at the
Baltimore Hilton
JUNE 11, 2012
For the Best & the Brightest in Association Publishing
1
Why Sheridan Magazines?
Mobile Friendly™
Tools.
Technology.
Trust.
We have the tools to make your job
easier. Sheridan’s suite of ad production
tools can effortlessly automate magazine
assembly, facilitate ad preflight / upload,
even integrate your office systems.
We have the technology to deliver your
content to ever-expanding platforms.
Digital & Mobile Editions, Apps, QR Codes,
Reader Analytics… In-house ingenuity
and expertise.
We have the experience and
service to back everything
we do with excellence.
Exceptionalism in print,
service, support.
Your print, publication services & technology partner.
Connect with The Sheridan Group on:
A Sheridan Group company
www.sheridan.com | 866.551.3200
Welcome to the
a celebration of the best and brightest in association communications!
This unique event honors the creativity of the trendsetters behind boundary-pushing
association media and publications.
This year, Association Media & Publishing received 1,060 EXCEL Awards submissions,
which were reviewed by 135 association and industry professionals who bestowed 180
awards on the finest examples of excellence in association communications. Competition
for this year’s EXCEL Awards was fierce as association professionals took bold risks to
reach their members in innovative ways.
The EXCEL Awards culminates in tonight’s EXCEL Gala, the premier event for association professionals. We thank you for joining us to celebrate the extraordinary work that
continues to elevate the experience of those who matter most — our members.
I hope that you take some time to review this brochure; it features all of the award winners
as well as the judges’ comments about the winning entries. Perhaps the judges’ insight will
be helpful for you during creation of your future member communications.
To all entrants of the EXCEL Awards, we applaud your creativity and ingenuity. Now that
the creative work is done, let’s honor our friends and colleagues, the winners of the 2012
EXCEL Awards — the best and the brightest.
Leslie McGee
2012 EXCEL Awards Chair
Managing Editor, Oncology Nursing Forum
and Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
Oncology Nursing Society
3
Congratulations to the best and brightest!
Promotional Publications: Annual Reports
Gold
Building a Living Network: Annual Report 2010, Society for Advancement
of Hispanics, Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
Contact: Jenny Kurzweil
Phone: 831-459-0170
Email: jenny@sacnas
An outstanding traditional annual report with compelling layout, stories,
photographs and content that conveys the organization’s mission and
vision in a concise, compelling way. Nice job of imagery used throughout —
consistent and seamless.
Gold
The Many Roads Home: Habitat for Humanity International Annual
Report, Habitat for Humanity International
Contact: Shala Carlson
Phone: 800-422-4828
Email: scarlson@habitat.org
Twitter: @habitat_org
Innovative use of more than one cover. Very successful at eliciting a positive
feeling through the use of photos. Striking presentation — paper is great.
Effective use of graphics in combination with text.
Bronze
NTCA 2010 Annual Report, National Telecommunications
Cooperative Association
Contact: Christian Hamaker
Phone: 703-351-2092
Email: chamaker@ntca.org
Beautifully designed and well-executed. An example of how a small
organization can execute a quality annual report. Content is effective for
purpose of document and its needs.
Promotional Publications: Special Reports
Gold
Shelter Report 2012 Build Hope: Housing Cities After Disaster,
Habitat for Humanity International
Contact: Shala Carlson
Phone: 800-422-4828
Email: scarlson@habitat.org
Twitter: @habitat_org
Number navigation is excellent makes for great consistency. The flow works
well, and the writing and photography is superb. Photos have an emotional
feel without being over-sensationalized
Silver
Habitat for Humanity International 2012 Wall Calendar,
Habitat for Humanity International
Contact: Shala Carlson
Phone: 800-422-4828
Email: scarlson@habitat.org
Twitter: @habitat_org
Great images with well-written copy. A consistent theme is carried
throughout the report. Nice integration of color to photos. Marketing
message is inspiring.
4
Bronze
The Post-Frame Advantage, National Frame Building Association
Contact: Barbara Hofmaier
Phone: 847-375-4822
Email: bhofmaier@connect2amc.com
Cool, very retro. Explored beauty of 3-color palette without being restrictive. Low
key but effective marketing message that is consistent. Typography is excellent.
Promotional Publications:
Membership Directories/Buyers Guides/Catalogs
Gold
PD Online Course Catalog, ASCD
Contact: Gary Bloom
Phone: 703-575-5715
Email: gbloom@ascd.org
Twitter: @ASCD
Great typography. Very playful and well-organized. Easy to navigate and
read. Nice use of photography and white space. Does a good job of selling
online in print.
Silver
NAA Advertising Planbook, Newspaper Association of America
Contact: Marina Hendricks
Email: marina.hendricks@naa.org
Twitter: @naaupdates
Well-organized. Good, helpful content that is easy to read and follow. Wellpicked graphics and a color palette that catches the eye.
Bronze
ADA Fall 2011 Catalog, American Dental Association
Contact: Michael Springer
Phone: 312-440-4671
Email: springerm@ada.org
Clean, crisp design with color coding that makes it helpful. Very reader
friendly and useful to the intended audience. Good choice of colors.
Promotional Publications: Brochures
Silver
AOPA President’s Council Brochure, Aircraft Owners
and Pilots Association
Contact: Julie Walker
Phone: 301-695-2386
Email: julie.walker@aopa.org
Target intended audience; Great photography.
Bronze
The Rotarian, “Global Outlook: The Plus in Polio Plus”,
Rotary International
Contact: Cynthia Edbrooke
Phone: 847-866-3206
Email: cynthia.edbrooke@rotary.org
Graphics present data in an easy to comprehend manner. Content is rich,
detailed and compelling. Strong messaging for a globally important cause.
Simple yet engaging illustrations.
Promotional Publications: Onsite Convention Program
Gold
2011 Public Health Preparedness Summit Conference Program,
National Association of County & City Health Officials
Contact: Laura Harrison
Phone: 202-783-5550
Email: lharrison@naccho.org
Well-organized. Fold-outs serve as bookmarks and protect tabs. Great use
of color and photos. Easy access to all information with great tips in the
perfect size.
Silver
Annual Leadership Conference Learning Guide, National Association of
Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions
Contact: Sallie Strang
Phone: 703-797-6013
Email: sstrang@nachri.org
Really like the spiral binding and uncoated notes section. Schedule at a
glance is on the back cover is convenient and provides easy access. Design
is simple but effective.
Bronze
2011 ATPE Summit Onsite Program, Association of Texas
Professional Educators
Contact: Kate Johanns
Phone: 512-467-0071
Email: kjohanns@atpe.org
Twitter: @officialATPE
Visually attractive and the theme is carried well throughout the program.
Schedule and agenda up front is effective. Good integration with notes,
bylaws and maps are easy to access. Effective binding.
Promotional Publications: Convention Daily Newspapers
Bronze
SHRM Conference Daily, Society for Human Resource Management
Contact: Jennifer Chinworth
Phone: 703-535-6138
Email: jennifer.chinworth@shrm.org
Twitter: @SHRM
Strong coverage of daily events, takes advantage of deep pockets and
resources to produce comprehensive coverage for their members. Nice photos.
Bronze
Daily Now, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
Contact: Samantha Whitehorne
Phone: 202-626-2708
Email: swhitehorne@asaecenter.org
Twitter: @asaecenter
Excellent design that is easy to read and extends the magazine brand nicely.
Promotional Publications:
Convention Marketing Campaign
Gold
Connect in Nashville - Convention Marketing Campaign,
School Nutrition Association
Contact: Maria Robertson
Phone: 301-686-3121
Email: mrobertson@schoolnutrition.org
The campaign was really fun and engaging. Each piece made us want to see
what came next. The entire approach was very thorough.
Silver
20 Year of Advancing Equality & Justice, Asian American Justice Center
Contact: Ellen Kim, GRAPHEK
Phone: 703-404-2838
Email: ellenkim@graphek.com
Well-thought out, beautifully executed campaign. Covered all media
thoroughly. Aesthetically pleasing and appropriately sophisticated.
Bronze
2011 ABA Annual Convention, American Bankers Association
Contact: Sheryl Johnson
Phone: 202-663-5213
Email: sjohnson@aba.com
Twitter: @ABABANKINGNEWS
ABA took advantage of their conference location and used elements of
western style throughout the campaign without being kitschy. The “belt”
piece on the advance program was an excellent choice, and in addition
to the combination of muted and bright colors, added to the overall high
quality of the pieces.
