The Asian Publishing Awards (APA) recognizes best publishing practices in Asia. It is composed of three sets of awards - for Magazine Management, Book Publishing and Corporate Advertising and Communications – in a multi media setting. The award categories are:

ASIAN MAGAZINE MANAGEMENT AWARDS
These awards are for print and on-line publications and recognize outstanding achievement in the development of successful business models that understanding and use the tools, collaboration, and activity and technologies available. These apply to book, newspaper, newsletter and magazine publishers - those who deploy content in the multimedia (print, mobile and online) space.

1. Content Generation: The “editorial” product that best serves the interests of a defined audience be it publisher and/or user generated content.
2. Content Delivery: How well the membership/subscription and other audience building activities (circulation) are carried out, including development of multi-channels.
3. Consumer Research: Use of research to understand media habits and behavior of audiences to undertake marketing.
4. Design and Layout: Understanding and use of the principles, skills, techniques and formats and channels of multimedia communication, visual or otherwise. Getting the basics right.
5. Advertising Delivery:  Innovative Ad campaigns and the use of multi media Ad delivery mechanisms to increase revenue that make sense for advertisers
6. Magazine Franchise: Most successful launch of a licensed brand
7. Business Models: Implementing a clear and successful business model for content development, deployment, and management.

ASIAN BOOK PUBLISHING AWARDS
Special awards are being given for book publishers in a multimedia environment. One is for the business side of publishing - an award for the publisher, and the other for the author

1. Best use of multimedia marketing by a book publisher: Packaging, promoting and successful sales of a book incorporating multimedia channels
2. Best book / Best writer on Asian Socio-Economic  or Media scene: Insightful, thought leading or educational.

ASIAN CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS (Not for publishing companies)
These awards are for clients and corporate advertisers and not for Publishers.

1. Best use of multi-media by a corporate advertiser: Best Multimedia delivery of a corporate advertising message.
2. Innovative corporate communications in a multi-media world: Most effective Corporate PR/communication program

The Awards ceremonies will take place during the Gala Dinner and Awards Night of the Asian Publishing Convention 2010 in July 09 in Bangkok. Hundreds of publishers, media, press, senior executives and professionals from government and business, will be present.

Special Awards
The Board of Judges may choose to honor and recognize the publication, editor, writer, publisher or media owner who was devoted his or her life to the integrity, improvement and advancement of publishing and journalism.  A person or company that made a difference through the community service it rendered through the publication(s) franchise.

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There is an exhaustive search and selection process for the Awards composed of generating entries, initial screening, comments by advisors, and final judging.

1. Generating entries
   Publishing Companies (from print or on line), Book Publishers and Corporate Advertisers from all over the region are encouraged to nominate themselves and enter their favorite projects, programs, or best practices. There is no limit to the number of entries per company except as specified in the criteria.
   
   Associations and suppliers, and others in the industry are also invited to nominate in any of the Award categories for specific projects, programs, or best practices management. 
   
   
2. Initial screening
   The Awards Secretariat processes the entries, collates the synopsis and supporting materials as submitted, and submits these for consideration by the Judging committees.
   
   
3. Judging process
   APC partners and specially selected experts are formed into eleven (11) judging committees, one for every award category and three to four judges per committee. A chairperson is appointed for each team. These judging teams review the entries submitted to them, and make final recommendations to the overall conference committee. The Committee may, if they prefer, review non-short listed submissions it feels merits reconsideration. The selections of the judging teams are then compiled by the Secretariat. This is then circulated to the Conference Committee with final recommendations from the Secretariat.
   
   The oversight and final approval is exercised by the main Conference committee consisting of representatives from partner associations, major sponsors, and EXEDRA EVENTS (EE).
   
   The successful publishers (winners and runners up) are those who in the OPINION of the judges’ best fit the category criteria. Note that if there are no exceptional projects submitted in a category, the Judging committee is not committed to give an award. However, if there are two projects in the same category that are equally meritorious, an award may be given to both projects as joint winners.

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In each category below, the award is for a project or service implemented or significantly enhanced in 2008 or 2009 as opposed to a continuing program of activity. In this sense, the awards are for the introduction of new projects or for the improvements, in 2008/2009 of existing programs and systems. There should be objective, quantifiable and verifiable measurements as to the effectiveness of the project.

Note that in all cases, judges will look at how well the project or program got the fundamentals right and at the same time integrated with and made the most of the emerging multi-media realities.

ASIAN MAGAZINE MANAGEMENT AWARDS

1. Content Generation: The “editorial” product that serves the interests of a multi media audience be it publisher and/or user generated content.
   
   A series of articles or pieces that typify the editorial purpose and mission of the content provider and how relevant are these to the interest of the target audience. Is the content interesting enough to build user generated content? How well do the editors and content providers understand the basics of great editorial that moves audiences in a multi media world? What techniques are being used to make content more lively and easy on time-impoverished readers. Are the basics of good journalistic practices followed?
   
