Purpose

The NTPAW skills contest is conducted annually by the AASHTO Subcommittee on Public affairs to recognize the outstanding work of its public relations practitioners and facilitate an exchange of ideas. The contest is considered the premier competition in the transportation industry and the awards have become a standard of public relations excellence amongst state departments of transportation. Winners demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning, production, execution, and evaluation of results and budget.

Eligibility

• The NTPAW Skills Contest is open to state, U.S. DOT and associate members of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

• Entries must have appeared, aired, been published, substantially revised, or event held between May 1, 2008, and April 30, 2009.

• There is a limit on the number of categories that may be entered per state. A maximum of six categories may be entered. Excluded from this limitation are the Founder's Award, PR Professional of the Year and Special Recognition Award categories.

• Only one entry may be submitted within each category. Multiple entries within the same category by the same state will disqualify all of their entries in that category.

• Within the competition, a single entry or pieces from an entry may be entered in differing categories. For example, a manual could be entered in the publications category and the cover for the same manual could be entered in the illustration category. If this is done, the entrant must submit separate forms for both of the categories.

Why enter

• Winning a NTPAW award is a testimonial to the skills of your public relations team.

• Get the recognition you and your agency deserve for your creativity, intelligence and hard work.

• Let your work spark the creative efforts of others through the national exchange of ideas.

• Awards are good for credibility. They’re a very valuable part of success.

• Being named among the “best” by a jury of your peers is a real coup.

• The stunning NTPAW trophies and plaques are proudly displayed in this country’s top public relations offices…and rightfully so.

• Entrants find the judges’ evaluations of utmost importance in their continual learning and creative process.

Tips for success

• Plan ahead. Every public relations effort has the potential to be a NTPAW Skills Contest winner. But, preparing an entry is time consuming and cannot be done effectively at the last minute.

• Follow directions.

• Place emphasis on quality, rather than quantity. The judges appreciate high-quality entries. This is not a contest to see how many categories you can enter.

• Read the criteria and category descriptions carefully. Each entry will be judged and awarded points based on how well it meets the criteria and fits into the category being judged.

• Enter up to six categories. Excluded from this limitation are the Founder's Award, PR Professional of the Year and Special Recognition Award categories.

• Enter one item per category.

• Make sure you send your entry to the proper locations.

• Visit with others who have entered previously. If this is the first time entering the contest, visit with the judging state or others who have entered before.