• Home
• About Us
• Sponsors
• Categories
• Entry Forms
• Call For Entries
• Judges
• Legends
• Register/Ask a Question
• Duplicate Order Forms
• 2008 Award Winners
• Winners in the News
• Purchase Your Nationals Tickets

Entry Categories

Individual Achievement

1. ROOKIE SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR FOR A BUILDER OR REALTOR (AFTER MAY 1, 2007)
2. SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR
3. SALES TEAM OF THE YEAR (2 OR MORE PEOPLE)
4. SALES MANAGER OF THE YEAR
5. MARKETING DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

JUDGING CRITERIA
Sales achievements for the year compared to others in local market, community, and industry contributions; recognition by builder, industry, and community; and overall professionalism. Entrant must be an on-site salesperson or team employed by a builder or realtor whose primary function and responsibility is selling new homes full-time. (Full-time is defined as deriving at least two thirds of annual income from new-home sales.) Entrant may not be a sales manager, marketing director, advertising manager, vice president of marketing, or company president.

For Category 4, entrant must be a new-home sales management professional who directly manages and trains on-site new-home sales personnel.

For Category 5, entrant must be responsible for developing and implementing overall sales and marketing policy, including market research, product development, merchandising, advertising, and sales productivity for a builder. Job titles may also include vice president of sales and marketing, marketing manager, vice president of marketing, etc.

Entry Requirements (Categories 1–4)

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• All submitted entries must be accompanied by a CD that contains a digital file of a color photo of the candidate. Images should be saved as JPEG files at a resolution of 1800 ´ 1200 (width ´ height), 300 dpi at highest quality. Used for the awards show, PR, and website only.

Entry Requirements (Category 5)

• Two (2) collated copies of a completed entry form, entrant statement, and sponsor statement.
• All submitted entries must be accompanied by a CD that contains a digital file of a color photo of the candidate. Images should be saved as JPEG files at a resolution of 1800 ´ 1200 (width ´ height), 300 dpi at highest quality. Used for the awards show, PR, and website only.

Entrant Statement
A statement of 500 words or less describing the entrant’s marketing plan used for the contest year with results to date, personal and professional goals, achievements, and significant contributions made to entrant’s builder, community, and industry.

Sponsor Statement
A statement of 100 words or less, written by the entrant’s sponsor, indicating why the entrant should be declared the winner and a full job description. (If entrant is submitting him or herself, entrant must have a letter of recommendation from a third party.) All statements should be typewritten, double-spaced on 8 1/2" x 11" paper, with candidate’s name, company, category, and region at the top.

 

Council Awards (CategoRY 6)

6. SALES AND MARKETING COUNCIL – Presented by Membership Size
Only affiliated local SMCs are eligible. Fill in all fields of the entry form and submit two (2) CD’s containing PPT file.
SMC of the Year Entry Requirements (Category 6)
SMC of the Year Requirements
SMC’s to provide a powerpoint show that conveys the following information.
Maximum length of powerpoint is 5 Minutes – must run on PPT 2003
Creativity is encouraged.

1. Membership
    Total number
    Retention Vs New members
    Promotion of membership – includes drives, contests and appreciation events

2. Programs/Seminars
    Promotion
    Events – please include photos
    Topics and speakers

3. Education
    Promotion
    Courses include by not limited to: MIRM, CSP

4. Council Marketing
    Promotion of council activities and events
    Includes: website, flyers, newsletters etc. community service projects – include photos.

5. Awards Programs
    Includes promotion of events and creativity
    Please include collateral, photos of events and budget

6. Optional items – Nationals Promotion of NSMC, including NSMC events, The Nationals Awards, and Nationals Rollover program – 5 Bonus Point

SMC of the Year Entries will be shown at The Nationals Gala prior to event.

.

Marketing Awards – Graphics (Categories 7, 8)

 7. BEST LOGO DESIGN FOR A BUILDER, COMMUNITY, OR MASTERPLANNED DEVELOPMENT
 8. BEST GRAPHIC CONTINUITY FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL PROJECT OR MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY

Judging Criteria
For Category 7, entry will be judged on graphics, concept, overall design and execution, message, and emotion communicated to the target market.