Promotional Publications: Direct Mail: Single Piece
Gold
Catalog for Annual Meeting, “Cap’11 - The Pathologists’ Meeting”,
College of American Pathologists
Contact: Opel Aguila
Phone: 847-832-7462
Email: oaguila@cap.org
Good job of tying in Texas without making it a tourist brochure. Carried
purpose of organization and event. Great paper choice and use of color.
Silver
20 Year of Advancing Equality & Justice Innovation,
Asian American Justice Center
Contact: Ellen Kim, GRAPHEK
Phone: 703-404-2838
Email: ellenkim@graphek.com
The envelope adds a good dimension because it engages the user opening
the piece. Clear message throughout the piece. Unique size complements
the message.
5
Promotional Publications: Direct Mail: Campaign
Gold
Promotional Publications: Media Kits: Print Media Kit
Gold
The Pathologists Meeting, College of American Pathologists
AAHA 2012 Media Kit, American Animal Hospital Association
Contact: Opel Aguila
Phone: 847-832-7462
Email: oaguila@cap.org
Continuity is message and design. Beautiful overall design and good print
quality. Forward movement and great play on graphics with western motif.
Good roll-out of campaign with frequency leading up to conference.
Contact: Cathy Suski
Phone: 303-986-2800
Email: cathy.suski@aahanet.org
Patterns and colors are unique and beautiful. A great way to reference
different animals in an abstract way. Fold-in flaps are a great deviant for
introducing each channel. Organization of information is stellar. Quality of
the packaging really affirms quality of media placement.
Silver
New York No-Fault Campaign, Property Casualty Insurers
Association of America
Contact: Steven Cline
Phone: 847-553-3716
Email: steven.cline@pciaa.net
Twitter: @PCIAA
Clean and concise layout. Well-organized campaign with a clear objective.
Simplicity.
Promotional Publications: Advertising Campaign
Gold
Only Tap Water Delivers, American Water Works Association
Contact: Deirdre Mueller
Phone: 303-347-6140
Email: dmueller@awwa.org
Incredibly well thought-out campaign. Clever copy draws you in and
is married perfectly with simple, bold imagery. Campaign objective is
immediately recognizable. Very thorough application and very engaging.
Silver
Lifetime of Care Ad Campaign, The American Congress of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Contact: Melanie Powers
Phone: 202-863-2423
Email: mpowers@acog.org
Twitter: @acognews
The advertising campaign is a great illustration of women through all walks of
life. It exudes a sense of unity and makes the reader feel like part of a special
community. With this audience, the choice to make the image more prominent
than the text was an excellent one as it still delivers the intended message.
Bronze
Financial Operations Matters, “Meet Dave & Deb Advertising Campaign”,
The Institute of Financial Operations
Contact: Laureen Crowley
Phone: 407-367-2848
Email: laureen.crowley@financialops.org
Bringing in the quirky characters made the subject matter more interesting
and enticing. The simplicity of text and image use worked very well, and
the combination of Dave, Deb, and “You” took away the neutral, mass
audience feel normally found in mailers.
6
Silver
Think Water. Think AWWA: Advertise, Exhibit, Sponsor,
American Water Works Association
Contact: Sara Wrenn
Phone: 303-347-6235
Email: swrenn@awwa.org
The external elements are eye-catching and that flows into the content of
the media kit. The layout of the kit made it very user friendly and enough
information was included without being text heavy.
Bronze
2012 Media Kit Business Officer Magazine, National Association of
College and University Business Officers
Contact: LaTosha McNeal
Phone: 202-861-2582
Email: LMcNeal@nacubo.org
Twitter: @nacubo
Simple and attractive media kit. Layout of information is easy to navigate and
builds a compelling case to advertise with the publication and association.
Relevant market information supported by graphics. Overall a good sell.
Promotional Publications:
Media Kits: Digital/Online Media Kit
Gold
The ASHA Leader, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Contact: Pamela Leppin
Phone: 301-296-8683
Email: pleppin@asha.org
Kit is easy to maneuver; clean, neat layout; information is thorough and
easy to find/access. Strong design and strong additional multimedia
content; easy to navigate. Audience/channel feature for search is great.
Statistical information very helpful and upfront.
Newspapers: Feature Article (50, 000 or fewer)
Gold
Catholic Health World, “Wheaton Clinic Counts Its Successes Two by
Two” , The Catholic Health Association of the United States
Contact: Judy VandeWater
Phone: 314-253-3410
Email: jvandewater@chausa.org
Compelling, great angle showing the difference an individual can make.
Nice “promo” piece for the clinic.
Silver
The Nation’s Health, “Health Advocates Fighting Myths About
Fluoridation With Science” by Charlotte Tucker, American Public
Health Association
Contact: Charlotte Tucker
Phone: 202-777-2437
Email: charlotte.tucker@apha.org
Twitter: @nationshealth
Timely, relevant topic with broad national appeal. Covered a lot of
geographic areas, which could generate media interest in the article.
Newspapers: Feature Article (more than 50, 000)
Silver
ACP Internist, “How Many Are Too Many for CT Scans?” by Stacey
Butterfield, American College of Physicians
Contact: Jennifer Kearney-Strouse
Phone: 215-351-2733
Email: jkstrouse@acponline.org
Twitter: @ACPHospitalist
Interesting to the medical community without being overly technical or scientific.
Bronze
The American Nurse, “Ensuring Standards Are Standard Behind Bars”
by Susan Trossman, American Nurses Association
Contact: Joe Vallina
Phone: 301-628-5027
Email: joseph.vallina@ana.org
Unique subject and time-appropriate, as incarceration rates are so high.
Newspapers: Newswriting
Gold
Catholic Health World, The Catholic Health Association
of the United States
Contact: Judy Vandewater
Phone: 314-253-3410
Email: jvandewater@chausa.org
The articles are written in a logical construction and well-organized. It’s
very clear these are newspaper articles, with the appropriate structure and
tone. Several of the leads contain nice details and strong storytelling.
Bronze
Newspapers: General Excellence
Gold
Catholic Health World, The Catholic Health Association
of the United States
Contact: Judy VandeWater
Phone: 314-253-3410
Email: jvandewater@chausa.org
True to mission and audience. Strong in both writing and design. The
newspaper gives timely news in a people-first way. Photos and graphics are
outstanding with good use of color. The back page is also an entry point and
the architecture and layout is easy to follow.
Silver
ACP Internist, American College of Physicians
Contact: Jennifer Kearney-Strouse
Phone: 215-351-2733
Email: jkstrouse@acponline.org
Twitter: @ACPHospitalist
The design and layout draw the reader into the newspaper. Nice use of
color pulls everything together. Made a dry subject interesting. Great color
palette and nice use of white space. Good attention to detail made the paper
easy to read.
Bronze
Plastic Surgery News, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Contact: Mike Stokes
Phone: 847-228-3332
Email: mstokes@plasticsurgery.org
Plastic Surgery News has strong, well-researched editorial and had
comprehensive coverage of hard news and emerging issues.
Newsletters: Design Excellence
Gold
Forecasting & Futurism Newsletter, Society of Actuaries
Contact: Julissa Sweeney
Phone: 847-706-3548
Email: jsweeney@soa.org
Twitter: @soactuaries
Nice use of two-color and the layout is flawless. White space makes it more
inviting. Simple, clean, elegant.
Silver
NSTA Reports, National Science Teachers Association
Labor and Employment Law, American Bar Association
Contact: Lyn Petrinjak
Phone: 703-243-7100
Email: lpetrinjak@nsta.org
The articles had an intellectual narrative. These were complex topics,
presented at the level of the audience. Articles gave tools to move forward
with the information.
Contact: Mary Anne Kulchawik
Phone: 312-988-6121
Email: maryanne.kulchawik@americanbar.org
Twitter: @abaesq
Liked the calendar on the back — nice touch. Fantastic use of photos.
Visually appealing with the Zen color palette and unusual page size
contributes to its clean layout.
7
Bronze
The APA Insider, American Psychological Association
Contact: Joanne Zaslew
Phone: 202-336-6112
Email: jzaslew@apa.org
Nice horizontal format. Consistent typography, and fun visuals. Good use of
sidebars to highlight stories.
Newsletters: Newswriting
Silver
Newsletters: General Excellence
Gold
Community Manager, Community Associations Institute
Contact: Cori Canady
Phone: 703-970-9220
Email: ccanady@caionline.org
Consistent design provides a fresh feel to the newsletter. Unique and
interesting table of contents. Content is relevant and engaging. Unusual name
plate. Great writing. Good pacing of advertisements — not overwhelming.
