Individual Special Events

2010 Circle of Excellence Awards Program
Judges Report

Judges considered all of the criteria listed for this category. However, the majority of the entries were very weak on evaluation (impact of the event).

Innovation was one of the criteria used heavily by the judges to select winners. There were many beautiful entries submitted; however, they did not necessarily show innovative programming.

The judges also did not focus on the appearance of the supporting /promotional materials, although they were a consideration. It was difficult not to select a winner simply by the graphic design capabilities of the institution or their agency. The judging panel worked hard not to be swayed by appearance, although we acknowledge it warranted some level of consideration in the final decision.

We also wanted to consider many different types of institutions as well as those striving to implement innovative programs on shoestring budgets.

Problems:

Special Events is a difficult category to judge. It is important to read the abstracts thoroughly to do a fair job with the judging. As a result, the panel spent a significant number of hours judging the category.

Too many entries included page proofs instead of printed materials. We assumed that institutions had run out of the materials, although in some cases both the proofs and printed materials were submitted.

The impact of the event (evaluation) was vague on many of the entries. It would have been helpful to have criteria that were more succinct and better defined. Too many entries were "usual" events without anything particularly creative, innovative, unique, or inspiring.

Some entries were entered under individual events but should have been entered under yearlong events. Yearlong events were not awarded because the judges were looking for innovative programs as a key criterion and felt that, in terms of creativity, innovation, and impact, the individual events were more successful.

Winning Entries
Gold
Entry name: The Passport to Hidden Treasures/40th Anniversary Event: Ohio University - Gold award winner

This entry provided donors and stakeholders with a unique way to engage with Ohio University's Alden Library. Much thought was put into each and every piece that was a part of this package - from the "passport" to the USB drive.

The entry displayed a high level of creativity. The supporting materials were exemplary - they were attractive, interactive, and fun. They really made the event stand out and would easily make an audience want to pay attention.

Everything was done in a "big" way, including the high-resolution panoramic photo of the library facility and the "travel" aspect to the tour around the facility. The historical element, from the archives collection photographs to the images found within the passport, was intriguing and added an extra element to the campaign.

The budget was modest given the materials produced. The travel theme was clearly conveyed throughout the project; travel is a great way to reach many audiences, which was the goal of the campaign. The Passport to Hidden Treasures succeeded in making this event seem larger-than-life and conveyed how and why people should celebrate its significance.

The Passport to Hidden Treasures was a well done and creatively executed event by Ohio University. Our accolades to the team!

Entry name: Grandparent University: Oklahoma State University - Gold award winner

The judges loved the idea of a student-alumni collaborative effort to reach a unique audience. The idea of recognizing the important role that grandparents play in the success of their grandchildren is distinctive.

Not only is this a unique way to promote higher education, but also it is an event that can bring families and generations together in the name of learning. Equally as impressive is the ability of Grandparent University to fund itself.

Supporting materials were well done and engaging. They were attractive and well thought-out. We particularly enjoyed the name/door decoration ideas and the commencement ceremony. These gave the event a real "college touch."

The program showed significant positive results in terms of enrollment. With 331 participants involved, it was hard to ignore the success of this program.

We could easily see an idea such as this taking off across the country.
A great idea and event worthy of a gold medal!

Silver
Entry name: The Challenges Before Us Public Launch: Arizona State University - Silver award winner

"The Challenges Before Us" public launch was a well-executed branding campaign.

Capitalizing on an existing event (homecoming), this entry offered a smart way to launch the campaign. It showed Arizona State's commitment to environmental issues and the economy, as well as collaboration.
The branding materials were attractive and relatively hard-hitting (which was consistent with the theme). The color choices were responsive to the theme, the identity of the institution, and geography. Visuals and colors were stimulating and attention-grabbing.

With all of the booths, signs and pamphlets around campus, it is easy to understand why this program was successful. The event and the materials used to promote the campaign were just as impressive as the belief behind the campaign.

The budget was within expectations for the goal. Reaching 4,000 participants and motivating 50% of those participants to sign up, while staying on budget, deems this campaign as nothing less than successful.
A solid branding campaign!

Entry name: DU Vin Wine Festival: University of Denver - Silver award winner

The judges responded to the idea of an event that provided a learning opportunity for students. The idea of having a student-run wine festival to benefit their program is truly unique and a great way to promote the functions of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, as well as the University of Denver.

To some degree, the program had an interdisciplinary quality since students in HRTM also had to learn business skills, which will further their knowledge as they advance into professional careers.

The supporting materials were consistent in their execution. They were attractive, appealing, and appropriate for this event and, the judges believed that they would certainly enhance the attraction of the event to the public.

