Tips
Competition in the Design of the Times is fierce! Check out these pointers submitted by past Design of the Times Judges and the editors of Shopper Marketing. for submitting a competitive entry.
- Take the time to read through the Competition Rules, Retail Channels and Activation Tactics. Be sure you understand the requirements and adhere to them to avoid confusion or disqualification. If you have questions, please contact Peggy Milbrandt at (847) 675-7400, x141 or visit our contact page.
- Increase your chances of winning by submitting entries in multiple Retail Channels/Activation Tactics combinations. Tailor your contest materials for each submission appropriately to showcase how they perform in the various categories.
- Use photos that accurately depict how your in-store activation tactic would look in the field. Upload a photo(s) that shows your entry merchandised in a store setting. Keep in mind, too much touch up work on a photo may reflect poorly on the entry. Furthermore, do not submit drawings, illustrations or renderings as the main photo. It must be a photo of the actual entry.
- Provide clear and concise answers to the 4 C's on the Contest Declaration. Keep in mind, there are hundreds of entries being judged. Reading wordy, content-barren text is time-consuming and frustrating for judges, and can potentially negate the positive qualities of the display. State the goal; describe the project; state a measurable result.
- Be sure to provide the objective and insight used when determining the tactic. This, in addition to your responses to the 4 C's questions on the Contest Declaration will help the judges make their final descisions.
- Avoid using vague phrases like “Most successful implementation ever,” “We are not allowed to provide results,” or “Results unknown.” If necessary, state results with the caveat, “Results are for contest use only, keep confidential.”
- Pictures don’t always speak for themselves. If your entry has a special effect, a demonstration process or an interactive element, describe how it works.
- Merchandise your entry set up in the Design of the Times Gallery. If the merchandise is of high value, merchandise the display with empty boxes or photos of the product. This helps the judges get a comprehensive view of your entry.
If you have any questions, contact Peggy Milbrandt at
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