2008 SITE Crystal Awards Sponsored by IMEX

Award Categories

Awards will only be granted to entries that obtain the minimum point level required to win a Crystal Award. If all entrants for a specific category do not meet the minimum point requirement, that category will not have a winner.

MOST EFFECTIVE USE OF AN INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR A STRATEGIC BUSINESS SOLUTION

Ideal for:
-Incentive Marketers
-Incentive Consultants
-Event Planners

This category has two sub-categories:

• Internal Strategic Business Solution: directed towards a captive sales force within a company
• External Strategic Business Solution: business to business or business to consumer (or end-user)

The main objective of this category is to recognize the "front-end" aspects of an incentive marketing program, i.e., the design and structure, program rules, objectives and results. Individual incentive travel and multiple motivation reward programs, in addition to group travel programs, may be entered in this category.

Evaluation Criteria:
All entrants must submit responses to the following questions, included on the online entry form:

• State the specific objectives of the program being evaluated.
• Detail specific challenges encountered during the program and the solutions implemented.
• Identify how the implementation/execution of your ideas succeeded in achieving the program objectives identified above.
• Detail results against objectives. Why should you win?
• Identify the creative and unique ways in which the solution(s) were implemented.
• Detail specific examples of how your program or event increased the awareness and knowledge of environmental and/or social responsibility.
• Demonstrate the quantitative effectiveness and results of the program, include ROI.
• Submit letters attesting to the subjective positive results achieved from the incentive program.
• Include electronic samples/electronic photos of print materials, ads, TV or radio spots (if any), point-of-purchase displays, etc. Materials may include electronic samples from launch kits, Web sites, dimensional mailers, tracking reports, room amenities, videos, etc.
• Length of qualification period (program start and end date)  

Judging Criteria:
All entries in this category will be awarded points on the criteria stated below. There are 100 total points possible. Please note, awards will only be granted to entries that obtain the minimum point level required to win a Crystal Award. If all entrants for a specific category do not meet the minimum point requirement, that category will not have a winner.

A. Program ROI: Effectiveness/Results - 40 points
Points will be awarded based on the quantitative effectiveness and results of the program. The entry must include ROI. Points in this section will also go to those who creatively manage the budget, "do more with less", or include a solid business case that demonstrates the positive impact of the program. Entrants are asked to submit letters attesting to the subjective positive results achieved from the incentive program. These must be included and may support the program's effectiveness (or support the other areas that are being evaluated).

B. Creativity - 25 points
Entrants are asked to state why they should win and to identify the creative and unique ways in which the solution(s) were implemented. Look for innovation or "out of the box" thinking to award points. Points in this area-could include creative destination or program approach, unique launch/communication program, new ways to promote a repeat destination, fresh ideas to reach goals including involvement of co-workers, family, etc. Entrants must include electronic samples/electronic photos of program to help illustrate creativity.

C. Mechanics / Logistics - 20 points
How the program was implemented/executed to achieve objectives must be demonstrated. This section may include meeting deadlines, creating an exceptional travel experience, ability to work with multiple partners, or overall ability to implement/make good on promises to client.

D. Ability to Overcome Challenges in Implementation - 10 points
Entrants are asked to detail specific challenges encountered during the program and describe the solutions implemented. While some challenges are bigger than others, programs should be evaluated on how they were delivered to meet client's needs. Look for any impressive ways the program met new, evolving challenges, reacted if a timeframe/date or location change was made, or in general, adapted to meet the client's goals.

E. Sustainability Practices – 5 points
Entrants are asked to detail specific examples of how their program or event increased the increased the awareness and knowledge of environmental and social responsibility.

MOST OUTSTANDING INCENTIVE TRAVEL AWARD PROGRAM

Ideal for:
-Incentive Marketers
-DMCs
-Travel Agencies
-And many more!

This category has four sub-categories:
Please select program length and group size that matches your program.

