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Main Category

Subcategory

Description

Audio

Podcast

Digital audio files made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device. A podcast typically is available as a series, with new installments received by subscribers automatically. Provide 1 to 3 examples.

Digital

Electronic Publication

Electronic-only publication specifically designedfor online distribution; for example, a digital or interactive presentation, report, map, training resource, manual or blog, or an e-newsletter that uses a third-party email marketing platform such as MailChimp or Constant Contact. (For other newsletters, refer to the Publication > Newsletter category.)

 

Social Media Campaign (Paid)

Paid advertising campaign on selected social media platform(s). Include examples of all elements used.

 

Social Media Outreach (Nonpaid)

Social media content for organic outreach on selected platform(s). Include examples of all elements used.

 

Website

Collection of related webpages designed for a particular organization, service, program or event.

Educational or Promotional

K-12 Educational Program

Program designed to educate, inform or persuade K-12 students on a topic or series of topics. Program elements may include, for example, video, audio, and web-based or printed elements.

 

Campaign (greater than $100,000)

Campaign with a budget of $100,000 or more that educates the public or promotes a program, service, brand, event or other government-related activity. Include examples of all materials created for the campaign.

 

Campaign (less than $100,000)

Campaign with a budget of $100,000 or less, or a grassroots campaign, that educates the public or promotes a program, service, brand, event or other government-related activity. Include examples of all materials created for the campaign.
 

Multicultural Program

Any program, campaign, event or other effort specifically geared toward engaging with, communicating to or increasing understanding of a specific cultural group, underserved population, or multilingual or non-English speaking community.
 

Internal Communications

Comprehensive campaign, project or initiative with supporting materials that presents information to an organization’s internal audience, such as a webinar, training series, crisis response plan or branded content.

Event

Public Event

Single public event or series of related events, whether in-person, virtual or both, that aims to inform, educate or raise the profile of a government agency, program or service. Examples include a public meeting, open house, community engagement forum, town hall meeting, listening session, workshop, ribbon cutting, constituent coffee chat or other event open to the public. Include materials used to promote and support the event.

 

Community Recreation Event

Single public event or series of related events, whether in-person, virtual or both, that aims to entertain, promote, build community or raise the profile of a government agency. Examples include a festival, recreational event, business district celebration or other event open to the public and primarily involving a recreational or community setting. Include materials used to promote and support the event.
 

Professional Event or Conference

Single non-public event or series of related events, whether in-person, virtual or both, aiming to inform, educate, promote or raise the profile of a government agency, program or service. Examples include a news conference, a professional or trade conference, a training event or other non-public event. Include materials used to promote and support the event.

Publication

Brochure or Booklet

Brochure or booklet released in print and/or digital format.

 

Calendar

Internal or external calendar in print and/or digital format.

 

Magazine

Magazine containing articles, features, photos, graphics, and other information distributed periodically in print and/or digital format. Provide 2 to 4 examples.
 

Newsletter

Newsletter, distributed to an internal or external audience, in print and/or digital format. Provide 2 to 4 examples. (This category excludes e-newsletters that use a third-party email marketing platform; refer to Digital category for those types of e-newsletters.)

Public Affairs

News Release

News release written in a factual style, intended to raise the profile of, or secure media coverage for, government-related news, events, programs, services or activities.

 

Outreach Campaign

A public outreach campaign that includes a combination of communication channels, such as audio, video, print and social media. Provide examples of the elements used.

Report

Technical or Statistical Report

Single publication to provide government, consumer or other audience with technical or statistical information about a government product, service or research. Entry should not be an annual report.

 

Annual Report

Single publication to communicate year-long activities of a government agency.

Video

Short Video

Single short-form video or group of related videos, each up to 3 minutes long. Examples include a social media reel, YouTube Short or public service announcement. If submitting multiple related videos, provide up to 3 examples.

 

Promotional Video 

Single video or group of related videos promoting or marketing a program, service, brand, event or other activity. If submitting multiple related videos, provide up to 3 examples.

 

Informational or Educational Video

Single video or group of related videos conveying information about a project, program, service, finding or other matter that does not have a marketing or promotional intent. If submitting multiple related videos, provide up to 3 examples.

 

News Video

Single video or a group of related videos conveying current events or breaking news of incidents or activities that affect citizens, daily life or government. If submitting multiple related videos, provide up to 3 examples.
 

Instructional Video

Single video or group of related videos where the intent is to directly build knowledge by instruction—for example, how to fill out a form or access a government service. If submitting multiple videos, provide up to 3 examples.

Visual Arts

Single Graphic

Individual logo, design, symbol, infographic, poster or other graphic design product, created or revised. Include prior example if redesigned.
 

Graphic Package

Visual branding package or promotional package that includes multiple elements for an organization, program or event. Include examples of all elements used. If redesigned, include prior example.
 

Photography Portfolio

A collection of 3 to 6 photos, shot and published within the contest year, by one or more photographers from the same organization.
 

Physical Display

Documentation of a bulletin board, event booth, signage, wall graphic or other physical display that conveys information. A display should entail more than a single graphic product.

Written

Single Written Piece

A single written product—for example, an article, speech or book—for which the submitter is the sole or primary writer.
 

Writing Portfolio

A collection of 2 to 4 written products that are interrelated or showcase the skills of one or more writers in the same organization.