Why is there an entry fee?

The awards program is not supported by any sponsors, advertising, grants, or other funding. The awards program is self-funded entirely through the entry fees. Are any entry fee discounts provided?The awards program does not provide any discounts to entry fees.

May we submit more than one entry?

Yes. Each entry requires a separate entry application and entry fee.

May we enter the same program/product in different categories?

No. If you are entering a self-paced e-learning course, the Custom Content category is appropriate. If you are entering a recording of a live online session, the Live Online Learning category is appropriate. If you are entering a tool or system, the Learning Technology category is appropriate. If you are entering a description of an implementation, the Learning Case Studies category is appropriate.

May we submit the same entry in more than one subcategory in a category?

This would not be worthwhile because an entry is evaluated against the same criteria in all subcategories.

Entries must apply to “learning in the workplace.” What does this mean?

Learning in the workplace means that the learning is for the employees, customers, or suppliers of an organization (corporations, government, and military). Nonprofit organizations are eligible to submit if the entry represents learning for the employees and other workers at the nonprofit. The awards program does not cover learning in educational, public service, consumer, and other non-work-related environments. Plaques will only be awarded for workplace learning entries.

Why are entries on CDs or DVDs not permitted?

Our judges are all over the world, and they work on staggered deadlines. To be successful, we must be able to pass entries easily to judges. Shipping and tracking CDs or DVDs worldwide would make an awards program of this magnitude unworkable.

Who are the judges?

The awards judges are a diverse group from all over the world, including independent instructional designers, professors, and training professionals in associations, government, military, nonprofits, and corporations. At least four judges are randomly assigned to each entry.

Do the judges come my physical location to evaluate the entry?to

No. The judges review all entries online. The judges do not make on-site visits.

Can we set up a live demo with the judges?

No. The judges are not permitted to have direct contact with the entrants. The judges evaluate only the submitted entry material.

Do the judges agree not to share or publicize the entries they evaluate?

Yes, all judges sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). To our knowledge, in the history of the awards program, there has been no instance of entry material being leaked or disseminated in any way outside the judges' normal reviewing activities.

Is there a chance that a judge who is our competitor could see our entry?

Yes; a slight chance. Entries are randomly assigned within a large group of diverse judges. The chance of a judge who is a member of a competing organization receiving your entry is small. Judges are also asked whether a conflict of interest exists with each entry. Nonetheless, the possibility exists, and you are welcome to remove any sensitive material from your entry. The judges will simply judge the remaining entry material they are given.

If we win, can we purchase additional plaques?

No. Only one plaque is allowed per entering organization.

Can the winners send out a press release?

Yes. All winners will be provided with press release information and guidelines when winners are announced.

When will the entrants receive the judges' evaluation feedback?

All entrants will receive the judges’ written comments about their entry in November 2006.

Yes, by all means. This is an international competition. However, all entries must be submitted in English.