- Is the ECHO award based on results alone?
- Must I use the official entry form?
- What do I do if I'm not sure what business category to enter?
- Can I enter the same creative work into the competition more than once?
- Is my package still eligible if my target audience was very small?
- Do I have a chance entering a piece that had a low cost-per-unit, that isn't sexy, yet produced dynamic results?
- Do bigger agencies have an unfair advantage?
- What will happen if my entry is chosen for an ECHO Award?
- How are ECHOs judged?
- What's the deadline for entering?
- What is the entry fee?
- Do you have to be a member of DMA to enter the competition?
- Is the ECHO award based on results alone?
No, although strong results are extremely important. Because ECHO is one of the few awards in direct and interactive marketing to consider results in the judging, many think of it as the “results award.” But to win an ECHO requires much more: brilliant strategy, breakthrough creative and phenomenal results. All three matter in the real world, so all three are considered here. We judge these criteria individually and as a whole to determine the best of the best.
Back to Top - Must I use the official Entry Form?
Absolutely. Filling out the Entry Form is the ONLY way to enter the ECHO Awards. Just follow these easy steps: Complete the form, then mail A HARD COPY of your Entry Form along with your payment and creative samples before the April 24th deadline.
IMPORTANT: Once you've submitted your entry, you cannot change it.
Back to Top - What do I do if I'm not sure what business category to enter?
Start by reading the “Award Categories” link on the left side of this page. The general rule is to match your entry to the category that most narrowly defines your industry, product or service. If you're still not sure, email your questions to echo@the-dma.org. Or call 212-790-1450. Fax 212-302-6714. You can also email the ECHO Ambassador in your region.
Back to Top - Can I enter the same creative work into the competition more than once?
No. You can only submit a creative element once. For instance, if you enter a campaign/program in which you used more than one advertising medium to promote the product or service (i.e., mail, DRTV and print), you can either submit the entry as a multi-media campaign, or submit separate entries for each of the media used.
Back to Top - Is my package still eligible if my target audience is very small?
Of course. It doesn't matter how big the audience. Your entry will be judged on its overall merit in being on strategy and achieving your objectives, regardless of audience size. Indicate your target audience where prompted on the entry form, and be sure to provide as much additional information as you can to demonstrate the uniqueness of your work.
Back to Top - Do I have a chance entering a piece that had a low cost-per-unit, that isn't sexy, yet produced dynamic results?
Sure. Every entry has a chance at an ECHO. It all depends on the successful execution of the total package: brilliant strategy, breakthrough creative and phenomenal results. What's more, creativity is judged for the originality, effectiveness and professionalism of the copy and graphics. Not the price tag.
Back to Top - Do bigger agencies have an unfair advantage?
Absolutely not. The agency name is not revealed on the entry, so ECHO judges don’t know the size or identity of the applicant. Judges are looking for great creative and stellar results, regardless of whether it’s from freelancers, consultants or large agencies.
Back to Top - What will happen if my entry is chosen for an ECHO Award?
In August, you will receive your invitation to participate in the 2007 ECHO Awards Ceremony and Gala. The black-tie optional ceremony will be held during The DMA07 Conference and Exhibition in Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday, October 16th. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will receive two trophies each. Additional trophies can be purchased at a reasonable cost from The Award Group. In many cases, ECHO winners get invited to speak at DMA conferences and have their entries featured in trade publications.
Back to Top - How are ECHOs judged?
To win, your entry must pass three rounds of rigorous judging:
First, DM professionals with at least seven years of experience, including three or more years in the category you have entered, judge your campaign based on strategy, creativity, and results.
In round two (the semi-finals), three or more industry professionals scrutinize your entry, and your score determines if your entry moves on to the finals (round three).
If your entry makes it to round three, you will need to re-submit it in a portfolio format. Your entry will be reviewed by an elite panel of judges, each with fifteen years of direct and interactive marketing experience. Their evaluation will determine who wins an ECHO. Scores must exceed a certain minimum benchmark for each level of award, (Bronze, Silver, Gold). If no entries meet the standard, then an ECHO is simply not awarded.
Back to Top - What's the deadline for entering?
The deadline is April 24, 2007. Enter by April 14th and save $75 off of your entry fee. So please don’t delay!
Back to Top - What is the entry fee?
The fee is a one-time fee of $300. Enter by April 14th and pay just $225 – a savings of $75.
Back to Top - Do you have to be a member of DMA to enter the competition?
No, you don’t. The competition is open to anyone who feels they're good enough to win. DMA member or not, make sure you submit your best work, because our judges are tough.
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