visual presentation. No video or other multimedia will be considered by the judges.
• Overall Headline Writing - Submit a maximum of ten articles displaying your best headlines from print and/or digital media. Judges must be able to access full articles, so please provide full PDFs for print articles and URLs to digital articles or social headlines, as well as username/password where needed to access the content on your website. Judges will look for sharp, engaging and creative headlines that pique reader interest while clearly explaining and remaining faithful to the article's content. Judges will also look for how web and social headlines cleverly take SEO into account. In your essay, briefly explain why these headlines merit special review by the judges.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category.
• Q&A - Submit one article comprising an interview of a single person or a team of people. While the article can reference material gathered through other means (research, surveys, etc.), the bulk of the article must be questions from the reporter and direct answers from the interview subject(s). The submission should explain why the interview format was chosen and why specific subjects were chosen. Judges will evaluate entries on how well the questions reflect readers' interests and how skillful the interviewer was in eliciting insightful answers, along with general writing and reporting skills and overall visual presentation. The questions should be well-constructed and establish a narrative that provides useful information. In addition, judges will also examine whether the reporter provided enough context or supporting material for the interview to the reader. No video or other multimedia will be considered by judges.
• Regular Column - Enter two examples of any bylined column, from two different issues, editions or online posts of your publication, that appears at least quarterly. Both columns must be written by the same person (staff, freelancer or industry expert), and should interpret or comment on issues pertinent to the publication's readers. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting skills, analysis or context provided on an issue, and the value of insights provided to the reader. Do not submit more than one entry per author. No video or other multimedia will be considered by judges.
  • Note: Do not submit straight news reporting or editorials here; instead, consider the News Analysis, Online Breaking News or Thought Leadership categories.
• Sustainability Article - Enter a single article discussing how sustainability trends or practices are being implemented and are impacting your industry. The article should provide context into why these trends are significant to your industry and how your coverage moves the industry discourse forward. The coverage will be judged on quality of writing and reporting, depth and breadth of information, quality and use of varied sources and source materials, the value of insights provided to the reader, and purpose/impact for the industry. This category accepts articles published in both print and digital formats. No video or other multimedia will be considered by the judges.
• Technical Article - Submit one article that explains how a technology works, how it applies to your sector, how it compares and contrasts with previous technologies, and what advantages or disadvantages it might have to alternatives. As much as possible, submissions should combine theory, methodologies and results along with analysis of impact on the industry. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting, comprehensive and understandable explanation of technical processes, the value to the readers, and overall visual presentation. Documentation and attribution are also important considerations. No video or other multimedia will be considered by the judges.
  • Note: Do not submit How-To articles in this category. Articles that are more oriented to teaching how to use a technology should be entered under the How-To Article categories. If your entry focuses on how a technological innovation is impacting your industry, submit it to Innovation Article.
• Thought Leadership - Please enter a single thought leadership article. A thought leadership article is meant to be persuasive; it should make a strong case with supporting facts and data. Opposing arguments should be addressed. Strong examples often conclude with a purposeful call to action. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting, development of topics covered, and value of insights provided to the reader.
  • Note: Only one entry per author is permitted in this category.

Print Categories

Print articles can also be entered in the categories in the All Content division above.

