ENTRY GUIDELINES + FAQs
KEY DATES
January 1: Nominations open to ILEA members and non-members
March 1: PACE Awards submission deadline at 11:59 PM, EST
March 31: Ken "KJ" Carter Memorial Scholarship deadline
April 1: Nominations announced
April 24: PACE Awards Celebration
Who can enter the awards?
Most categories are open to ILEA members and non-members. Only "Team Effort" events are for ILEA Indiana members only. A team entry can be entered when three or more companies were instrumental in planning and/or executing an event.
How much is the entry?
Each individual submission is $75 for ILEA members in good standing, $150 for non-members.
Dual Submissions (2 companies working together, regardless of membership status) can be entered in all categories except "Best Team Effort". Both companies participating in the submission will be invoiced according to their status as member or non-member and will be responsible for the entry fee.
The "Best Team Effort" category is for ILEA members only (3 or more companies). Every company participating in the "Team Effort" submission will be invoiced individually and will be responsible for the $75 fee.
Following the deadline when all entries have been submitted, an online invoice will be sent to you for all completed entries (typically early March). You may pay by credit card or check.
Can I submit any event?
Events submitted must have occurred between January 1 - December 31 of the previous year.
When are the entries due?
Online entries are open on September 1st and must be completed by February 28 at 11:59 PM, EST. They may be submitted at any point leading up to the deadline.
How do I submit my collateral files?
At the end of each entry form is a DropBox link through which you will share the files in support of your submission.
We request that the folder/files be labeled as the example below:
(file folder) NAME OF ENTRY
(file folder) NAME OF ENTRY - MANAGEMENT COLLATERAL - 1 out of 10
(file folder) NAME OF ENTRY - PRIMARY COLLATERAL - 1 out of 20
(single file) NAME OF ENTRY - MULTIMEDIA
(single file) NAME OF ENTRY - BUDGET
How large can the file sizes be?
With the exception of video files, all files included with each submission should 1GB or less
What is important to know when submitting the budget for an event?
Any category that includes a monetary element will require a budget. It is essential that all figures shared in the event budgets are the full retail value. This includes any items used that have been donated or sponsored (partially or in full).
Budget worksheets are included in each category submission link, where required. You may also download a copy HERE
Are the entries anonymous?
In order to maintain fairness in the judging process, the PACE Awards are submitted entirely online and shared with the judges without any identifying information.
Can I include my company name or logo?
Entries are anonymous and should NOT include names or logos of any companies (including yours), vendors or clients. This includes all category text responses and support materials. Don't forget to rename files before including them with your submission! Do NOT Include the client's name or your name in your entry name or submission file names.
Please note: If a client logo appears in a photograph or video, it is acceptable. The judges do not expect those to be blurred out.
*ALL ENTRIES THAT DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
Will my entry be saved?
The online system DOES NOT currently have the capability to save draft entries. It is strongly recommended that each entry be created in a word processing document to ensure you have a working draft to copy and paste into the online format.
Who judges the awards?
The ILEA Indiana Board of Directors reaches out to other chapters and event professionals across North America. The judges are then selected and assigned categories for judging based on their own experience in the industry. All judges have earned their CSEP designation (Certified Special Event Professional).
In general, the entries will be judged on:
- How well the event met its objectives;
- Originality and creativity of the event, product, or services;
- Integration of support collateral materials;
- The quality of the event, attention to detail, and concept;
- Any challenges that were presented and overcome.
How will I know if I am up for an award?
Those with successful submissions (not disqualified) will be notified by the first week of April.
What if I have questions?
If you have questions about the process or run into problems, please send an email to: paceawards@ileaindiana.com
...Where do I start?!
Evaluate your events from the past year. What were your biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them? What were the most rewarding and successful events for your business? Use those events as your inspiration to enter for a PACE Award.
