Over the last few years, I have had the privilege of working on both the SIPAwards and the Neal Awards. Both have been essential in honoring and promoting the amazing work done by B2B (and some B2C) publishers. This year—with SIPA being integrated into our new Associations, Media and Publishing Network—the SIPAwards have been absorbed by the Neal Awards, now in their 67th year. The regular deadline is this Sunday, Feb. 21
NEAL AWARDS FAQ:
Are the Neal Awards for me?
Absolutely. Most of the categories that you’ve become familiar with in the SIPAwards—Best Blog/Commentary, Best Profile, Best Podcast, Best Series, Best Use of Video, Best Instructional Content, and Best Editorial Use of Data, to name just a few—are there in the Neal Awards. Check out all of the 2021 Neal Awards categories.
Where do I enter and when did the work I submit have to be published?
Here is the link to the nomination page. It’s the same platform as the SIPAwards were. The 2021 Neal Awards will honor work published from Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2020. Up to two entries can be submitted in each category. In the Best Series category, 50% of the series had to be published during those dates for the entirety of the series to be entered.
Will smaller publishers have a chance to win? And do I have to be a member?
Smaller publishers will have a great chance to win. Most categories have three revenue classes, so you will be competing against those in similar places. With all the changes we have been going through, we decided that no, you do not have to be a member this year. That may change in the future.
Was SIPA’s voice heard in their integration into the Neal Awards?
Yes. There is a new Neals category, Best New Product, recognizing innovation in new product development, including pivots to virtual events. In addition, there are two more new categories that I know SIPA members have the work to nominate for because I’ve seen it close up: Best COVID-19 Coverage and Best COVID-19 Package.
Is there an upcoming deadline?
Yes. Sunday is what we call the Regular Deadline for submitting. So you will save $50 per entry by getting nominations in by end-of-day Sunday. Then Feb. 22- March 7 is the Extended Nomination Period where entries are still permitted but it’s a bit more expensive.
Can I sign up to judge?
Please do! We need judges! Award entries will be assessed by your peers in three rounds of judging. Judging will be all virtual, of course, and will not require a huge time commitment. As in the past, it is a great way to see the best work of your industry, learn new ideas and observe how others are approaching work and revenue strategies during the pandemic. All the details about judging—including a detailed FAQ—can be read here. Judging will begin on March 7.
Be assured that your voice is still clearly heard and will resonate loudly throughout the industry with your entries in the Neal Awards. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me. We are excited to expand these awards and reward and amplify even more great work by people in this industry.