For Category 8, entry will be judged on graphic continuity in advertisements, signage, displays, direct mail, etc.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains six (4) to eight (8) digital images of the following: continuity as used in at least four of the following: advertisements, signage, displays, brochure, direct mail, and impact graphic, etc. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality.

Marketing Awards – Graphics (Categories 9–15)

9. BEST BROCHURE FOR A COMMUNITY PRICED UNDER $225,000
10. BEST BROCHURE FOR A COMMUNITY PRICED $225,001 to $399,999
11. BEST BROCHURE FOR A COMMUNITY PRICED FROM $400,000 TO $650,000
12. BEST BROCHURE FOR A COMMUNITY PRICED FROM $650,001 TO $999,999
13. BEST BROCHURE FOR A COMMUNITY PRICED OVER $1 MILLION
14. BEST BROCHURE FOR A MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY
15. BEST BROCHURE FOR A HOMEBUILDING COMPANY

Average Sales Price
The average sales price is determined by adding the lowest and highest prices in the development during the period of September 1, 2007, to September 1, 2008, and dividing by two.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.

• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• Two (2) copies of the brochure, labeled on the back of the brochure with the category number and project name.

 

Marketing Awards – Graphics (Category 16)

16. BEST DIRECT MAIL (PRINT ONLY)

Judging Criteria
Entry will be judged on concept, creativity, copy, layout, overall design, readability, and execution.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.

• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital images of the advertisement submitted. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality. Used for the awards show, PR, and website only.
• Two (2) copies of the direct mail piece(s), labeled on the back with the category number and project name.

Marketing Awards – Graphics (CategorY 17)

17. BEST INTERNET MARKETING CAMPAIGN – Eblasts, banners, surveys, etc

Judging Criteria
For Category 17, entry will be judged on concept, creativity, copy, layout, overall design, readability, and execution.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital images of the advertisement submitted. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality. Used for the awards show, PR, display, and website only.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains a sample of the electronic media.

Marketing Awards – Advertisement (Categories 18–20)

18. BEST BLACK AND WHITE ADVERTISEMENT FOR ANY TYPE COMMUNITY
19. BEST COLOR ADVERTISEMENT
20. BEST SERIES OF RELATED ADS

Judging Criteria
Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, copy, layout, overall design, and execution and continuity.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital images of the advertisement submitted. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality. Used for the awards show, PR, display, and website only.
• One (1) copy of the advertisement mounted on a 20” x 24”  black matte display board and one (1) tear sheet clipped to entry board. Used for judging only.

 

Marketing Awards – Advertisement (Category 21)

21. BEST RADIO COMMERCIAL FOR A BUILDER, COMMUNITY, OR MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY

Judging Criteria
Entry will be judged on originality, concept, and execution of the spot as it relates to specified target market and qualified traffic the ad generated.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• Two (2)  CDs of one radio spot, no longer than 60 seconds (labeled with project name).
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital images that represent the project submitted (logo, sales office, or signage). Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality. Used for the awards show, PR, display, and website only.

 

Marketing Awards – Advertisement (Category 22)

22. BEST TELEVISION COMMERCIAL FOR A BUILDER, COMMUNITY, OR MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY

Judging Criteria
Entry will be judged on originality, concept, and execution of the spot as it relates to the specified target market and qualified traffic the ad generated.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.

• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• Two (2) DVD’s of one TV commercial, no longer than 60 seconds (labeled with project name).
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital images that represent the project submitted (logo, sales office, or signage). Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality. Used for the awards show, PR, display, and website only.

 

Marketing Awards – Advertisement (Categories 23–25)

23. BEST OVERALL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN FOR ANY PRICED PROJECT
24. BEST SPECIAL PROMOTION (PRE-SALE, GRAND OPENING, BROKER CO-OP PROGRAM, PARADE, OF HOMES, HOME PRODUCT SHOW, SUPPLIER MARKETING PROGRAM, OR OTHER LIMITED MARKETING CAMPAIGN)
25. BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOR A GREEN-BUILT COMMUNITY

Judging Critera
Entry will be judged on creativity, design, and success of materials developed to gain product interest. Includes series of ads, print and electronic media, and billboards.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital scans of the advertisements submitted. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality. Used for the awards show, PR, display, and website only.
• One (1) copy of advertisement or direct mail piece mounted on a 20” x 24” black matte display board and one (1) tear sheet clipped to the entry board. Maximum of five (5) boards. May include any or all of the following: print advertising, direct mail, television and radio spots, billboards, etc. Used for judging and displays.
• Television and radio submissions should be two (2) DVD’s of television commercials and two (2) CD’s of radio commercials up to 60 seconds long.