• Up to 3 nights, under 200 participants
• Up to 3 nights, 200 participants or more
• 4 or more nights, under 200 participants
• 4 or more nights, 200 participants or more

Evaluation Criteria:
All entrants must submit responses to the following questions, included on the online entry form):

• State the specific objectives of the program being evaluated.
• Detail specific challenges encountered during the program and the solutions implemented.
• Identify how the implementation/execution of your ideas succeeded in achieving the program objectives identified above.
• Detail results against objectives. Why should you win?
• Identify the creative and unique ways in which the solution(s) were implemented.
• Detail specific examples of how your program or event increased the awareness and knowledge of environmental and/or social responsibility.
• Include a statement as to why this particular trip deserves a SITE Crystal Award. How were destination resources maximized to provide an exceptional experience?
• A detailed budget must be submitted. Include example of budget maximization.
• Provide justification of the destination selection in relation to the client's objective and the group's travel profile/history. Must include letters from client and destination/hotel partners supporting the event.
• Demonstrate originality, creativity, innovation, and teamwork.
• Must include a video - not to exceed 8 minutes - and electronic photos of the event. Click here for file specifications.

Judging Criteria:
All entries in this category will be awarded points on the criteria stated below. There are 100 total points possible. Please note, awards will only be granted to entries that obtain the minimum point level required to win a Crystal Award. If all entrants for a specific category do not meet the minimum point requirement, that category will not have a winner.

A. Program ROI: Effectiveness/Results - 25 points
Points will be awarded based on the quantitative effectiveness and results of the program. The entry must include ROI. Did the program meet the client's expressed goals (can be expressed in growth in sales, higher level of customer service, increased market share, etc.)? Entrants are asked to submit letters attesting to the subjective positive results achieved from the incentive program. These must be included and may support the program's effectiveness (or support the other areas that are being evaluated).

B. Cost Management / Budget Maximization - 20 points
This entry will be evaluated on how the budget/resources were maximized to provide an exceptional event experience. Entrants must provide a breakdown of budget, i.e., Hotel Banquet Event Order showing menu and food costs must be included. All expenses must be detailed, including: invitation, rental, transfers, staging, tenting, lighting, sound, multimedia, decor, centerpieces, linen, chair covers, printed materials for the event, favors/give away items, food and beverage, entertainment, music, dancers, laser, fireworks, special effects, headliners, etc. Entrants are asked to provide letters from the client and destination/hotel partners expressing the event's success (this may support any section based on the comments).

C. Creativity - 20 points
Entrants are asked to state why they should win and to identify the creative and unique ways in which the event was implemented. Attention will be given to originality and innovation or "out of the box" thinking to award points in this area, including creative approaches, unique launch/communication program, fresh event ideas/activities. Entrants must include a video- not to exceed 8 minutes -and electronic photos of the event, which can help illustrate creativity.

D. Mechanics / Logistics - 20 points
Attention will be given for how the program was implemented/executed to achieve objectives. The entrant's ability to create an exceptional experience will be evaluated and could include ability to work with multiple partners, manage complex program, overall organization of unique events, or overall ability to implement/make good on promises to client.

E. Ability to Overcome Challenges in Implementation - 10 points
Entrants are asked to detail specific challenges encountered during the program and describe the solutions implemented. While some challenges are bigger than others, programs will be evaluated on how well the program delivered to meet client's needs. Attention will be given to impressive ways the program met new, evolving challenges, reacted if a timeframe/date or location change was made, or in general, adapted to meet the client's goals.

F. Sustainability Practices – 5 points
Entrants are asked to detail specific examples of how their program or event increased the increased the awareness and knowledge of environmental and social responsibility.

MOST OUTSTANDING INCENTIVE EVENT

Ideal for:
-Hotel/Resorts
-Incentive Professionals
-Conference/Convention Centers
-Event Planners
-DMCs

This category has two sub-categories:
Please select the budget that matches your program.

• Outstanding Incentive Event (up to $80,000 US)
• Outstanding Incentive Event (over $80,000 US)

Evaluation Criteria:
All entrants must submit responses to the following questions, included on the online entry form:

• State the specific objectives of the program being evaluated.
• Detail specific challenges encountered during the program and the solutions implemented.
• Identify how the implementation/execution of your ideas succeeded in achieving the program objectives identified above.
• Detail results against objectives. Why should you win?
• Identify the creative and unique ways in which the solution(s) were implemented. Include a statement as to why this particular event deserves a SITE Crystal Award.
• Detail specific examples of how your program or event increased the awareness and knowledge of environmental and/or social responsibility.
• Must provide a breakdown of budget, i.e., Hotel Banquet Event Order showing menu and food costs must be included.
• All expenses must be detailed, including: invitation, rental, transfers, staging, tenting, lighting, sound, multimedia, decor, centerpieces, linen, chair covers, printed materials for the event, favors/give away items, food and beverage, entertainment, music, dancers, laser, fireworks, special effects, headliners, etc.
• Must include a video - not to exceed 8 minutes - and electronic photos of the event.
• Must include letters from clients and destination/hotel partners supporting the event.
• Demonstrate originality, creativity, teamwork, budget vs. innovation, challenges and execution.