   The content should not just be competent but carry some authority and have a voice with the reader – perhaps even one that strikes a raw nerve. Where appropriate, the sample pieces or article(s) should have been well-researched and well thought-out. If it is an opinion piece then it should be well reasoned and balanced. (A sampling of FIVE editorial pieces or articles that understands new reader-focused multi media content delivery should be submitted.).
   
   
2. Content Delivery: How well the membership/subscription and other audience building activities (circulation) are carried out, including development of multi-channels.
   
   The “Circulation” and audience building activities including development of multi media channels.
   
   A circulation or multimedia audience acquisition and development program or campaign to expand the readership base and generate additional subscription, membership or audience that resulted in achieving the campaign or program goals. Was the target audience(s) defined? Were prospects generated? What were the basic offers made to attract the audience and subscribers? What was the response generated? The audience development or subscription program or campaign can be either for renewals or new acquisition, direct mail, web-based or door to door in Print, Online and Mobile Media or a combination of the above.
   
   
3. Multimedia Consumer Research: Use of research to understand media habits and behavior of audiences to undertake marketing.
   
   A study or program that used research to understand media habits and behavior of print, mobile or online audiences to undertake marketing. Were the goals of the research clear? Was it conducted scientifically? What were the results? Was the research used as part of the strategy or tactics for multimedia publishing? How well does the multimedia publisher incorporate research into the way they do business? In short, best use of research.
   
   
4. Design and Layout: Use of the principles, skills, techniques and formats and channels of multimedia communication, visual or otherwise.
   
   Effective design for print, online and mobile media, information graphics and digital transmissions including use of photography and typography. Best use of the various principles and elements of good design for an individual and original editorial article (or a series of related articles), or a website. How was typography used and was attention given to differences in media? How effective were the visuals and photography used, and was their manner of treatment and presentation appropriate? What is the resultant overall look and feel of the layout as being appealing to the target reader and in keeping with the editorial/website mission? How well did the design complement the content? (Three executions should submitted per magazine to allow judges to evaluate the consistency of execution. Or links to the website).
   
   
5. Advertising: Delivery: Innovative Ad campaigns and the use of multi media Ad delivery mechanisms to increase revenue that makes sense for advertisers
   
   A campaign, project or program to generate advertising, sponsorship or other revenues as a result of delivering an audience to advertisers. A program that is designed and presented to complement the mission of the publication. How well does the campaign material convey the publication’s sales message to target audiences? Does the campaign include an integrated multimedia platform? Is there user-friendly information and new value measurements about what is needed to evaluate the publication? Are there facts and figures to support the basic sales message? How much does the campaign and materials make the buyer want to buy? How well do the support materials help the ad sales person sell the publication or its multi media environment? Does the rate structure make sense in relation to the advertising sales strategy and revenue goals of the publication? The advertising sales strategy and what the (multi-media) rate card is meant to accomplish should therefore be spelled out. Note: This award is not just about the Ad Sales Kit – although that is an important element.
   
   
6. Magazine Franchise: Most successful launch of a licensed brand.
   
   A magazine franchise that was successfully launched with clear franchise terms, helpful and strong support from the franchisor and a dedicated franchisee. Was the market surveyed well? How well was the launch planned? What were the elements of success and how well were these met? Are both Franchisor and Franchisee better off?
   
   
7. New Business Models: Implementing a clear and successful business model for content development, deployment, and management.
   
   The introduction or significant enhancement in the successful development of business models that exploit either traditional or multi media opportunities - with an understanding of the emerging role of content and changing consumer preferences. Were new revenue streams planned and realized? Is the business model viable? Are there facts to support this? Is the business model sustainable? Does it have room for growth? What were the measurable goals that were achieved? Did the project or activity make money? Is it a model that others can emulate and learn from?

ASIAN BOOK PUBLISHING AWARDS
Special awards are being given for book publishers in a multimedia environment. One is for the business side of publishing - an award for the publisher, and the other for the author.

1. Best use of multimedia marketing by a book publisher: Packaging, promoting and successful sales of a book incorporating multimedia channels.
   
   The award is for a book publisher who best used multimedia marketing tools and techniques to package, promote and sell a book. How well did the publisher use the multimedia facilities available? Was the audience well defined? Can the audience receiving the message buy the books? What were the results in relation to general industry standards?
   
   
2. Best Book / Best Writer on Asian Socio-Economic or Media scene: Insightful, thought leading or educational.
   
   The award is for an author, group of writers or compiler/editor who best reached who best captured and presented the main theme behind the book - and which in the opinion of the judges’ best reached out to and touched a nerve with the intended audience - whether in print, online or both. Did the book win hearts and minds? Was the book meaningful in the Asian context? Does it serve as a good reference for Asia? Was the content well organized? Was the writing style that which the intended audience can appreciate and understand easily? Was the writing style that which the intended audience can appreciate and understand easily, where facts should be, were these checked?

ASIAN CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS (Not for publishing companies)
These awards are for clients and corporate advertisers and not for Publishers.

