Award Submission Information
We're just three weeks away from the deadline to submit entries for the 2023 TAMI Awards. Here's a roundup of everything you need to know about participating in the program that recognizes excellence in municipal communications in Texas.
Deadline
Entries must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 19, 2023. No extensions on the deadline will be given.
Award submissions
All TAMI Award entries are submitted through the Awards Force online submission program. If you've never submitted an entry before, you will need to register for an Awards Force account.
Your entry may be edited as many times as you want until you hit the "submit entry" button. At that time, no editing or changes are possible, and no changes or new submissions are possible after the deadline.
You may submit multiple entries in any category. However, a jurisdiction may only place once.
On the entry form under description, include as much specific information as possible about the entry including goals, objectives, outcomes and impact. Be sure to include a two-sentence summary for use in the TAMI Awards banquet presentation.
New categories
Several new categories were added in 2023 to expand TAMIO's recognition of work in the ever-changing communications landscape. Among the new categories this year are:
- Best overall use of short-form video
- Best social media post
- Best social media campaign (unplanned)
- Best social media campaign (planned)
- Issue-specific website
- Crisis communications response
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion outreach/campaign
Also, the print category is now titled "Publications" and includes both digital and print
Procedures
TAMIO members and non-members may submit entries. Eligible jurisdictions are any city/county government or a support agency providing services such as transportation, utilities, etc. All entries must have been produced on or after Jan. 1, 2021. Award entries in the respective categories may be divided into population groups.
Judging is coordinated by TAMIO members with government communications professionals in California conducting the entry judging. Finalists will be notified the week of May 8. Awards will be presented during a dinner at the 2023 TAMIO Annual Conference in Arlington.
Statement of Original Work
All entrants will be required to acknowledge a Statement of Original Work prior to submitting their project. The statement should give credit to any outside work that served as the inspiration for their entry and describe how they made it their own.
How to create an award-winning entry
What makes an entry standout to judges? TAMIO members routinely produce outstanding, creative communication materials for their communities. A TAMI Award entry is about bringing that communication to life in the eyes of judges who don't live in your city, but recognize award-winning work when they see it.
The February webinar brought together three TAMIO members who've had their share of award-winning entries. TAMIO Vice President for Awards Sara Bustilloz from Round Rock, Arlington Marketing and Communications Manager Kristen Waggener and Addison Director of Public Communications Mary Rosenbleeth offered their tips on putting together a TAMI Award entry that stands out. They also shared why they think it's important to have your work recognized by other communication professionals.