Judging Criteria:
All entries in this category will be awarded points on the criteria stated below. There are 100 total points possible. Please note, awards will only be granted to entries that obtain the minimum point level required to win a Crystal Award. If all entrants for a specific category do not meet the minimum point requirement, that category will not have a winner.

A. Program ROI: Effectiveness/Results - 25 points
Points will be awarded based on the quantitative effectiveness and results of the program. The entry must include ROI. Did the program meet the client's expressed goals (can be expressed in growth in sales, higher level of customer service, increased market share, etc.)? Entrants are asked to submit letters attesting to the subjective positive results achieved from the incentive program. These must be included and may support the program's effectiveness (or support the other areas that are being evaluated).

B. Cost Management / Budget Maximization - 20 points
This entry will be evaluated on how the budget/resources were maximized to provide an exceptional event experience. Entrants must provide a breakdown of budget, i.e., Hotel Banquet Event Order showing menu and food costs must be included. All expenses must be detailed, including: invitation, rental, transfers, staging, tenting, lighting, sound, multimedia, decor, centerpieces, linen, chair covers, printed materials for the event, favors/give away items, food and beverage, entertainment, music, dancers, laser, fireworks, special effects, headliners, etc. Entrants are asked to provide letters from the client and destination/hotel partners expressing the event's success (this may support any section based on the comments).

C. Creativity - 20 points
Entrants are asked to state why they should win and to identify the creative and unique ways in which the event was implemented. Attention will be given to originality and innovation or "out of the box" thinking to award points in this area, including creative approaches, unique launch/communication program, fresh event ideas/activities. Entrants must include a video- not to exceed 8 minutes -and electronic photos of the event, which can help illustrate creativity.

D. Mechanics / Logistics - 20 points
Attention will be given for how the program was implemented/executed to achieve objectives. The entrant's ability to create an exceptional experience will be evaluated and could include ability to work with multiple partners, manage complex program, overall organization of unique events, or overall ability to implement/make good on promises to client.

E. Ability to Overcome Challenges in Implementation - 10 points
Entrants are asked to detail specific challenges encountered during the program and describe the solutions implemented. While some challenges are bigger than others, programs will be evaluated on how well the program delivered to meet client's needs. Attention will be given to impressive ways the program met new, evolving challenges, reacted if a timeframe/date or location change was made, or in general, adapted to meet the client's goals.

F. Sustainability Practices – 5 points
Entrants are asked to detail specific examples of how their program or event increased the increased the awareness and knowledge of environmental and social responsibility.

MOST OUTSTANDING SUSTAINABLE INCENTIVE EVENT

Ideal for:
-Incentive Marketers
-Incentive Consultants
-Premium Suppliers
-Event Planners
-DMCs
-Travel Agencies
-Hoteliers
-Convention and Meeting Facilities
-And many more!

Judges will evaluate the originality of the concept, creativity, presentation, continuity and overall return on investment to the client and community involved with the particular sustainable incentive event. The sustainable incentive event should increase the awareness and knowledge of environmental and social responsibility by incorporating as many of the principles and values of sustainability including, but not limited to:

• Energy Efficiency/Conservation
• Water Efficiency/Conservation
• Transportation Alternative
• Waste Reduction/Recycle/Compost
• Pollution Prevention/Remediation/Cleanup
• Integrated Approaches (Land/Water/Air)
• Sustainable Manufacturing/Processes
• Sustainable Consumer Product
• Landscaping/greening
• Habitat Protection
• Best Management Practices
• Sustainable Livelihood/employment
• Investment in Local Culture
• Community Engagement/Charitable Component
• Sustainable Health System/Program
• Sustainable Food
• Education
• Economic Feasibility