• Feature Article - Submit one in-depth, general print feature story, including jump pages and sidebars, that demonstrate solid reporting and writing skills and presents depth and breadth on a subject. Comprehensiveness, value of insights provided to the audience, and skillful presentation of useful material are important. Please include the front cover if dedicated to the feature.
  • Feature Article entries are subdivided by frequency of publication: 11 or Fewer Issues per Year and 12 or More Issues per Year. Please include annual supplements and special issues from the entry year (2024) in your count.
  • Because of the high numbers of entries in the Feature Article category, please note that there are several more focused categories for feature-length stories that you might consider entering:
    • Features examining breaking news should be entered in the News Analysis category (All Content).
    • Research-based features, including articles on publication surveys, should be entered in the Original Research Article category (All Content).
    • Features built around original investigative reporting should be entered into the Impact/Investigative category (All Content).
    • Multiple, related features can be entered in Feature Series (Print).
    • Case Studies have their own category (All Content).
    • Features detailing a process can be entered in the How-To Article category (All Content).
    • Features examining a technology in great detail can be entered in the Technical Article category (All Content).
• Feature Series - Submit up to 10 print feature articles, planned in advance as a series, that thoroughly investigate a single topic from its various aspects across multiple issues. Half or more of the articles in the series must have appeared in the magazine during the entry year. If the series carried over to January, that is acceptable. Submit all articles in their entirety. Please include the front cover(s) if dedicated to or showcasing the feature series. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting, development of the topic covered, value of insights provided to the audience, and how well visual elements suppor the story.
• Industry News Coverage - This category accepts up to six (6) articles representing a variety of news stories from successive issues across the entry year, not a single topic. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting skills, timeliness of coverage, examples of interpretive reporting, data visualization and resources for additional information. Please provide up to 6 PDFs of print news articles.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category.
• Regular Department - Enter an example of any department, except a product department, that appears at least four times a year. Include the entire department as it appears in three successive issues. Provide name of department (not the major headline) as the name of the entry on the entry form. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting, development of topics covered, value to the audience, and overall visual presentation.
  • Note: Only one entry per department is permitted in this category.
• Single Topic Coverage - Entry may include up to five articles on the same topic. The articles may have appeared in any of the publication's print editions with eligible issue dates. Judges will evaluate writing, reporting, editing, the development of comprehensive coverage with breadth and depth, the value of information and insights provided to the reader, and overall visual presentation.
  • Note: While articles from single-themed issues are eligible for this category, special issues or supplements should instead be entered into the Special Issue or Supplement category. If your articles appeared online first, please submit to the Online Single Topic Coverage category. Submit here if your articles appeared first in print. If you are submitting print articles, web articles, and multimedia together, please submit instead to Project of the Year in the Overall Excellence division.
• Special Issue or Supplement - Enter one special issue or supplement produced during the entry year and focused around a single topic or theme. Also submit the full regular issue published immediately prior to the special issue or supplement. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting, comprehensive coverage, value provided to the audience, and overall organization and visual presentation. Content and design must have been editorially controlled. Advertorials, directories and buyer's guides are not accepted in this category. Please submit State of the Industry issues or supplements to the State of the Industry category.
• Special Section - Submit an entire issue containing a complete example of an editorial-controlled, single-subject section appearing during the entry year within a calendar issue. The issue in which the special section occurs must have other feature articles and be clearly distinguishable from those features. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting, comprehensive coverage, clear retention of editorial control, value provided to the reader, and overall organization and visual presentation. No advertorials.
• State of the Industry - Submit your "State of the Industry" (SOI) feature package (e.g.: feature series, editorial section or entire issue) focused on current industry trends and performance as covered by your publication. Entry must contain a complete example of editorially-controlled state of the industry coverage, planned as a package or series, that appeared during the entry year, including an overview that puts your SOI package in perspective for the audience. Quality of writing, reporting, and editing; comprehensive coverage; the value of insights provided to the audience; and skillful presentation of useful material are important considerations. Please include the front cover if dedicated to the coverage. No advertorials.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category. Single, long-form features should be entered into the Feature Article category. For web coverage, please enter our Online State of the Industry category.