Silver
Education Update, ASCD
Education Update, ASCD
Contact: Donna Yudkin
Phone: 703-575-5768
Email: dyudkin@ascd.org
Twitter: @ASCD
ASCD did a good job of presenting a lot of facts and research in an
accessible way.
Contact: Donna Yudkin
Phone: 703-575-5768
Email: dyudkin@ascd.org
Twitter: @ASCD
In tune with demographic and theme-oriented through entire issue.
Up-to-date content with multiple entry points for the reader. Great use of
resources. User-friendly infographics. Consistent layout.
Newsletters: Most Improved:
Newsletter Remaining a Newsletter
ACC Docket’s Canadian Briefings, Association of Corporate Counsel
Gold
NEA Higher Education Advocate, National Education Association
Contact: Mary Flannery
Phone: 202-822-7913
Email: mflannery@nea.org
Although strong before, new layout is much fresher and engaging. Graphics
add a meaningful point of usual interest, and content feels updated and
current. Inside layout breaks out of the previous formulaic treatment in a
way that keeps readers engaged.
Silver
Policy Priorities, Formerly Info Brief, ASCD
Contact: Donna Yudkin
Phone: 703-575-5768
Email: dyudkin@ascd.org
Twitter: @ASCD
Great improvement and graphic use and color scheme. Good incorporation
of social media and technology tools.
Bronze
Contact: Brent Thomas
Phone: 202-293-4103
Email: thomas@acc.com
Twitter: @ACCinhouse
Engaging content with a fantastic layout. A great way to handle heavy content.
Books: Non-Technical Book
Gold
Models-Based Science Teaching, National Science Teachers Association
Contact: Jennifer Horak, NSTA Press
Phone: 703-312-9238
Email: jhorak@nsta.org
Cover art carries through entire book. Multiple entry points on images
through book, creating movement as you look through it. Great use of
typography and content. Good use of one color (black) on entire book.
Silver
Self-Healing Through Reflection: A Workbook for Nurses,
Oncology Nursing Society
Newsletters: Most Improved:
Newsletter Changing to a Magazine
Bronze
FOP Journal, Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police
Contact: Natalie Tolila, Trade News International
Phone: 818-848-6397
Email: natalie@allmedia.com
Magazine layout is more conducive to content variety and great use of
images as they allow the reader to experience a personal connection to the
subject matter.
8
Contact: Lisa George
Phone: 412-859-6286
Email: lgeorge@ons.org
Cover art mimics title and is consistent through book. Margin notes make
book user friendly. The square size of book was pleasing and unique.
Applicable topics for professionals.
Bronze
My Child Is Sick: Expert Advice for Managing Common Illnesses and
Injuries, American Academy of Pediatrics
Contact: Holly Kaminski
Phone: 847-434-4905
Email: hkaminski@aap.org
A lot of information at the right level for parents and audience. Good section
heading/contents page makes book a useful tool.
Books: Technical Book
Gold
Journals: Cover Design
Gold
Midlatitude Synoptic Meteorology: Dynamics, Analysis, and Forecasting,
American Meteorological Society
The Journal of the American Dental Association, August 2011,
American Dental Association
Contact: Beth Dayton
Phone: 617-226-3940
Email: edayton@ametsoc.org
Cover design fits content perfectly. Cover flap — ingenious book mark. Use
of color/diagram/mathematics good. Investment in printing quality pay off
(great paper & ink).
Contact: Michael Springer
Phone: 312-440-4671
Email: springerm@ada.org
A tremendous job in its visual impact and creativity in peaking the
reader’s interest.
Silver
Journal American Water Works Association, July 2011,
American Water Works Association
Contact: Holly Kaminski
Phone: 847-434-4905
Email: hkaminski@aap.org
For a large technical manual, the book is easy to read and comprehensive.
Good use of color on graphs/tables and graphics in book.
Contact: Marcia Lacey
Phone: 303-347-6261
Email: mlacey@awwa.org
Simple, clear, effective cover.
Bronze
Teaching Children Mathematics, August 2011, National Council
of Teachers of Mathematics
Textbook of Adolescent Health Care, American Academy of Pediatrics
Fundamentals for Fascia Therapy: AUTA Fascial Therapy Continuing
Education Program Part One, American Massage Therapy Association
Contact: Michelle Vallet
Phone: 847-905-1676
Email: mvallet@amtamassage.org
Twitter: @amtanational
User-friendly resource. Fantastic art for reference/study guide. Great
analysis of art to humane body/anatomy.
Journals: Design Excellence
Silver
Bronze
Contact: Allison King, TMG Custom Media
Phone: 202-530-8052
Email: aking@tmgcustommedia.com
Effective in all the elements used to portray theme.
Journals: Feature Article
Gold
Bronze
Young Children, “You Want Me to Talk to Children About What?
Responding to the Sexuality Development in Young Children” by Mary
Sciaraffa & Theresa Radolph, National Association for the Education
of Young Children
Contact: Marcia Lacey
Phone: 303-347-6261
Email: mlacey@awwa.org
Good use of imagery to break up the text. Grid and body copy were very
easy to read.
Contact: Amy Shillady
Phone: 202-232-8777
Email: ashillady@naeyc.org
Twitter: @naeyc
This is a stellar example of a journal feature — a judicious mix of research,
narrative and anecdotes/examples. Skillfully written on a delicate topic;
clinical with practical examples.
Journal American Water Works Association, American Water
Works Association
Bronze
Hospital Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics
Contact: Joseph Puskarz
Phone: 847-434-4000
Email: jpaskarz@aap.org
Cover very appealing with the use of consistent stock illustrations. Color
palette is unexpected, calming and inviting. Like the integration of illustration.
Silver
Oncology Nursing Forum, “A Young Woman Looks Back: Losing Her
Mother to Breast Cancer” by Jessica Redin, Oncology Nursing Society
Contact: Leslie McGee
Phone: 412-859-6291
Email: lmcgee@ons.org
Exceptional and compelling with the author’s first-person perspective.
Nice weaving of intensely personal experience with professional
awakening and pursuit.
9
Bronze
Journal of College Science Teaching, “When Wrong Answers Receive
Top Grades” by Arthur Eisenkraft & Noah Eisen Kraft, National
Science Teachers Association
Contact: Caroline Barnes
Phone: 703-312-9209
Email: cbarnes@nsta.org
Good lead and use of examples to illustrate points. Interesting topic with
insightful analysis.
Journals: Most Improved
Silver
Family Medicine Journal, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine
Contact: Traci Nolte
Phone: 913-906-6226
Email: tnolte@stfm.org
Twitter: @stfm_fm
Cover enhanced through imagery and color. Better integration of
association logo with the design. Great use of navigation cues and the
design of journal articles is cleaner and readable. A good use of structure to
break down content into digestible nuggets of information.
Web Publishing: Redesign
Gold
Provider, American Health Care Association
Contact: Meg LaPorte
Phone: 202-989-2845
Email: mlaporte@providermagazine.com
Twitter: @ProviderMag
Tremendous improvement from the old design. Much more visually
appealing and cleaner. Uses graphics well to draw interest. The hierarchy
improvements make clear what is important.
Silver
www.beanactuary.org, Society of Actuaries/Casualty Actuarial Society
Contact: Kathryn Baker, Society of Actuaries and Mike Boa,
Casualty Actuarial Society
Phone: 847-706-3501
Email: kbaker@soa.org; mboa@casact.org
Twitter: @BeAnActuary
Color palette is much improved and is more inviting. Use of imagery makes
being an actuary more appealing.
Bronze
Anthropology News, American Anthropological Association
Journals: General Excellence
Gold
Rangelands, Society for Range Management
Contact: Lindsey Givens, Allen Press
Phone: 785-843-1234
Email: lgivens@allenpress.com
Strong covers. Consistent voice with an easy-to-read design. Effective
incorporation of graphics and charts.
Contact: Amy Goldenberg
Phone: 703-528-1902
Email: agoldenberg@aaanet.org
Twitter: @AmericanAnthro
The addition of images to the stories makes the design more contemporary
and interesting. The use of color bars is a much improved navigational tool.
Web Publishing: Editorial Excellence
Gold
Silver
www.beanactuary.org, Society of Actuaries/Casualty Actuarial Society
Contact: Leslie McGee
Phone: 412-859-6291
Email: lmcgee@ons.org
Consistent formatting with an organized structure and engaging covers.
Easy to read typography choices. Good use of spot color.
Contact: Kathryn Baker, Society of Actuaries/Casually Actuarial Society/
Lipman Hearne/Matrix Group
Phone: 847-706-3501
Email: kbaker@soa.org
Twitter: @BeAnActuary
Very good layout and presentation of information. Clear, concise, good
voice, engaging.