Evaluation Criteria:
All entrants must submit responses to the following questions, included on the online entry form:

• State the specific sustainable objectives as well as the overall objectives of the incentive reward event being evaluated.
• Identify how the implementation/execution of your ideas succeeded in achieving the event objectives identified above.
• Detail specific challenges encountered during the event and the solutions implemented.
• Identify the creative and unique ways in which the solution(s) were implemented. How did the event exemplify outstanding creativity or introduce new approaches?
• Detail specific examples of how your program or event increased the awareness and knowledge of environmental and/or social responsibility.
• How does the event make sustainable use of the involved community's resources?
• Demonstrate ways in which the event resulted in a significant environmental and or charitable benefit.
• Demonstrate the quantitative effectiveness and results of the event, including ROI. Detail results against objectives. Why should you win?
• Demonstrate how this event impacted the community in which the event was held. Give specific examples of how this event improved the quality of life for that community.
• Submit letters attesting to the subjective positive results achieved from the sustainable incentive event.
• Include electronic photos of the event and electronic samples of print materials, ads, TV or radio spots (if any), point-of-purchase displays, etc. Materials may include electronic samples from launch kits, Web sites, dimensional mailers, tracking reports, room amenities, videos, etc.
• Length of qualification period. Include program start and end date.

Judging Criteria:
All entries in this category will be awarded points on the criteria stated below. There are 100 total points possible. Please note, awards will only be granted to entries that obtain the minimum point level required to win a Crystal Award. If all entrants for a specific category do not meet the minimum point requirement, that category will not have a winner.

A. Program ROI: Effectiveness/Results – 20
Points will be awarded based on the quantitative effectiveness and results of the program. The entry must include ROI. Entrants should demonstrate how this event impacted the community in which the event was held. Specific examples of how this event improved the quality of life for that community must be included. The program should show how it met the client's expressed goals (can be expressed in growth in sales, higher level of customer service, increased market share, etc.)? Entrants are asked to submit letters attesting to the subjective positive results achieved from the incentive program. These must be included and may support the program's effectiveness (or support the other areas that are being evaluated).

B. Cost Management / Budget Maximization - 20 points
Attention will be given to how the budget/resources were maximized to provide an exceptional event experience. Entrants must provide a breakdown of budget, i.e., Hotel Banquet Event Order showing menu and food costs must be included. All expenses must be detailed, including: invitation, rental, transfers, staging, tenting, lighting, sound, multimedia, decor, centerpieces, linen, chair covers, printed materials for the event, favors/give away items, food and beverage, entertainment, music, dancers, laser, fireworks, special effects, headliners, etc. Entrants are asked to provide letters from the client and destination/hotel partners expressing the event's success (this may support any section based on the comments).

C. Creativity - 30 points
Entrants are asked to state why they should win and to identify the creative and unique ways in which the event was implemented. For this category, entrants must demonstrate how this event made sustainable use of the involved community's resources. Did the entry demonstrate ways in which the event resulted in a significant environmental and or charitable benefit?

Points will be awarded for originality and innovation or "out of the box" thinking. Points in this area-could include creative approach, unique launch/communication program, fresh event ideas/activities. Entrants must include electronic photos of the event, which can help illustrate creativity. Did the entry involve unique or creative partnerships? How did the entry demonstrate practices that go beyond standard techniques or regulatory compliance standards? Did the entry demonstrate a measurable impact on the client or community involved?

D. Mechanics / Logistics - 20 points
Points will be given based on how the program was implemented/executed to achieve objectives. Evaluate the entrant's ability to create an exceptional experience, (could include ability to work with multiple partners, manage complex program, overall organization of unique events, or overall ability to implement/make good on promises to client).

E. Ability to Overcome Challenges in Implementation - 10 points
Entrants are asked to detail specific challenges encountered during the program and describe the solutions implemented. While some challenges are bigger than others, programs will be evaluated on how well the program delivered to meet client's needs. Attention will be given to impressive ways the program met new, evolving challenges, reacted if a timeframe/date or location change was made, or in general, adapted to meet the client's goals.

The 2008 Crystal Awards are Sponsored by IMEX

Join 3,000 international hosted buyers (who travel and stay free as guests of the organisers), 3,000 German meeting planners and over 3,000 exhibitors representing 140 countries.