Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit the same entry in more than one Industry Category?

No. You may submit each entry to one Industry category and to one Usage category. If you enter your entry into a Usage category, you must use a separate entry form and pay a separate fee for that submission. If you think your entry might qualify in more than one category, use your best judgment to determine which is the most appropriate. MITX is the final arbiter in assigning entries to the proper category.

Can I submit the same entry in more than one Usage Category?

No. You may submit each entry to one Industry category and to one Usage category. If you enter your entry into an Industry category, you must use a separate entry form and pay a separate fee for that submission. If you think your entry might qualify in more than one category, use your best judgment to determine which is the most appropriate. MITX is the final arbiter in assigning entries to the proper category.

Can I submit the same entry in more than one Media Planning and Buying Category?

Yes. You may submit an entry into more than one Media Planning and Buying Category because they were designed to allow different portions of a campaign to be recognized. To save time when completing your entry, we suggest that you create the answers to the questions in a Word Document and then copy them into the correct fields.

What if I can’t figure out which category to enter?

The categories are broad to allow for you to determine which category best suits your work. There can be overlap in some of the categories, so it is up to you to choose which is most appropriate for the particular entry. You can also email awards@mitx.org for assistance.

How much does it cost to enter?

The entry fee is $150 per entry for MITX members and $300 per entry for non-members. Checks or money orders should be made payable in U.S. dollars to the Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange. To save more money and reap additional benefits, consider joining MITX. For more information, visit www.mitx.org.

How do I know if I should receive the member rate?

To receive the member rate of $150, your company must be a MITX corporate member.  For more information on MITX membership, please visit www.mitx.org or email awards@mitx.org.

Does one entry fee cover multiple entries?

No, it doesn't. If you have multiple entries, then each separate entry requires a separate entry fee. Although multiple submissions are encouraged, there are no volume discounts.

What should I do if I have a problem using the form?

Call the MITX office at 617-871-2155 or send an email to awards@mitx.org, and we will answer all questions as soon as possible.

What work is eligible for entry?

•    Eligible projects must’ve been completed from September 1, 2010 through August 31, 2011
•    Projects submitted in previous years are eligible, but you must demonstrate that significant modifications have been made in the past year.
•    Participation is limited to entrants or clients based in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont).
•    You do not have to be a MITX member to submit an entry.
•    Entries must be in final form. Incomplete entries may be disqualified at MITX’s discretion.

What is the deadline for entries?

Entries, together with all fees, must be received no later than Friday, September 23, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Incomplete or late entries will be disqualified with no refund. MITX cannot and will not return entries or entry materials. By submitting entry materials to MITX, you hereby agree to an assignment of all right, title, and ownership of entry materials to MITX.

Will we be informed if we are finalists?

Yes. MITX will inform all finalists in October 2011. Finalists will also be listed on the MITX Interactive Awards website.

When will we be informed if we are winners?

The winners will then be announced live at the Awards show on Monday, December 5, 2011. All 2011 MITX Interactive Award winners will receive a specially designed award plaque. In addition, the winners will be publicized in news releases and will be listed on the MITX Interactive Awards website. MITX will not release the names of any winner before the event.
Tips from the Judging Process

Who judges the entries?

The Judging Committee is comprised of over 100 distinguished individuals representing various disciplines. We ensure that there are no conflicts of interest and that there are multiple judges for all of our categories. Judges include members of the media, industry analysts, distinguished academia, creative directors, CTOs, webmasters, developers, producers, content providers, and marketing executives. Every judge and every person involved in the judging process is required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. If you are interested in judging, please contact Lindsey Thorne-Bingham at lindsey@mitx.org.

How are the entries judged?

Each project is assigned to a group of at least four judges for evaluation. All known conflicts of interest are eliminated prior to the judging round. In September, judges will evaluate entries in two rounds of judging. The first round of judging will occur online. The second will occur in groups at a specified location.
In the first round, the judges review all entries individually.  Judges are not told who submitted the entry. Judges are given a suggested click through path to review the entry and are encouraged to act as a target user. After reviewing the entry, they enter their scoring and record their observations and comments before moving on to the next entry.

The second round of judging will be conducted in person and will involve a much more detailed round of questions. In this round, judges will also nominate entrants they believe should be considered for the Best of Categories.

What is the judging criteria?

Judges score each entry using detailed judging forms, which measure how well each entry meets the following criteria:
•    Strategy/Execution:  Appropriate for the goals, challenges, target audience
•    Results:  Business impact of the project/campaign. Effective measurement and analysis applied
•    User Interface/Experience: Navigation, ease of use
•    Technology: Underlying tools, functionality (where applicable)
•    Content: How applicable, effective, and engaging to target audience
•    Design: Conveys overall message, has consistent design elements
•    Innovation: Brings a unique approach to meeting the objective
•    Overall Execution: Enhances organization’s business, clearly communicates business goals