Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bronze Quill Awards program?
The Bronze Quill Awards program, administered by IABC/San Antonio, distinguishes local professional communicators by honoring winners who have achieved excellence in their work.

The program's objectives include:

• Rewarding excellence and outstanding achievement in communication in the San Antonio area,
• Elevating the overall standard of professional business communication
• Encouraging thought leadership, exemplary communication skills, creativity, resourcefulness and successful solutions.

Where can I get a copy of the entry form?
The Call for Entries form is available on this Web site by clicking here.

When is the deadline for entering?
The early bird deadline is March 26, 2008. Final entry deadline is April 2, 2008. All entries must be RECEIVED (not postmarked) by these dates. Any entries received after the final deadline will be disqualified.

How much does it cost to enter?

• IABC Members:
  Early Bird— $60 first entry; $40 each additional entry.
  Final Deadline— $70 first entry; $50 each additional entry.
• Nonmembers:
  Early Bird— $65 first and subsequent entries.
  Final Deadline— $75 first and subsequent entries.
• Students: Enter at a reduced rate of $10 per entry (must provide verifiable student enrollment status, such as identification card).

What timeframe should the work in my entry cover?
Work completed between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2007, is eligible for entry.

Can I submit the same entry more than once?
You may enter the same entry in as many different categories as apply to that entry, but not more than once in the same category. You must tailor your work plan to fit each category and pay a separate entry fee for each category you enter.

How many entries can I submit?
You may submit as many different entries as you wish, as long as they are in different categories. Please complete a separate entry form for each submission, indicating the appropriate division and category. Also, include separate entry forms, work plans, and work sample(s) for each entry. You may submit one payment for all.

IABC members who submit multiple entries will receive a fee reduction on second and subsequent entries. Nonmembers may want to consider joining IABC to benefit from these member-only savings.

How should I submit my entry? Any special format or guidelines I should follow?
Submit two complete copies of each entry. Each entry must be self-contained in a binder or box and include a work plan and original material as the work sample. The work plan should not exceed three pages, single-spaced in at least 10-point type, and with at least 1/2" margins on all sides. Entries should follow guidelines for specific categories when sending in samples. For electronic media, please ensure that it can be played on multiple platforms. Provide printed samples of electronic submissions (i.e., Web pages, scripts, etc.).

If work is submitted on behalf of an organization, include a signed written consent statement authorizing submission from the client, agency, supplier, or other key participant. A printed copy of an email, stating permission is also acceptable. Permission must be provided on company letterhead (or organization’s electronic signature on email).

Who judges the entries?
Entries are sent outside the San Antonio area to IABC affiliate chapters across the United States. Student entries are judged by San Antonio area professionals. Professional communicators volunteer their time and expertise to score the entries. Two judges score each entry.

How do judges score the entries?
The work plan and work sample are each worth 50 percent of the score. Two judges evaluate each entry. Judges look for evidence of careful planning and documentation of an entry's success through well-defined objectives with measurable results. They consider how well a program or project is conceived, created and executed for its intended audiences and how appropriate the strategy and objectives are in relation to the results desired and achieved.

Will I receive feedback?
If you include a self-addressed stamped business envelope with your entry, you will receive an evaluation, identifying your entry's strengths and areas for improvement — whether you receive an award or not.

How many awards will be given?
One Award of Excellence and as many as three Awards of Merit may be presented in each category. If entries in a category do not meet the judges' criteria for excellence, then no award will be given in that category.

How are awards presented?
Awards will be presented at a dinner celebration on Thursday, May 29, at the Witte Museum. Winners are welcome to invite coworkers, supervisors, clients, family and friends to the awards dinner. Details about the event will be provided to all entrants and members of IABC in early April.

How and when are winners notified?
Winners will be notified by e-mail in mid-April so they can make plans to attend the awards ceremony.

What happens to my entries?
Winning entries will be displayed at the Bronze Quill Awards celebration, unless otherwise requested. Winners may pick up one copy of their entry materials immediately following the awards ceremony. No other entries will be returned. Neither the International Association of Business Communicators nor the San Antonio IABC chapter is responsible for loss of, or damage to, any entry.

Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions about the Bronze Quill Awards program, please contact our Awards Chair, Debbie Talley, at Debbie.talley@rackspace.com or 210-312-4595.