The budget was appropriate for the campaign and the use of sustainable living and green living practices was a big plus.

The work of 12 students on behalf of this festival was truly impressive and the judges believed the promotion of the event (there were 500 participants) and the event itself were both worthy of recognition.
A creative special event benefitting students!

Entry name: TOWER magazine launch event - University of Technology, Sydney - Silver award winner

The judges were wowed with Tower magazine. It is sleek, professional, and eye-catching.

This event provided a different approach - using a magazine launch to solidify alumni agreement. Being able to successfully host an event that brings together both students and alumni is always important for an institution.

As a young institution, University of Technology, Sydney has developed a unique approach that is a match for their institution's youthful vibe. It is important that a young institution recognizes and capitalizes on its niche.

Essentially, they knew their audience and what it would take to resonate with them. Thus, by doing so, put on an impressive and successful event.

The judges also found the involvement of a wide array of individuals in the event a positive.

An innovative and market-sensitive approach!

Entry name: University of Washington Medal of Honor Dedication - Silver award winner
The dedication ceremony held by the University of Washington provided a wonderful experience for Medal of Honor recipients and participants, alike.

Such a ceremony is a great way to show support for University veterans and troops and align the institution with a positive cause. The glossy booklet that was given to the guests in attendance was noteworthy and well done and will be a nice keepsake for both Medal recipients and guests.

Special attention was paid to menu planning so it related to historic military events and operations.
The judges were also impressed by the fact that the event was underwritten and did not involve University of Washington funds.

A unique, important, and special event!

Bronze
Entry name: Miami Merger Moment: Miami University (Ohio) - Bronze award winner

Miami Merger is an unusual and creative concept. This entry showed significant results, which made it stand out from other entries.

The event was supported by a large number of University staff, giving the University community ownership of the event. Celebrating the joy of marriage and the renewing of vows is a wonderful and positive way to promote an institution within a community and across the world.

The giveaways were fun and consistent with the event theme. Although the budget was modest, the event was a huge success, surpassing the Guinness World Record of vow renewals by nearly 50%.
A fun event with significant outcomes!

Entry name: UCL Alumni Professional Networking Events: University College London - Bronze award winner

The judges felt that this event deserved recognition since it targeted alumni by providing support for them in their career planning and goals. It is common to hear about institutions providing networking events for their undergraduate students, but this concept of networking for alumni is truly innovative.

Unique events such as these are a great way to attract positive publicity to an institution. The event provided an opportunity to "grow" alums and keep them tied to the institution. The feedback from those in attendance was overwhelmingly positive.

The supporting materials were well done and included strong photographs. The story of Cheryl Jooron was particularly intriguing and a great way to promote the event in the future.

A nice way to both serve alums and keep them involved!

Entry name: A Tweetup with Twitter's Jack Dorsey: Webster University - Bronze award winner

With such a fun approach, how could they go wrong?

With such a heavy emphasis on social media in today's world, an event of this stature was impressive. Judges awarded this entry a bronze award because the institution opted to step outside the realm of traditional events and created an online whirlwind that garnered the institution a great deal of world-wide attention.

The "Tweetup" was also beneficial to students and faculty in that it appealed to both groups and emphasized a key component of today's media.

This was a creative "event" that all of us could take a lesson from. It was relatively low budget (taking into consideration the publicity that the event received) for maximum impact.

A fabulous idea and kudos to the individual who tweeted him with the invite!

Entry name: Waubonsee Community College Student Center Grand Opening - Bronze medal winner

This event received an award due to its consistency with the institution's mission. The event planning showed an understanding of the target audience.

Promoting the opening of a new building is always an exciting time around a campus. This particular building is extremely important in the day-to-day functions of students, so it was crucial to promote it to them. The promotional materials were strong and were certainly a key component to the success of the event.

Food and free items are always attractions for students and the college embraced that in their event planning. Careful consideration was given to keeping the budget modest.

The attendance was strong (the largest amount of people to attend a grand opening event at the institution), resulting in a successful event.

A successful on-campus event targeted to students!

Event name: From Out of the Shadow: The Life and Legacy of Edgar Allan Poe: University of Texas at Austin - Bronze award winner

This event relied on social media to engage a wide array of audiences with a special focus on teens. The hybrid approach of providing both physical and virtual visitors with insight into the career of the renowned writer was unique, innovative, and a great way to enhance publicity for the exhibition.

Almost 26,000 people visited the exhibition and over 48,000 people viewed the Poe website; these figures were a clear indication of success.

The materials on hand at the exhibit and the materials used to promote the exhibit were impressive and showed a great deal of thought, research, and creativity.

This event delivered solid impact for the budget and set a high standard for University library exhibits moving forward.

An impressive virtual and physical "event"!