Design Categories

• Best Original Illustration - Submit a single, original illustration as used to support the editorial. Judges will examine the creativity and effectiveness of the illustration, which includes how the style and tone of the illustration complement or add to the written word.
  • Note: Altered images should be submitted to Best Original Photo Illustration. Altered illustrations submitted to this category will be disqualified. Any entries that use generative AI will be disqualified.
• Best Original Photo - Submit a single, original photo as used to illustration and support the editorial. Judges will examine the creativity and effectiveness of the photo, which includes how the composition, style and tone of the photo complement or add to the written word.
  • Note: Altered images should be submitted to Best Original Photo Illustration. Altered images submitted to this category will be disqualified. Any entries that use generative AI will be disqualified.
• Best Original Photo Illustration - Submit a single, original photo illustration as used to support the editorial. Judges will examine the creativity and effectiveness of the photo illustration, which includes how the style and tone of the photo illustration complement or add to the written word.
  • Note: Stock images used as part of the photo illustration should be noted in the essay. Any entries that use generative AI will be disqualified.
• Data Visualization - Enter three to five separate data visualizations (please submit full articles in which data visualizations are contained, if applicable). Data visualizations can be published in either print or digital mediums. If published in print, provide PDF files of the full article; if published online, provide URLs to the full article. If a single data visualization appeared both in print and online, please provide both a PDF and URL. The visual clarity and appeal in which complex information is presented will be assessed. In addition to the design considerations, the editorial components will also be judged (e.g. headlines, attribution, explanation of data), as well as insight and value gained from the data visualization.
• Email Newsletter Design - Submit three issues of an email newsletter showcasing superior newsletter design. Judges will examine entries for a clear visual hierarchy, appropriate accessibility efforts, and a creative design that draws the reader in. Supply URLs for either the "view in browser" links from the newsletter or for the back-issues hosted on your publication's website. Alternatively, publications can supply an .eml export file from each of the three newsletter issues.
  • Note: Generally, only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category. If your publication has more than one newsletter product, they must be entered as separate submissions. Email Newsletter Design submissions that include issues from more than one newsletter product will be disqualified and no refund provided.
• Front Cover - Illustration - Submit one illustrated print or digital publication cover that supports the issue's main editorial focus. Judges will examine the magazine's mission, industry served, and most importantly, the effectiveness of the illustration in supporting these, as well as how the typography works within the illustration and overall design. The cover's ability to communicate useful information to the reader, appropriateness for the market/submarket, and legibility are important judging considerations. Submit a PDF of the cover only.
• Front Cover - Photo - Submit one print or digital publication cover that uses a photo or photos to illustrate and support the issue's main editorial focus. Judges will examine the magazine's mission, industry served, and most importantly, the effectiveness of the photograph in supporting these, as well as how the typography works within the photograph and overall design. The cover's ability to communicate useful information to the reader, appropriateness for the market/submarket, and legibility are important judging considerations. Submit a PDF of the cover only.
  • Note: Covers with altered images/typography should be submitted to the Front Cover - Photo/Typographical Illustration category. Such covers submitted to this category will be disqualified.
• Front Cover - Photo/Typographical Illustration - Submit one print or digital publication cover that uses an altered photograph or typography to illustrate and support the issue's main editorial focus. Judges will examine the magazine's mission, industry served, and most importantly, the effectiveness of the photo or typographical illustration in supporting these. The cover's ability to communicate useful information to the reader, appropriateness for the market/submarket, and legibility are important judging considerations. Submit a PDF of the cover only.
• Multi-Platform Design Package - Enter three (3) to five (5) pieces displaying a design coordinated across platforms. Entries should include pieces from at least two platforms (print, web, social media, email, video, etc.). Judges will examine effective use of content layout, graphics/imagery and typography, as well as cohesive styling across the pieces. Submit print components as PDFs and web, social, or multimedia components as URLs.
