Looking for a sign to submit a Gold Quill Award? This might be it! Join the ranks of the superstar communicators who have received a Gold Quill Award over the years. We are pleased to have many past and present IABC/BC members earn international recognition for the work they do through the Gold Quill Awards program.
The Gold Quill Awards are IABC’s pinnacle achievement that recognizes excellence in strategic communication on the world stage. Professionals and students can submit an award to four divisions and 26 categories, encompassing communication management, communication research, communication training, and education and communication skills. Don’t worry – you can submit to more than one division and category!
The awards program is now open, and early bird submissions accepted will be until December 8, 2024. The official deadline is January 19, 2025, with an absolute deadline of February 2, 2025.
Not sure where to begin? Jeanette LeBlanc, Manager, TA Marketing & Employer Brand and past Gold Quill Winner in Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communications, shared some advice on how communicators can prepare and stand out when it comes to being evaluated for a Gold Quill Award.
Has anything changed for you since winning a Gold Quill?
“The award really cements your expertise and authority with others outside your function. Also, honestly, it helps quash those inner imposter syndrome moments we all have. Winning an award like this felt especially validating after being a long-time member of IABC.”
Looking back, why was it the right time to go for a Gold Quill?
“The world moves quickly, and there is always another project. I knew I wanted to enter the project work for a Gold Quill Award from the inception of the project. I had been planning for this for more than a year and prepared my work and team accordingly. I’d also been a Gold Quill evaluator, and that experience helped me think about how to prepare — but it’s truly all about the rubric!
“If you want to win an award for your work, keep that in the back of your mind as you set up the project; then, submitting will be much easier. Remember and be aware that the work is one side of the skills to a successful entry, and preparing your award entry – how it is written – is the other piece of the puzzle (see also: the rubric for a great guide and talk to past winners to build in time for their review ahead of the deadline).
Wishing everyone else great luck! If you need a sign to determine whether you should enter or not, this is it: enter!”
Ready to go for it? Here are five easy steps to get started:
- Determine what communication program or tools best represent your work and choose the appropriate division or category. Ensure the work abides by IABC’s Code of Ethics. Your organization or client may require their approval before you submit. Be sure to understand who you need to speak with and/or provide justification letters to before you go ahead!
- Gather the necessary submission information.
- Prepare a work plan. IABC provides information and downloadable work plans on the Gold Quill website.
- Prepare your work sample. Review examples via IABC Resources to make sure you are on the right track.
- Complete the entry form, upload your documents and pay the entry fee.
For all entry details, visit https://www.iabc.com/goldquill.