1. Best use of multi-media by a corporate advertiser: Best Multimedia delivery of a corporate advertising message.
   
   The award is for a corporate advertiser who best used a multi-media approach to deliver its advertising message. Were the various elements of the advertising campaign for multi-media integrated? Was the audience for each media segment well defined? Was there an attempt to measure the effectiveness? What were the results achieved?
   
   
2. Innovative corporate communications in a multi-media world: Most effective Corporate PR/communication program.
   
   The award is for a corporate communications program or activity either for internal or for external purposes that made use of the print, online and mobile media opportunities that exist today. How well did the program make use of magazines and print media? Did it reach its audience by utilizing online technologies? How well did the communications project interface with publishers to achieve its goals? Were communications “received” by its target audiences and was an appropriate mix of media used to do this.

SPECIAL AWARDS
The Board of Judges may choose to honor and recognize the publication, editor, publisher or media owner who was devoted his life to the integrity, improvement and advancement of publishing and journalism.  A person or company that made a difference through the community service it rendered through the publication’s franchise. 

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1. Rules on how to enter
   1. Entries must be for projects, programs, or services that were implemented or significantly enhanced in 2009 and from January to March 2010.
   2. Participating companies must be headquartered in Asia-Pacific. Companies of non-Asian origin are also eligible as long as they have a major regional presence in Asia.
   3. Supporting materials should be in English. If in another language, a translation must be provided. Videos, ads, printed matter, and other supporting materials should be submitted. Supporting materials submitted will not be returned.
      
   4. It is important to demonstrate in as quantifiable a way as possible the benefits of the project to the intended recipients and stakeholders. Please indicate what were the intended benefits planned, and what were actually achieved.
      
   5. The entry form and project summary form must be fully accomplished for an entry to be included in the screening stage. Only soft (email) entries will be accepted. Online entries are encouraged. Please visit www.publishingconvention.com.
2. How to write your entry and what to include:
   An entry to the Asian Publishing Awards will only be valid if a summary of the entry will be submitted. The summary should not be more than 1000 words and it must be submitted by filling in the Project Summary Form completely.

• Category:  Indicate the category in which you are entering this project. The awards categories are: Content Generation, Content Delivery, Design and Layout, Multimedia Advertising, Magazine Franchise, New Business Models, Best use of multimedia marketing by a book publisher, Best author, Best use of multi-media by a corporate advertiser, and Innovative corporate communications in a multi-media world.
• Project Title/Content Topic(s):  Provide a (descriptive) name by which you refer to this project.
• Objectives: Describe briefly in measurable terms what it is that you expected to achieve.
• Details of the project/content topic(s):   Explain why the project was selected and describe the project well. Indicate what BEFORE measurements were made, how did the team go about their task, how long did it take etc. Also indicate the positions and/or units of the involved team members (individual names not necessary).
• Implementation:   Was the improvement implemented, how and when? (The awards are ONLY  for projects implemented or significantly enhanced in 2009 /2010)
• Results:  What were the quantitative and/or qualitative results achieved to date as a result of the business projects, programs and services? What did customers say? Is there concrete feedback?

3. Information to support the entries
   For each category that you enter, please send information to support the projects and programs entered. All entries need to be accompanied by supporting data and documentation such as but not limited to details and background of the project, how the project was conducted, who participated, before and after analysis if any, etc. In addition, submission of CD ROMs or videos and audiotapes, press coverage and the like are encouraged. Where possible, the judges request for an indication and whatever information you can provide with respect to:
   • How the project got started and/or why did the company invest in the project?
   • How did the project get nurtured and what were the motivations?
   • What were the initial difficulties that came about in implementing the project and what were the bottlenecks?
   • The extent to which the project is integrated into the core strategy of the company.

Important Submission Note
We request that you scan and save any materials you are sending us in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or .pdf format on a CD ROM. Please select the important pages and sections of any of the supporting materials mentioned above. If your supporting material is a book or a report, please scan just the cover, the table of contents and the relevant page your project appears. Same with any commercials or other videos you may wish to submit as supporting material.

To be clear: do send us four (4) copies of each CD where your supporting documents are saved or scanned and one set of the original hard copy materials. The four judges of each category will be sent a CD copy each. We keep the hard copies in the Awards secretariat for reference and as verification copies. Please make sure to list the attachments, CD-ROMs, published materials, reports tapes or other supporting information that you are sending together with the entry, including a more lengthy explanation, if you so wish to add.

COURIER AND CUSTOMS CHARGES MUST BE PRE-PAID.

4. Entry details
   Deadline of entries: April 30, 2010
   Online entries accepted at www.publishingconvention.com
   Email: jemahmonforte@exedraevents.com  
   Tel : (632) 818-3289, Fax: (632) 819 3752

Please send the supporting materials of your entry(s) to:
The APA Steering Committee
Attention: Ms. Jemah Monforte
C/o EXEDRA EVENTS
10 Garcia Villa Street, San Lorenzo Village
Makati City 1223, Philippines
Tel: (632) 818 3289, Fax: (632) 819 3752