Judging the Contest
< Media Awards
For each Award Category (see below), three judges are selected for their expertise, ability to complete the judging on time, and commitment to providing quality feedback to every entrant. Over the summer the judges evaluate the many contest entries, then submit their scores and comments to the Judging Coordinator. The Coordinator works with the NAI National Office Liaison to review the comments and check for accuracy and consistency. The judges’ scores are averaged, and award-winners are selected based on the final score. Often, the top three or four scores may differ by only a fraction of a point. This is why multiple awards are occasionally given for first, second, or third place.
For each Award Category (see below), three judges are selected for their expertise, ability to complete the judging on time, and commitment to providing quality feedback to every entrant. Over the summer the judges evaluate the many contest entries, then submit their scores and comments to the Judging Coordinator. The Coordinator works with the NAI National Office Liaison to review the comments and check for accuracy and consistency. The judges’ scores are averaged, and award-winners are selected based on the final score. Often, the top three or four scores may differ by only a fraction of a point. This is why multiple awards are occasionally given for first, second, or third place.
Once the winners are selected, the entrants are notified that their product has won an award, but not what place it has received. The unveiling of the winners occurs at the National Workshop. All winning entries are on display (incognito) at the Interpretive Media Section booth in the exhibit hall for workshop attendees to admire and enjoy. Later, during the Media Awards Ceremony, the winning products are showcased, and the first, second, and third place winners are announced.
2011 Award Categories
Criteria for judging each category is posted here, on NAI’s website.
Audio Program
Book (Small)
Book (Large)
Interpretive Music
Film/Video (more than 15 minutes)
Interactive Multi-media
Site Publication
Interior Exhibit
Trail Guide
Wayside Exhibit