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, Oncology Nursing Society
Bronze
Teaching Children Mathematics, National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics
Contact: Joanne Hodges
Phone: 703-620-9840
Email: jhodges@nctm.org
Even though the journal is peer-reviewed, it’s an interesting hybrid of a journal
and magazine. Valuable tools for members rooted and based in research.
Silver
Scouting, Boy Scouts of America
Contact: John Clark
Phone: 972-580-2368
Email: john.clark2@scouting.org
Well-written for audience and well-edited/designed; nice mix of content.
Bronze
www.Habitat.org, Habitat for Humanity International
Contact: Shala Carlson
Phone: 404-420-6799
Email: scarlson@habitat.org
Twitter: @Habitat_org
Captivating, well-written human interest stories.
10
Web Publishing: Design Excellence
Gold
www.Magazine.Habitat.org, Habitat for Humanity International
Contact: Shala Carlson
Phone: 404-420-6799
Email: scarlson@habitat.org
Twitter: @Habitat_org
It felt like a real magazine. It was a treat to see such a clean, bold design.
Silver
www.FamilyDoctor.org, American Academy of Family Physicians
Contact: Angelike Gaunt
Phone: 913-906-6000
Email: agaunt@aafp.org
Did a good job of making a lot of information accessible and easy to navigate.
Bronze
Scouting Magazine, Boy Scouts of America
Contact: John Clark
Phone: 972-580-2368
Email: john.clark2@scouting.org
Evoked the spirit of the Field Manual.
Web Publishing: General Excellence
Gold
www.beanactuary.org, Society of Actuaries/Casualty Actuarial Society
Contact: Kathryn Baker, Society of Actuaries and Mike Boa,
Casualty Actuarial Society
Phone: 847-706-3501
Email: kbaker@soa.org; mboa@casact.org
Twitter: @BeAnActuary
Website is clean, concise, and well-branded. The website is very readable
and navigable, providing useful, well-written information, such as toolkits,
career opportunities, and resources. Impressively employs video content. In
addition, the website truly integrates social media, which makes the user’s
experience highly interactive. The site was welcoming and approachable,
effectively targeting and engaging students considering the actuary field.
One judge said, “This is a great site and makes me wish I was in this field!”
Silver
Scouting, Boy Scouts of America
Contact: John Clark
Phone: 972-580-2368
Email: john.clark2@scouting.org
The Boy Scouts of America website is an attractive and engaging online
magazine. The site is well-organized and the navigation is intuitive. The
website’s wonderful use of original images complement the editorial
content. Liked that the blog was featured in a key spot on the homepage.
Bronze
www.Habitat.org, Habitat for Humanity International
Contact: Shala Carlson
Phone: 404-420-6799
Email: scarlson@habitat.org
Twitter: @Habitat_org
The Habitat for Humanity International website is well-organized, providing
a wealth of information about the organization and how to participate. The
writing is direct and concise. Particularly impressed with the site’s media
content. The site features beautiful, original photographs rather than stock
images and has an extensive video library. The site is also very interactive,
with advanced integration with all social media applications.
Bronze
www.asme.org, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Contact: David Walsh
Phone: 212-591-7144
Email: walshd@asme.org
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ website is very wellorganized, appealing, and easy to read. The layout, navigation, and
typography provide obvious hierarchy, resulting in a very user-friendly and
intuitive site. The site’s content features relevant topics, resources, news, and
information. The judges particularly like the “In the Know” section and felt
that it was a good “attention-grabber” for key information. Finally, the website
exhibits a superior use of imagery with images that truly complement the
editorial content and were dynamically integrated into the overall design.
Magazines: Single-Topic Issue (20, 000 or fewer)
Gold
Independent School, Winter 2011, National Association
of Independent Schools
Contact: Kitty Thuermer
Phone: 202-973-9700
Email: thuermer@nais.org
Very strong theme was carried out with both editorial and design. Highquality writing with terrific editing. The design was coherent and carried
out the theme, including the cover that grabs you immediately. The topics
were sophisticated, and the subtopics were well-delineated and carried out.
The articles had strong leads that ensured reading the entire issue.
Silver
Speaker, April 2011, National Speakers Association
Contact: Barbara Parus
Phone: 480-968-2552
Email: barbara@nsaspeaker.org
Graphics packaged and presented well throughout. This issue made
the brain beautiful. The writing draws you in and is well focused on the
audience. Clear, clever, and compelling heads and decks.
11
Magazines: Single-Topic Issue (20, 001 to 100, 000)
Gold
Currents, July/August 2011, Council for Advancement and
Support of Education
Contact: Liz Reilly
Phone: 202-478-5648
Email: reilly@case.org
Original research, nice mix of data presentation and analysis. Compelling
first-person essay to open the theme. Effectively applied data to real-life
stories. Unity of theme was perfect. The great use of color carried a visual
theme throughout entire section.
Silver
ASCA School Counselor, May/June 2011, American School
Counselor Association
Contact: Kathleen Rakestraw, Adirondack Communications
Phone: 703-864-8734
Email: krakestraw@adirondack-inc.com
Twitter: @ASCATweets
Gutsy content covered numerous angles and in an objective manner. Good
conceptual cover. Creative use of art and pull quotes.
Bronze
Bronze
IEEE Spectrum, June 2011, IEEE
Contact: Susan Hassler
Phone: 212-419-7556
Email: s.hassler@ieee.org
Twitter: @IEEESpectrum
The “social web” can be an amorphous topic and IEEE Spectrum addresses
it with a thoroughness and vigor. The issue clarifies how the battle between
Facebook and Google will affect the companies. Sharp design, provocative
leads, straightforward charts, and striking photography.
Magazines: Most Improved (50, 000 or fewer)
Silver
AYP Magazine, Association of YMCA Professionals
Contact: Jen Smith, Network Media Partners
Phone: 410-584-1910
Email: jsmith@networkmediapartners.com
AYP Magazine has made significant strides in terms of design. The
magazine is now engaging and inviting. Front of the book content is
newsier and more focused; back page brings a sense of fun to the magazine.
Bronze
NFPA Journal, October 2011, National Fire Protection Association
Educational Horizons, Phi Delta Kappa International
Contact: Scott Sutherland
Phone: 617-984-7568
Email: ssutherland@nfpa.org
Sheer volume of coverage on the same topic was impressive. Great use of
photography. Many unique angles on theme.
Contact: Erin Young
Phone: 812-929-1405
Email: eyoung@pdkintl.org
Significant changes that improved the design and readability of its
publication. The changes better serve the organization’s audience.
Magazines: Single-Topic Issue (more than 100, 000)
ATA News Magazine, American Turkish Associations of Washington DC
Gold
The Penn Stater, Jan/Feb 2012, Penn State Alumni Association
Contact: Tina Hay
Phone: 814-863-1275
Email: tinahay@psu.edu
Excellence in dealing with a difficult topics — honesty and depth of feeling
throughout the issue. An issue to be proud of always. Beautifully and
provocatively laid out and written. Success in keeping the theme and tone
throughout in a subtle and surprising way. Really, really well done.
Silver
IEEE Spectrum, January 2011, IEEE
Contact: Susan Hassler
Phone: 212-419-7556
Email: s.hassler@ieee.org
Twitter: @IEEESpectrum
Good consistency in article structure. Good coverage of difficult types
of technologies. Each section was designed well and is cohesive with the
section topic.
12
Bronze
Contact: Sitki Kazanci
Phone: 703-439-0557
Email: kazanci@gmail.com
Significantly upgraded design and content. Visible transformation from
amateur to professional 4/C design. Higher quality editorial.
Magazines: Redesign (50, 000 or fewer)
Gold
The Parking Professional, International Parking Institute
Contact: Bono Mitchell, Bonotom Studio
Phone: 703-276-0612
Email: bono@bonotom.com
If the judges received the old version and the redesigned one in the mail,
they would be proud to be a part of the group. Very sophisticated treatment
throughout the publication coupled dramatic spreads. Unique table of contents.
Silver
ATA News Magazine, American Turkish Associations
of Washington DC
Contact: Sitki Kazanci
Phone: 703-439-0557
Email: kazanci@gmail.com
Fantastic improvement, moving from high school yearbook feel to a
professional membership magazine.
Bronze
Dimensions, Association of Science-Technology Centers
Contact: Emily Schuster
Phone: 202-783-7200
Email: eschuster@astc.org
Twitter: @sciencecenters
Drastic move from newsletter feel to magazine. Very clean and modern look
with appropriate use of white space. Consistent use of photos and typography.
