Q. What entries are eligible?

A. Entries must meet these criteria: 

• Produced for an organization within the public sector.
• Produced or received by the intended audience between Jan. 1, 2011, and Dec. 31, 2011. The same product may not be entered two years in a row. For example, a publication produced at the end of 2010 and entered in last year's contest may not be entered again this year, even if the audience received the product during the 2011 calendar year.
• The entrant must be a principal contributor of the entry. For example, entries in the writing classes must be submitted by the principal writer(s) of the project.
• Any outside agency work on the entry must be acknowledged and must have been minimal.

Q. Who is eligible to enter?

A. Both ACE members and non-members are eligible. An ACE member must have paid 2012 dues to be eligible to enter as a member.

Q. Can teams enter?

A. Yes. A team can be all ACE members, mixed with members and non-members, or all non-members.

Q. What does it cost to enter?

A. $35 for an ACE member or for a team with at least one ACE member, $85 for a non-member and $85 for each person on a team with no ACE member. If you have never been an ACE member, you may choose to receive a complimentary first-year ACE  membership with your $85 entry fee. That means that if you have more than one entry, you would pay $85 for the first and the member rate of $35 for subsequent entries. Non-members on mixed teams must pay an additional $35 each if they want to be recognized on awards and in promotional materials.

Q. How are winners recognized?

A. If you’re an ACE member and you win an award, you’ll receive a certificate or a plaque, depending on the award you win. If you win a gold award, the lead entrant listed on the entry form will be recognized with a gold award plaque. Teammates on a gold-winning entry will receive certificates, provided they are ACE members or have paid an additional $35 to be recognized on any awards. Teammates wishing to purchase a gold award plaque in place of the certificate may do so for $10 each. Silver and bronze winners will receive certificates, provided they are ACE members or have paid an additional $35 to be recognized on any awards.

All Outstanding Professional Skill (OPS) award winners, teammates included, will be presented with OPS plaques, provided they are ACE members or have paid an additional $35 to be recognized on any awards. Non-members who enter individually or as a team of all non-members will receive awards and recognition in ACE promotional materials.

If you make the request on the entry, we’ll notify one administrator about your accomplishment. Award presentations will be made at the ACE international meeting June 11-14, 2012, in Annapolis, Md. Your name will be listed in the ACE awards program book.

Q. How many times can I enter the same product?

A. You can enter the same product only once within each of the 10 categories. On the other hand, you can enter the same product in all 10 categories if you feel it qualifies, as long as each entry is accompanied by the appropriate entry fee.

Q. Who are the judges, and what will they look for in my entry?

A. Judges are chosen by ACE special interest group (SIG) leaders. Judges rate entries using criteria developed by SIG leaders.

Q. What will I get from the judges?

A. By mid-April, you will receive an evaluation form, which includes numerical scores and comments from the judge. Judges are asked to highlight the entry’s strengths and weaknesses and discuss specific changes that could improve its effectiveness. You also will receive a letter to let you know whether you’ve won an award.

Q. How many winners are there in each category?

A. Judges can select a gold, silver and bronze award in each class. Each gold-winning entry is then judged a second time against all the other gold winners in a category to select that category’s Outstanding Professional Skill Award winner. ACE does not award ties in a class or category. Judges may choose to make no award in a class or category.

Q. What if I enter my submission in an incorrect category or class?

A. Judges are permitted to move your entry to a more appropriate class if possible.

Q. Will I get my entry back?

A. If you include a self-addressed envelope with proper postage or a FedEx account number, ACE will return your entry.

Q. When will I get my award if my entry wins?

A. Awards will be presented at the ACE international meeting June 11-14, 2012, in Annapolis, Md. Winners will have the opportunity to display their work at the meeting. Outstanding Professional Skill Award winners will be asked to prepare a short video for the awards ceremony. If you are unable to attend the international meeting, your award will be shipped to you.

Other questions? Contact the ACE executive director at (855) 657-9544 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .