Not sure how to begin your work plan? We're here to help.

  1. Download our Palmetto Awards call for entries and get to drafting.
  2. IABC is an international network with resources from around the world designed to help you succeed. Check out this webinar from our friends at IABC Nashville on "Writing to Win: Mastering the art of Awards Submission Writing."

 

Questions about scoring? 

Here is IABC's Seven-Point Scale of Excellence that judges are using to score your entry. All scores start at four (4), which represents a fully competent approach to communication planning and execution. Work is scored up or down, depending on the content. Scores of seven (7) and one (1) are very rare.

  • 7 Outstanding: An extraordinary or insightful approach or result
  • 6 Significantly better than average: Demonstrates an innovative, strategic approach; takes all elements into account and delivers significant results
  • 5 Better than average: Demonstrates a strategic approach and aligns the communication solution with the business need to deliver meaningful results
  • 4 Average: Competent approach or results, professionally sound and appropriate
  • 3 Somewhat less than satisfactory: Several key elements that are critical to the strategy or execution are missing, incorrect or under-represented
  • 2 An inadequate approach or result: A significant number of critical elements are missing
  • 1 Poor: Work that is wrong or inappropriate

Entries must receive 5.25 to receive an Award of Merit. Entries scoring 5.75 and higher receive an Award of Excellence.

 

Want additional help preparing your entry?

IABC created How-To guides for the Gold Quill Awards, which provide detailed reference to the criteria used to evaluate your entry. There are four versions —

Need some inspiration? 

Not sure if you qualify (you do!), or need to jog your memory about other examples of great communications work? Check out the list of former Palmetto Awards winners for the inspiration you need to get started. The 2025 winners, 2024 winners, 2023 winners, 2022 winners, 2021 winners, 2020 winners and winners prior to 2020 have a lot to be proud of.