Magazines: Redesign (more than 50, 000)
Gold
Magazines: Design Excellence (20, 001 to 100, 000)
Gold
Head Wise, National Headache Foundation
Contact: Mary Cusick, Imagination Publishing
Phone: 312-887-1000
Email: mcusick@imaginepub.com
Typography throughout achieves wonderful balance, which leads to a high
level of readability. Good blend of scholarly content with consumer appeal.
Presented in a clean and inviting layout. Beautiful photography and paper
solution fits reader profile really well.
Silver
Pride Magazine, Texas A&M University-Commerce
Contact: Jennifer Bryan
Phone: 903-886-5128
Email: jennifer_bryan@tamu-commerce.edu
Clean and classic design. Excellent use of white space and color
background to highlight and differentiate content. Full-spread photographs
create an engaging and inviting feeling.
Bronze
Cancer Today, American Association for Cancer Research
Marines Magazine, U.S. Marine Corps
Contact: Debra Bates-Schrott, Bates Creative Group
Phone: 301-495-8844
Email: debbie@batescreativegroup.com
Renamed publication was much better suited to the new audience and new
tagline is inspirational. Great use of design elements to help differentiate
and prioritize content. Very engaging infographics. Each feature is
internally consistent but unique, and captures attention throughout. Much
better folio location. Overall tone is far better suited for the readership.
Contact: Debra Bates-Schrott, Bates Creative Group
Phone: 301-495-8844
Email: debbie@batescreativegroup.com
Fluid layout with excellent use of photography. Consistently good color
choices and minimal use of graphics works well with content.
Magazines: Design Excellence (20, 000 or fewer)
Gold
Forward, Metals Service Center Institute
Contact: Mary Cusick, Imagination Publishing
Phone: 312-887-1000
Email: mcusick@imaginepub.com
The cover designs were consistent and compelling. Color palette carried
throughout. The typography and graphics complemented each other.
Silver
Perspective, International Interior Design Association
Contact: Jeanna Fisher
Phone: 312-379-5140
Great color palette and mixture of graphics, photography and typography.
Graphics tied interior design theme of magazine with the stories. Great
binding design for 2x circulation.
Bronze
Leader’s Edge, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers
Contact: Rick Pullen
Phone: 202-783-4400
Email: rick.pullen@ciab.com
Twitter: @TheCIAB
Great cover designs and use of paper. Nice use of page-edge markers for
stories, typography and color palette throughout.
Magazines: Design Excellence (more than 100, 000)
Gold
World Vision, World Vision USA
Contact: Ryan Smith
Phone: 253-815-2310
Email: rysmith@worldvision.org
Twitter: @worldvisionmag
Typography was beautiful — very subtle and effective. World Vision knows
how to use photography; they made the right photos large and provided a
great use of B&W photography.
Silver
Trout, Trout Unlimited
Contact: Jim Gray, Gray House Design
Phone: 301-942-0465
Email: jim@grayhousedesign.com
Consistent, beautiful photos throughout the magazine. Covers/cover photos
are compelling. Color use is very good. Attractive to the non-fisher.
Bronze
Scouting, Boy Scouts of America
Contact: John Clark
Phone: 972-580-2368
Email: john.clark2@scouting.org
Consistent design from story to story. Good captions, sidebar use and
cohesiveness between editorial and design. Short articles and quick
captures are appropriate for the audience.
13
Magazines: Cover Illustration
Gold
PCMA Convene, December 2011, Professional Convention
Management Association
Contact: Mitch Shostak, Shostak Studios
Phone: 212-979-7981
Email: mitch@shostakstudios.com
Twitter: @pcmaconvene
Great composition and use of color and lighting. Effective use of imagery to
convey a message. Image immediately conveys theme of article illustration
and is very sophisticated and artfully arranged, providing enticement to
read the article.
Bronze
Leader’s Edge, Jan/Feb 2011, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers
Contact: Edith Graves, Eason Associates
Phone: 202-223-9293
Email: edith@easonassociates.com
Twitter: @TheCIAB
Bold innovative type. Clever with matching the image to the topic and type.
Works well with the core lines.
Magazines: Cover Mixed-Media
Gold
Silver
Independent Agent, February 2011, Independent Insurance
Agents & Brokers of America
Contact: Bono Mitchell, BonoTom Studio
Phone: 703-276-0612
Email: bono@bonotom.com
Good illustration choice for topic; liked the incorporation of mobile tool as
it brings in both current technology and humor. Message was very clear
through characters’ facial expressions.
Contact: Allison King, TMG Custom Media
Phone: 202-530-8052
Email: aking@tmgcustommedia.com
Unexpected and fresh use of photography and design. Beautiful use of
white space and typography as a visual element to enhance the layout. A
great use of typography, mixed media with excellent design, and creative
use of space. The graphic is very supportive of the topic “A New Breed”.
Contingencies, May/Jun 2011, American Academy of Actuaries
Bronze
PCMA Convene, July 2011, Professional Convention
Management Association
Contact: Mitch Shostak, Shostak Studios
Phone: 212-979-7981
Email: mitch@shostakstudios.com
Twitter: @pcmaconvene
Illustration conveys the content of the issue with subtlety. Simple, yet
pleasing to the eye.
Silver
IEEE Potentials, Sep/Oct 2011, IEEE
Contact: Susan Schneiderman
Phone: 732-562-3946
Email: s.schneiderman@ieee.org
The typography embodies the essence of the topic. The mix of reality
and fantasy is believable and engaging. The blending is very eyecatching and memorable.
Bronze
Magazines: Cover Photography
Gold
Trial, October 2011, American Association for Justice
Contact: Allison King, TMG Custom Media
Phone: 202-530-8052
Email: aking@tmgcustommedia.com
High-level of creativity. Angle and presentation is unique and ties well with
the theme. Perspective of photo tags going front and behind nameplate adds
depth. Clear message.
Silver
Independent School, Winter 2011, National Association of
Independent Schools
Contact: Allison King, TMG Custom Media
Phone: 202-530-8052
Email: aking@tmgcustommedia.com
Stunning photo draws you in with a nice balance of type. Color palette
works well with the photo. Image marries the theme with the topic.
14
Leader’s Edge, October 2011, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers
Contact: Rick Pullen
Phone: 202-783-4400
Email: rick.pullen@ciab.com
Twitter: @TheCIAB
Fresh approach to an old cliché. High-impact and dynamic layout of design.
Edgy solutions for magazine demographic.
Magazines: Feature Story Design (50, 000 or fewer)
Gold
Associations Now, “Real-World Associations Ethics”, December 2011,
ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
Contact: Beth Lower
Phone: 202-626-2723
Email: blower@asaecenter.org
Twitter: @asaecenter
Clever and humorous illustrations complement the story. Cohesive design
helped “pump up” story idea. Well-organized and unique format was still
easy to follow. Creative layout with great use of colors and highlights.
Silver
Magazines: Column
Contact: James Baumann
Phone: 614-292-0099
Email: james@acuho-i.org
Twitter: @acuhoi
Black and white introduction was unified opener. Effective color palette.
Attractive and well-organized.
Principal, “Sticks and Stones; Words and Wounds” by Gail Connely,
National Association of Elementary School Principals
Talking Stick, “Renovating Character”, May/Jun 2011, The Association
of College and University Housing Officers - International
Bronze
Workspan, “Pay for Performance: The Big Bang Theory”, September
2011, WorldatWork
Gold
Contact: Kaylen Tucker
Phone: 703-518-6257
Email: ktucker@naesp.org
Twitter: @naesp
Cites useful resources and creates a sense of urgency that motivates action.
Bronze
Educational Horizons, “Class Dismissed! Is There Life After Lesson
Planning?” by Roxanna Elden, Phi Delta Kappa International
Contact: Jean Christofferson
Phone: 480-304-6819
Email: jean.christofferson@worldatwork.org
Twitter: @worldatwork
Clean and soothing palette with well-designed figures. Good example of
design not overpowering story. Good use of white space and interesting art
to illustrate the Big Bang.
Contact: Erin Young
Phone: 812-929-1405
Email: eyoung@pdkintl.org
Informative, humorous, well-organized. Good tips and information
presented in a fun and concise column.
Magazines: Feature Story Design (more than 50, 000)
Magazines: Editorial
Gold
World Vision, “In Sabina’s Shoes”, Spring 2011, World Vision USA
Contact: Ryan Smith
Phone: 253-815-2310
Email: rysmith@worldvision.org
Twitter: @worldvisionmag
The full-bleed, double-page photo immediately draws the reader into the
story. The reversed type evokes the whiteness of the clouds. Throughout
the article, appreciated the consistency and balance of the layout, the
strength of the photography, and the judicious use of white space. The
single, powerful pull quotes were eye-catching. Liked the high quality of the
photos and the prominence they were given.