• Opening Page/Spread - Illustration - Submit one opening page or spread that effectively complements the article or department it introduces using an illustration to support the article or department's editorial focus. Judges will evaluate the effectiveness of the illustration, the page/spread's ability to communicate useful information and draw the reader in, how well the illustration matches the tone of the article, consistency, and legibility, as well as how the typography works with the illustration and overall design Submit a PDF of the full article.
• Opening Page/Spread - Photo - Submit one opening page or spread that effectively complements the article or department it introduces using a photo or photos to support the article or department's editorial focus. Judges will evaluate the effectiveness of the photograph, as well as the page/spread's ability to communicate useful information and draw the reader in, how well the photo(s) matches the tone of the article, consistency, and legibility, as well as how the typography works with the photoraph and overall design. Submit a PDF of the full article.
  • Note: Opening pages or spreads with altered images/typography should be submitted to the Opening Page/Spread - Photo/Typographical Illustration category. Such entries submitted to this category will be disqualified.
• Opening Page/Spread - Photo/Typographical Illustration - Submit one opening page or spread that effectively complements the article or department it introduces, using an altered photograph or typography to illustrate and support the article or department's editorial focus. Judges will evaluate the effectiveness of the photo illustration or typographical illustration, as well as the page/spread's ability to communicate useful information and draw the reader in, how well imagery matches the tone of the article, consistency, and legibility. Submit a PDF of the full article.
• Print Article Design - Enter one print article whose design uses quality layout, images, graphics and typography to complement the content of an entire article. Consistent themes, clarity of information, strong use of entry points, as well as space, are among the judging considerations.
  • Print Article Design entries are subdivided by frequency of publication: 11 or Fewer Issues per Year and 12 or More Issues per Year. Please include annual supplements and special issues from the entry year (2024) in your count.
  • Note: Enter web article designs into Web Article Design.
• Publication Design - Submit two consecutive issues of your publication. Both print and digital publications formatted as flipbooks are eligible for entry. Design briefs can be submitted for consideration as part of the entry. Judges will be looking for a strong brand identity, clear visual hierarchy, consistent styles, and design that serves the content and presents it clearly, as well as how the design quickly conveys important information. Effective use of white space, color, photography, illustration, typography, visual storytelling and data visualizations will be assessed, as well as how effectively the design reflects the publication's mission.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category.
• Publication Redesign - Submit the first issue/edition of a redesigned publication (magazine, digital magazine, website, newsletter, etc.) as published in the entry year, and one regular issue/edition (not a special issue) of the old design as published immediately prior to the redesigned issue/edition. For websites, please provide "before" screenshots. Design briefs can be submitted for consideration as part of the entry. Judges will be looking for publications redesigned for a strong brand identity, clear visual hierarchy, consistent styles, and design that serves the content and presents it clearly, as well as how the design quickly conveys important information. Effective use of white space, color, photography, illustration, typography, visual storytelling and data visualizations will be assessed, as well as the strength of and improvements provided through the redesign.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category.
• Web Article Design - Enter one web article whose design uses quality images, graphics and typography to complement the content of the entire article. Consistent themes, clarity of information, strong use of entry points, as well as space, are among the judging considerations.
  • Note: Enter print articles into Print Article Design.
• Website Design - Submit the homepage URL, plus spotlight up to nine additional URLs for pages that should have the judges' attention. Judges will look for skillful visual design that enhances the purpose/mission of the publication, a thoughtful user interface with clear navigation, strong and consistent branding, and effective use of current technologies and multimedia capabilities.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category.

