By Karen Baranich | STC Director
STC Director Karen Baranich assembled a 2009–2010 task force of STC members with experience at leading or judging in chapter and international competitions to restructure the International Competitions. The new management structure operates by function, with managers concentrating on one area of expertise: General Competition, Entries, Judging, Publicity/Communications, and Chapter Liaison.
The task force is rolling out the new International Competition structure as the chapters begin planning their competition year. The changes are spelled out below.
New Name The Board of Directors voted during the May 2010 annual conference to rename and brand the International Competition as the STC Summit Awards. The theme follows that of the annual Technical Summit as the Distinguished and Best of Show entries are placed on display in STC Central during the Technical Summit.
One Competition Technical Publications and Online Communication competitions are gone. Entries will be accepted and judged regardless of media delivery (printed or online, video, blended, etc.).
Four Categories Formerly, Technical Publications had 18 categories, Technical Art had 17 categories, and Online Communications had 4 categories. The new categories are:
- Informational Materials (annual reports, articles, magazines, newsletters, periodicals, policies and procedures, product information, white papers)
- Instructional Materials (computer-based or web-based training, help, reference, self-paced, training, tutorials)
- Promotional Materials (brochures, flyers, technical marketing, or “any call to action” piece)
- User Support Materials (books, documentation sets, organizational manuals, quick reference materials, reports, user/administrator manuals)
Competition Manager’s Handbook The handbook is completely rewritten, covering information from both the chapter and international level. This new manual makes it easier for those chapter competition managers who conduct their competitions following the International Competition guidelines. Those chapters who do not wish to use these new guidelines will be required to follow the guidelines, however, when sending entries to the International Competition. For example, they will be required to reclassify the qualified entries into one of the four categories and complete the new International Competition Entry Form.
Online International Competition Entry Form This form will be available completely online. Development is currently underway to make use of the iMIS membership database and making payment available by credit card or check.
Judging Evaluation Forms These forms provide submitters with written comments only. There will be no more rating or grading scale that had no bearing on the given award (Merit, Excellence, Distinguished, or Best of Show). They have been restructured to ask relevant questions according to the category in which it is entered. Media (online or printed) will be judged using the same form and questions.
Lots of work went into restructuring the International Competition. The STC International Competition is unique in providing entrants with meaningful reviews from professional communicators. Participating as a judge is a premiere professional development opportunity.
The task force has much work left to do, like redesigning the web pages and completing the forms, before this information will be ready. Contact Jackie Damrau, general manager of the 2010–2011 STC Summit Awards, at jdamrau3@airmail.net if you would like to serve on the committee.