Silver
The Rotarian, “Rotary Stamps A-Z”, August 2011, Rotary International
Contact: Cynthia Edbrooke
Phone: 847-866-3206
Email: cynthia.edbrooke@rotary.org
Twitter: @Rotary
The layout of this article was elegant, and the design was appropriate for
the theme of the story. The use of silhouetted photos and white space was
effective and engaging. Overall, the design was cohesive and clean.
Bronze
IEEE Spectrum, “24 Hours at Fukushima”, November 2011, IEEE
Contact: Susan Hassler
Phone: 212-419-7556
Email: s.hassler@ieee.org
Twitter: @IEEESpectrum
A first glance at “24 Hours at Fukushima” announces that it’s a serious story,
but it does so with artful subtlety. The woozy green of the photo stresses
the catastrophe the piece covers, and the background adds to the gravitas.
The play of photography, illustration, and text is well executed throughout,
giving the reader quick-hit detail while motivating to engage further.
Silver
Realtor Magazine, “Yes to Consolidation” by Cameron Paine,
March 2011, National Association of Realtors
Contact: Wendy Cole
Phone: 312-329-8484
Email: wcole@realtors.org
Twitter: @realtormag
No doubt an important topic to the readership. “Yes to Consolidation” is a
shining example of the genre. It’s a well written piece that takes a position,
has strong, clear language, and backs that up with evidence.
Silver
BizEd Magazine, “Business With Passion” by Sharon Shinn,
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Contact: Tricia Bisoux
Phone: 314-579-9176
Email: tricia@aacsb.edu
A real winner. It was concise and to the point. The personal anecdote really
brought the reader in, and the topic tied in beautifully with the rest of the issue.
Bronze
Mechanical Engineering Magazine, “Next Generation Technology” by
John G. Falcioni, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Contact: John Falcioni
Phone: 212-591-7782
Email: falcionij@asme.org
Twitter: @johnfalcioni
“Next Generation Technology” is a textbook example of how to effectively
use a hook to bring the reader in and introduce an idea. This piece took a
position and argued it quite effectively.
15
Magazines: Feature Article (10, 000 or fewer)
Gold
Plastic Surgery News, “Face Transplant’s Voyage from Science
Fiction to Next Reconstructive Frontier” by Michael Stokes,
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Contact: Mike Stokes
Phone: 847-228-3332
Email: mstokes@plasticsurgery.org
The thorough and timely article provided a good balance of clinical information
and emotional patient quotes. The ethical dilemmas associated with this
incredible medical procedure are well presented. The lead is engaging, the
story is well-organized, and a powerful sidebar provides great perspective on
the daily struggles and hopes of patients living with facial disfigurement.
Silver
ICA Update, “Running Ahead of Research on Medical Marijuana”
by Penny Allen, Interstitial Cystitis Association
Contact: Barbara J. Gordon
Phone: 703-442-2070
Email: bgordon@ichelp.org
Twitter: @ICHelp
The article provides a creative, informative, and objective analysis of the
broad national issue of medicinal marijuana use. The longer length of this
piece required complex research and organization. The author succeeds
in maintaining readers’ interest throughout with polls of patients through
social media, and by presenting opposing viewpoints.
Bronze
Winds of Change, “Conflict on the Mountain” by Vincent Schilling,
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
Contact: Bethany Fraser, The Pohly Company
Phone: 617-816-0707
Email: bfraser@pohlyco.com
The article raises shocking points about the broad issue of water treatment
and then successfully narrows the scope to Native Americans. The author
clearly illustrates the problem and gives all sources an equal voice. This
entry also effectively establishes relevance for a younger audience.
Magazines: Feature Article (10, 001 to 20, 000)
Gold
Science and Children, “Early Primary Invasion Scientists” by Katie V.
Spellman & Christine Villano, National Science Teachers Association
Contact: Valynda Mayes
Phone: 703-312-9234
Email: vmayes@nsta.org
Twitter: @SandC_NSTA
The fascinating story, told in a lively voice, engaged judges from the
beginning. It created an immediacy and excitement for teachers to act on
the wealth of how-to information.
16
Silver
Forward, “The Burden of Taxation” by Bill Barnhart, The Metals
Service Institute
Contact: Mary Cusick, Imagination Publishing
Phone: 312-887-1000
Email: mcusick@imaginepub.com
This article deftly explained complex processes, presenting information in a
way that drew the judges into a topic that would not seem interesting on the
surface. The presentation of individual case studies, with good details, was
helpful to readers.
Bronze
The Wildlife Professional, “Fenced Out” by Divya Abhat,
The Wildlife Society
Contact: Lisa Moore
Phone: 301-897-9770
Email: lmoore@wildlife.org
The “show me” lead set a visual and drew in readers. The story idea was
unique, and the article had real meat to it.
Magazines: Feature Article (20, 001 to 50, 000)
Gold
The Science Teacher, “Krakatoa Erupts!” by Renee Clary & James
Wandersee, National Science Teachers Association
Contact: Scott Stuckey
Phone: 703-312-9239
Email: sstuckey@nsta.org
“Krakatoa Erupts!” did a great job of capitalizing on students’ natural
curiosity about volcanoes with a thorough and engaging scientific lesson
plan — and the writing was intriguing enough that several judges on the
panel immediately went online to learn more about Krakatoa after reading
it. The sidebars add a great deal of hands-on, practical value.
Silver
ASCA School Counselor, “Pressure to Conform” by Laura Rena Murray,
American School Counselor Association
Contact: Kathleen Rakestraw, Adirondack Communications
Phone: 703-864-8734
Email: krakestraw@adirondack-inc.com
Twitter: @ASCATweets
The thought-provoking question posed in the deck draws a reader right
into the story. The article had wonderful storytelling throughout and a
particularly solid lead paragraph.
Bronze
Trial, “Foreclosure Fallout” by Allison Torres Burtka, American
Association for Justice
Contact: Susan Sandler
Phone: 202-944-2854
Email: susan.sandler@justice.org
The content of “Foreclosure Fallout” is compelling and shocking. The
writing takes what could be a dry subject and makes it urgent and engaging;
at the same time, the story is very well sourced and informative. Clearly the
topic is both timely and extremely valuable for Trial’s readers.
Bronze
Trends Magazine, “Pet Psychic Inspires Doctors” by Jack Sommars,
American Animal Hospital Association
Contact: Cathy Suski
Phone: 303-986-2800
Email: cathy.suski@aahanet.org
“Pet Psychic Inspires Doctors” was delightfully unexpected. The topic
is creative, the storytelling is light but informative, and there are good
practical takeaways even for the most skeptical reader of Trends.
Magazines: Feature Article (50, 001 to 100, 000)
Gold
School Nutrition, “The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship” by Patricia
Fitzgerald, School Nutrition Association
Contact: Patricia Fitzgerald
Phone: 301-686-3118
Email: pfitzgerald@schoolnutrition.org
Well-written. Just about anyone can enjoy, and learn from, this little-known
story about operators of school meal programs.
Gold
AMC Outdoors, “My Daughter’s ‘Bad Uncle’” by Kristen Laine,
Appalachian Mountain Club
Contact: Marc Chalufour
Phone: 617-391-6640
Email: mchalufour@outdoors.org
Twitter: @AppMtnClub
The first-person approach humanized a very conceptual change in the field.
The story had more layers than the other entries.
Silver
Suffolk Alumni Magazine, “Playing Hardball” by Renee Graham,
Suffolk University
Contact: Andy Levinsky
Phone: 617-994-6487
Email: alevinsky@suffolk.edu
This human interest story appeals to almost anyone, from alumni to
sports enthusiasts.
Bronze
AMC Outdoors, “Walking the Talk” by Marc Chalufour, Appalachian
Mountain Club
Contact: Marc Chalufour
Phone: 617-391-6640
Email: mchalufour@outdoors.org
Twitter: @AppMtnClub
There were lots of lessons cleverly embedded in this story with strong takeaways.
Magazines: Feature Article (more than 100, 000)
Gold
IEEE Spectrum, “Re-Engineering Afghanistan” by Glenn Zorpette, IEEE
Contact: Susan Hassler
Phone: 212-419-7556
Email: s.hassler@ieee.org
Twitter: @IEEESpectrum
“Re-Engnineering Afghanistan” is a stellar example of what’s best about
association publishing. Told as a first-person narrative, the article offers great
introspection on the broad topic of Afghanistan, drilled down to the specific
story that would interest IEEE members—the struggle to bring electricity
to Afghanistan. The author’s skilled weaving of his personal experience in
the country while researching the story combined with his observations,
analysis, and interviews with others was masterful. The wrap-up of the piece,
which helps the reader pull all the details together and form an opinion, is
thoughtfully written and a real primer on how to end an article.