Online Categories

Web articles can also be entered in the categories in the All Content division above.

• Best Use of Social Media - This category recognizes editorial and audience engagement teams who do an outstanding job of promoting a publication across social media channels. Whether spotlighting a specific article or event, or simply engaging with your audience on a regular basis, top submissions will showcase social media work with voice and personality, that provides context to a publication's reporting, gets noticed outside of the normal audience, and brings increased readership to a publication. Show us your team's most outstanding use of social media from the past year by supplying 5 to 10 URLs, along with one PDF of supporting documentation demonstrating your audience interaction (likes, comments, shares, click-throughs, etc.). Judges will evaluate how well your team manages your various social media platforms — Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. — along with writing, voice, design and presentation, and interaction and engagement. Supply username/password where needed to view the content you are highlighting on your website.
• Event Coverage - This category honors enterprising digital coverage of trade shows, conferences and other industry events by an industry publication. Submit 3-5 individual articles, videos and/or other pieces of multimedia related to one industry event (do not submit landing pages or microsites). This category is judged based on writing, reporting, value to and resources provide to the audience, and multimedia offerings, either during or after the event, and particularly on well-rounded coverage that demonstrates editorial independence and objectivity. Describe why this event coverage was important to your readers and how your coverage met that need. Supply username/passwords where necessary to view content.
• Online Breaking News Coverage - Submit 3-4 stories in response to a single breaking news development that demonstrate solid reporting/writing skills and timeliness of coverage. Comprehensiveness, insight, and skillful presentation of useful material are important. This category is the "breaking" version of our "Single Topic Coverage" categories and is meant to gauge your team's ability to provide speedy, cohesive and informative coverage. In your essay, explain how your team developed the coverage and pulled together to cover the news/event. The coverage should demonstrate what topic/issue was investigated, stick to the facts and include attribution to the details uncovered, address what readers need to know and how the development is impacting the industry. Provide the total number of articles published on this breaking news item in your entry essay.
  • Note: Articles built around original research, including publication surveys, should be entered in the Original Research Article category.
• Online Industry News Coverage - This category is for regularly updated coverage of a variety of news stories from successive dates across the entry year, not a single topic. Along with writing and reporting skills, judges will evaluate timeliness, evidence of frequent updating, comprehensive coverage, examples of interpretive reporting, data visualization, and links provided to additional coverage and resources. Please provide your website's home page URL as well as up to 6 entry-specific URLs and username/password where needed to access content.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category.
• Online Single Topic Coverage - Entry may include URLs for up to five articles and/or multimedia pieces on the same topic. The pieces must have been published online within the entry year. Judges will evaluate writing, reporting, editing, the development of comprehensive coverage with breadth and depth, the value of information and insights provided to the reader, and overall visual presentation.
  • Online Single Topic Coverage entries are subdivided into two groups: Association publications and Industry publications.
  • Note: If your articles appeared first in print, please submit to the Single Topic Coverage category in the Print division. Submit here if your articles appeared online first. If you are submitting print articles, web articles, and multimedia together, please submit instead to Project of the Year in the Overall Excellence division.
• Online State of the Industry - Submit your "State of the Industry" (SOI) microsite or related series of articles (up to 10 URLs) focused on current industry trends and performance as covered by your publication. Entry must contain a complete example of editorially-controlled state of the industry coverage, planned as a package or series, that appeared during the entry year, including an overview that puts your SOI package in perspective for the audience. Quality of writing, reporting and editing; comprehensive coverage; the value of insights provided to the audience; and skillful presentation of useful material are important considerations. No advertorials.
  • Note: Only one entry per publication brand is permitted in this category. Single, long-form features should be entered into the Web Feature Article category. For print coverage, please enter our State of the Industry category in the Print division.
• Podcast - Submit the URL for one podcast episode. Podcasts should be audio only, no video. Judges will examine insightfulness, production values, engagement with speakers, depth and understanding of the subject covered, whether guests are authoritative and provide balanced information, and effective use of the podcast medium. Supply your website's home page URL, as well as the entry-specific URL and username/password where needed to view content.
• Video - Submit one online video, long or short-form, that demonstrates creative use of video to tell a story. Video submitted must be produced in-house. Judges will evaluate the clarity of the video in explaining the subject or story, the value provided to the audience, whether the video medium was best suited for this purpose, and how the final work was designed with digital, mobile and/or social platforms in mind. In your essay, discuss how the video was produced, including filming, interviews, sound, text, animation and graphics. Supply URL and username/password where needed to view content.
• Video Series - Submit up to three URLs for an online video series covering a single topic from multiple angles. Videos submitted must be produced in-house. Judges will evaluate the clarity of the videos in explaining the subject or story, the value provided to the audience, whether the video medium was best suited for this purpose, how well the videos in the series connect and enhance one another, and how the final work was designed with digital, mobile and/or social platforms in mind. In your essay, discuss how the videos were produced, including filming, interviews, sound, text, animation and graphics. Supply URLs and username/password where needed to view content.
• Web Feature Article - Submit one in-depth online feature story, demonstrating solid reporting and writing skills, that presents depth and breadth on a subject. Comprehensiveness, value of insights provided to the audience, and skillful presentation of useful material are important. Supply URL and username/passwords where needed to view content.
  • Web Feature Article entries are subdivided into two groups: Association publications and Industry publications.
  • Because of the high numbers of entries in the Web Feature Article category, please note that there are several more focused categories for feature-length stories that you might consider entering:
    • Articles that cover breaking news should be entered in the Online Breaking News Coverage (Online) or Enterprise News Story (All Content) categories.
    • Features examining breaking news should be entered in the News Analysis category (All Content).
    • Research-based features, including publication surveys, should be entered in the Original Research Article category (All Content).
    • Features built around original investigative reporting should be entered into the Impact/Investigative category (All Content).
    • Multiple, related features can be entered in Web Feature Series (Online).
    • Case Studies have their own category (All Content).
    • Features detailing a process can be entered in the How-To Article category (All Content).
    • Features examining a technology in great detail can be entered in the Technical Article category (All Content).
• Web Feature Series - Submit up to 10 URLs for a set of feature articles, planned in advance as a series, that thoroughly investigate a single topic from its various aspects. The articles in the series must have been published online during the entry year. Judges will evaluate writing and reporting, development of the topic covered, value of insights provided to the audience, and how well visual elements support the story. Supply username/password where needed to view content.
• Web Microsite/Special Section - This category is open to editorially-controlled sections of specialized content focused on a single theme, topic or event, and meant to supplement a publication's primary website. The section or microsite is not required to have its own domain or subdomain, and it can either be accessible to the public or require users to log into a premium content section. The microsite will be judged on its writing, reporting, value to the audience, design/presentation, ease of navigation, interactivity, and cohesiveness to the rest of the website in which it sits. A microsite, for instance, should have branding, design or functionality distinct from the main site, but be discoverable in top-level navigation. Please enter your website's home page address, as well as entry-specific microsite URLs and username/password (where required to access material).

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