Silver
HR Magazine, “Out of the Shadows” by Dori Meinert, Society for Human
Resource Management
Contact: Jennifer Chinworth
Phone: 703-535-6138
Email: jennifer.chinworth@shrm.org
Twitter: @SHRM
“Out of the Shadows” takes a provocative, fresh angle on the story of domestic
violence by examining how it affects the victim, their co-workers, and
their companies. The HR professionals reading this piece are left with a
very carefully laid out and researched piece that opens their eyes to the
responsibility they have to domestic violence victims—as well as to the
people who work with them. The author’s ability to intertwine the personal
experiences, thoughts, and feelings of several victims helps to put names
and faces to what otherwise could have been a flatter, statistics-based story.
There’s no doubt that this piece brought great value to SHRM’s membership.
Bronze
The Rotarian, “The Inconvenient Truth About Poverty” by Joe Queenan,
Rotary International
Contact: Cynthia Edbrooke
Phone: 847-866-3206
Email: cynthia.edbrooke@rotary.org
Twitter: @Rotary
As an essay, “The Inconvenient Truth About Poverty” was really in a
category of its own. Instead of using research and statistics, the author
tells the story through his own, qualified lens, as a person who grew up
in poverty. However, instead of citing stats and interviewing experts, the
author demonstrates why the popular opinion about poverty is based on
a lack of understanding the real challenges that extremely low-income
people face in trying to pull themselves out of their situation. Leaving the
reader with a radically different introspection than where he started, the
writer’s great talent is in showing rather than telling.
17
Magazines: General Excellence (10, 000 or fewer)
Silver
Magazines: General Excellence (20, 001 to 50, 000)
Gold
Perspective, International Interior Design Association
One+, Meeting Professionals International
Contact: Jeanna Fisher
Phone: 312-379-5140
Strong eye-catching covers. The clear hierarchy makes it comfortable to get into
the articles and the original illustrations complement the photography well.
Contact: Blair Potter
Phone: 972-702-3092
Email: bpotter@mpiweb.org
Strong headlines complement the strong design. Great, fun cover concepts.
Clear table of contents. Newsstand quality.
Bronze
Scrap, Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
Contact: Rachel Pollack
Phone: 202-662-8543
Email: rachelpollack@scrap.org
Solid in-depth reporting. Excellent job of making complex subject material
easier to understand. Nice, clean spreads humanize the issues, making
them come alive with warm and compelling photos.
Magazines: General Excellence (10, 001 to 20, 000)
Gold
Conservation, Society for Conservation Biology
Contact: Kathryn Kohm
Phone: 206-685-4724
Email: kkohm@uw.edu
Consistent, clear, clever! Loved the kitschy illustration style, and the mix of
photography and illustrations is excellent. Headlines are clever and focused.
Nice size and paper. High-quality, appealing journalism and consistent,
open, highly readable design appeal to all.
Silver
Leader’s Edge, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers
Contact: Rick Pullen
Phone: 202-783-4400
Email: rick.pullen@ciab.com
Twitter: @TheCIAB
Bold, risk-taking. Strong, well-edited content paired with visually-striking
covers. Love the unique department and column headers.
Bronze
Capitol Ideas, The Council of State Governments
Contact: Mary Branham
Phone: 859-244-8188
Email: mbranham@csg.org
Twitter: @csgouts
From paper to design to editorial, extremely appropriate for audience. A
tool with shelf-life. Great back-page. Good representation of membership.
Silver
Associations Now, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
Contact: Samantha Whitehorne
Phone: 202-626-2708
Email: swhitehorne@asaecenter.org
Twitter: @asaecenter
Attractive design with compelling cover illustrations. Good layout of content
– the “Community Now” section is a great concept. Variation of topics and
design across issues is notable.
Bronze
PCMA Convene, Professional Convention Management Association
Contact: Christopher Durso
Phone: 312-636-6935
Email: cdurso@pcma.org
Twitter: @pcmaconvene
Great cover illustrations. Nice variation in length and topics of the content. Use
of content, such as comments from social media and blog posts, encourage
readers to utilize these alternate media methods provided by PCMA.
Magazines: General Excellence (50, 001 to 100, 000)
Gold
Suffolk Alumni Magazine, Suffolk University
Contact: Andrew Levinsky
Phone: 617-994-6487
Email: alevinsky@suffolk.edu
Highly polished magazine with stunning photography and beautiful design.
Strong leads draw you in to the content, making us wish we were alum!
Very refined typography and every page is quality.
Silver
NFPA Journal, National Fire Protection Association
Contact: Scott Sutherland
Phone: 617-984-7568
Email: ssutherland@nfpa.org
Great covers with a good variety. Well research and display of historical photos.
Bronze
California Freemason, Masons of California
Contact: Angel Alvarez-Mapp
Phone: 415-292-9115
Email: amapp@freemason.org
Twitter: @MasonsofCalif
Contemporary design. Q&A of membership very interesting. Writing
imaginative and thoughtful with great lead-ins. Loved split inside cover.
18
Magazines: General Excellence (more than 100, 000)
Silver
Scouting, Boy Scouts of America
Contact: John Clark
Phone: 972-580-2368
Email: john.clark2@scouting.org
Consistently good cover photography. Engaging departments provide useful
information. Nice use of white space.
Bronze
On Patrol, United Service Organizations
Contact: Samantha Quigley
Phone: 703-740-4941
Email: squigley@uso.org
Good use of archival photography and white space. Nice mix of editorial
with both historical and current events. Not afraid to use bold imagery.
Good use of first-person pieces.
Bronze
IEEE Spectrum, IEEE
Contact: Susan Hassler
Phone: 212-419-7556
Email: s.hassler@ieee.org
Twitter: @IEEESpectrum
A winner because IEEE Spectrum tackles difficult subject matter and
makes it engaging. Greatness is dominated by its writing. Effective use of
onsite reporting.
Media Innovation: Online Membership
Directory/Buyers Guide
Bronze
Find a Massage Therapist National Locator Service, American
Massage Therapy Association
Contact: Michelle Vallet
Phone: 847-905-2700
Email: mvallet@amtamassage.org
Twitter: @AMTANational
Great tips for consumers and an easy to use search engine.
Media Innovation: Podcast
Gold
Voices of Experience, National Speakers Association
Contact: Barbara Parus
Phone: 480-968-2552
Email: barbara@nsaspeaker.org
As you’d expect from a speaker’s organization, this was well-produced,
entertaining, informative, interesting, and easy to access. A great example
of the genre, the folks at the National Speakers Association obviously know
how to speak and appeal to those who do it professionally.
Bronze
Cubcast, Boy Scouts of America
Contact: Beth Blair
Phone: 972-580-2590
Email: beth.blair@scouting.org
Great audio quality, the quick pace, the two-guest format, and the topics. It
was good content, well-produced.
Media Innovation: Video
Gold
Speak Now for Kids Medicaid & Graduate Medical Education,
National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions
Contact: Sallie Strang
Phone: 703-797-6013
Email: sstrang@nachri.org
Clever and appealing presentation with a clear actionable message.
Simple, strong and engages the audience from the first frame and remains
consistent to the last frame. Content supports the entire video. Nice takeoff
on whiteboard trends. Message presented in an interesting way that keeps
the viewer engaged, yet so simple.
Silver
BeAScout.org Recruitment Video, Boy Scouts of America
Contact: Beth Blair
Phone: 972-580-2590
Email: beth.blair@scouting.org
Outstanding production quality and creative/innovative. Consistent use of
both audio and graphics (3D photography). Engaging concept and content.
Reminiscent of a movie trailer. Short, simple and very engaging. Fun with
a good pace.
Bronze
John L. Trotter Multiple Sclerosis Center Video, The Foundation
for Barnes Jewish Hospital
Contact: Abby Hughes
Phone: 314-286-0442
Email: aeh2249@bjc.org
Clear purpose with a powerful and effective message. The first person
storytelling is compelling.
Bronze
Time to Celebrate, NACS, The Association for Convenience
& Fuel Retailing
Contact: Chris Blasinsky
Phone: 703-684-3600
Email: cblasinsky@nacsonline.com
Twitter: @NACSonline
Very sophisticated video that incorporates storytelling and members’ voices.
NACS clearly “gets it” when it comes to video.
19
Media Innovation: Blog Post
Gold
NSTA blog, “Science and Engineering that helped win a war: Reflections on
Veterans Day” by Claire Reinburg, November 14, 2011, National Science
Teachers Association
Contact: Claire Reinburg
Phone: 703-312-9213
Email: creinburg@nsta.org
Very interactive and informative, good links to germane information.
Media Innovation: Blog
Gold
Speaking of Real Estate Blog, National Association of Realtors
Contact: Wendy Cole
Phone: 312-329-8484
Email: wcole@realtors.org
Twitter: @realtormag
This well-written blog is complimented by strong graphics and a thoughtful
use of links in the right column. The design offers ease of commenting and
social media options. The mix of content is strong and not overly lengthy.
The blog has impressive metrics and engaged followers.
Silver
IEEE Spectrum, IEEE
Contact: Susan Hassler
Phone: 212-419-7556
Email: s.hassler@ieee.org
Twitter: @IEEESpectrum
The blog offers unique photos and videos. The content is engaging. Heads
are well written and the brief teaser content draws readers in.
Media Innovation: E-Newsletter - General Excellence
Silver
ASCD Express, ASCD
Contact: Donna Yudkin
Phone: 703-575-5768
Email: dyudkin@ascd.org
Twitter: @ASCD
Layout and graphics are attractive and easy to navigate. Writing is strong.
User-friendly newsletter.
Bronze
Rotary Leader, Rotary International
Contact: Janis Young
Phone: 847-866-3000
Email: janis.young@rotary.org
Twitter: @rotary
Very attractive and informative. Great use of links, video and slideshows.
Overall very well done. Engaging content mirrored by supporting imagery
and ease of navigation.
20
Media Innovation: Digital Magazine
Bronze
Matrix, Association for Healthcare Data Integrity
Contact: Jen Smith, Network Media Partners
Phone: 410-584-1910
Email: jsmith@networkmediapartners.com
The design, which features a single page rather than a two-page spread
format, is very effective for a digital magazine. In addition to its clean
presentation, Matrix offers easy reader engagement, with the inclusion of
videos, links, and brief but compelling stories.
Media Innovation: Integrated Mixed-Media Campaign
Gold
AAPS 25th Anniversary Campaign, American Association for
Pharmaceutical Scientists
Contact: Matt Baughman
Phone: 703-248-4752
Email: boughmanm@aaps.org
The theme was carried very well throughout the piece. The logo was
striking and brought the various components to life. The timeline was
stunning and extremely innovative. The campaign was designed well and
provided an appealing, interactive element.
Silver
Authentic Ad Campaign, Texas A&M University-Commerce
Contact: Jennifer Bryan
Phone: 903-886-5128
Email: jennifer_bryan@tamu-commerce.edu
The TAMU Commerce mixed-media campaign was highlighted by a
plethora of well-developed videos, featuring students in different majors
achieving their goals and taking in new experiences. The videos truly sell the
university to the intended audience: prospective students and their parents.
Bronze
AOPA Aviation Summit, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Contact: Julie Walkers
Phone: 301-695-2386
Email: julie.walker@aopa.org
AOPA Aviation Summit displays an eclectic mix of effective pieces. The
print package was both informational and compelling, and the video
showed a surprising diversity of aircraft owners and enthusiasts.
Media Innovation: Mobile Application
Gold
Marines Magazine, U.S. Marine Corps
Contact: Debra Bates-Schrott, Bates Creative Group
Phone: 301-495-8844
Email: debbie@batescreativegroup.com
U.S. Marine Corps’ Marines Magazine iPad application is beautifully
designed and features excellent exclusive content, video, and interactive
material. Impressive use of graphics and original photographs.
Silver
ACCP - Seek Pulmonary Medicine, American College
of Chest Physicians
Contact: Nicki Augustyn
Phone: 847-498-8374
Email: naugustyn@chestnet.org
The American College of Chest Physicians mobile application is an example
of innovative use of mobile technology. The well-written, comprehensive app
has lots of useful functions. The app is not only easy to use, but also to share
with others and search for topics. Praise for the clever quiz functionality.
Bronze
2011 AAPS Annual Meeting & Exposition Mobile App, American
Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
Contact: Matt Baughman
Phone: 703-248-4752
Email: baughmanm@aaps.org
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists mobile application
is a great tool that was clearly designed with the user in mind. Overall,
the app is very relevant, useful, and navigable. One judge said, “I wish all
conventions had an app like this.” The exhibitor map with a search function
is an excellent feature — very fast and extremely useful and convenient!
Nearby Maps and its descriptions, contact info, and booking link is great. The
Sessions, Favorites, and Information features are invaluable for planning.
Media Innovation: Social Media Strategy:
Use of Proprietary Media Tools
Silver
ASCA Scene, American School Counselor Association
Contact: Kathleen Rakestraw, Adirondack Communications
Phone: 703-864-8734
Email: krakestraw@adirondack-inc.com
Twitter: @ASCATweets
Very easy to use format and pleasing to the eye.
Media Innovation: Social Media Strategy:
Use of Free Media Tools
Gold
TESOL International Association
Contact: Tomiko Breland
Phone: 703-518-2527
Email: tbreland@tesol.org
Twitter: @TESOL_Assn
Well-designed campaign with a strong following in all social media areas.
Members are very engaged and respond frequently to posts by TESOL, as
well as other members. Content is valuable for members, ensuring their
continued engagement. Great work!
Silver
Masons of California Facebook Page, Masons of California
Contact: Angel Alvarez-Mapp
Phone: 415-292-9115
Email: amapp@freemason.org
Twitter: @MasonsofCalif
Beautifully-designed Facebook page. Great use of dynamic archival photos
to draw members’ interest. Association is consistently responsive and
successful in engaging members with their posts as well as their comments.
Bronze
Realtor Magazine, National Association of Realtors
Contact: Wendy Cole
Phone: 312-329-8484
Email: wcole@realtors.org
Twitter: @realtormag
Strong presence among members, especially related to commenting and
shares. Well-written tweets compel readers to link to other resources.
Bronze
NeurOnLine Website, Society for Neuroscience
Contact: Melissa Ferrari
Phone: 202-962-4092
Email: mferrari@sfn.org
Twitter: @SFNTweets
Good variety of information and uses of community social media tools.
Purely community-driven. Innovative use of member rating system, social
media feeds and mentoring system.
Bronze
NAA Community Site & Online Resource Center, National
Apartment Association
@assnmediapub #amp12
don’t forget to follow association
media & publishing on twitter!
Contact: Michelle Sherman
Phone: 703-797-0626
Email: michellesherman@naahq.org
Marked increase in site traffic reported. Good tool for networking and
educating one’s self within the industry.
21
Congrats to all EXCEl award winnErs!
We love
our clients.
And it
shoWs.
You can see it in the passion and energy we bring. And in the
awards that we’ve won on behalf of our clients.
These awards recognize the spirit, vision, and result of our
collaboration. Quite simply, we’re dedicated to your success!
tmgcustommedia.com | 202.331.7700
Join us.
MultiView offers a comprehensive suite of digital media
solutions designed exclusively for the association world.
E-mail news briefs.
Online buyers guides.
Web advertising sales.
Event content acquisition.
The choice for associations has never been easier.
Because we focus on associations, you will receive the
best technology, increased revenue and content that is
richer and deeper than any other source available.
multiview.com
202-684-7110
partners@multiview.com
Congratulations
to the best and brightest!
Thank you to the 2012 Excel Award Judges. We appreciate
your time and effort to award the best and the brightest in the
association publishing industry.
A special thank you to our Premier Corporate Underwriter
and EXCEL Awards Gala Sponsor, Sheridan Magazines.
Thank you to MultiView, Inc. our EXCEL Awards Pre-Gala
Reception Sponsor.
Thank you to Eason Associates, Inc. for designing the silver,
bronze and EXTRA! Award certificates.
Thank you to Chen Design Associates for their collaboration on
the creative and marketing development in Association Media
& Publishing’s Annual Meeting and EXCEL Awards collateral.
Thank you to AGS – Print & Marketing Communications for
printing Association Media & Publishing’s Annual Meeting
and EXCEL Awards Gala collateral.
A special thank you and recognition to Coulter for the
professional management of Association Media & Publishing.
eason associates inc
1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500 | McLean, VA 22102
P 703.506.3285 | F 703.506.3266 | E info@associationmediaandpublishing.org
www.associationmediaandpublishing.org | twitter.com/assnmediapub
24