 

Marketing Awards – Advertisement (Category 26)

26. BEST MARKETING PROMOTION BY AN ASSOCIATE OR SUPPLIER

Judging Criteria
Entry will be judged on best marketing promotion and overall effectiveness by an associate or supplier directed toward the homebuilding industry.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statementt.
• One (1) set of advertisements mounted on a 20” x 24”  black matte display board. Can include press releases. Maximum five (5) boards. Used for judging only.

OR

• Two (2) copies of direct mail, brochure(s), collateral, or other marketing materials.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital scans of each advertisement board or of the event itself. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality. Used for the awards show, PR, display, and website only.

 

Marketing Awards – Advertisement (Category 27-29)

27. BEST WEBSITE FOR A COMMUNITY OR MASTERPLAN
28. BEST WEBSITE FOR A BUILDER
29. BEST WEBSITE FOR AN ASSOCIATE OR SUPPLIER

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains three (3) digital images of key website pages (home page, category pages, etc.) Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality (72 dpi is acceptable for website entry). Used for the awards show, PR, display, and website only.

 

Marketing Awards – sales office (Categories 30, 31)

30. BEST SALES OFFICE FOR A COMMUNITY OF ANY PRICE
31. BEST CLUBHOUSE, SALES OR INFORMATION CENTER
May be a clubhouse or recreation center or any other freestanding structure that is used as a centralized information source for the community.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2)  copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital images of four (4) to eight (8) of the following: exterior entrance, overall interior, topography table, impact graphic, renderings, displays, and closing office. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the office layout with dimensions and showing the layout of exhibits. Photocopies are accepted. The community or company name must not appear on the layout. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.

 

Marketing Awards – Sales Office (Category 32)

32. BEST DESIGN CENTER

Judging Criteria
Entry will be judged on the function of the floorplan layout, use of creative imagery, strength of product presentation, and ability to create an atmosphere that increases the perceived value of the option products and promotes a superior customer experience.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains four (4) to eight (8) images of various examples of the exterior entrance, overall interior, product display methodology, signage/imagery/graphics, kitchen/bath vignette, and creative design elements. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality.
• Six (6) printed 8-1/2” ´ 11” copies of the design center layout with dimensions and showing layout of exhibits. Photocopies acceptable. The community or company name must not  appear on the layout.

 

Marketing Awards – Sales Office (Category 33)

33. BEST SIGNAGE FOR ANY PRICED COMMUNITY OR MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY

Judging Criteria
Entry will be judged on concept, creativity, basic graphics and layout, design, execution, readability, and continuity. Signage includes on-site, off-site, model identification, entry/parking sign, directionals, entry monument, billboards, etc.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains four (4) to eight (8) digital images of various examples of the signage program. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality.

 

Marketing Awards – Sales Office (Categories 34, 35)

34. BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR AN ATTACHED COMMUNITY
35. BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR A DETACHED COMMUNITY

Judging Criteria
Entry will be judged on the landscape effectiveness, impact, and function in enhancing the product or project. Landscaping includes ground cover, hardscape, and softscape.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.

• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that four (4) to eight (8) digital images of the following: model complex overall, entry to the community, common areas, sales office, and two (2) images of buildings or models. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the model complex plan or landscape plan. Photocopies are accepted. The community or company name must not appear on the plans. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.

 

Marketing Awards – Interior Merchandising (Categories 36–41)

36. BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL PRICED UNDER $225,000
37. BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL PRICED FROM $225,001 TO $399,999
38. BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL PRICED FROM $400,000 TO $650,000
39. BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL PRICED FROM $650,001 TO $850,000
40. BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL PRICED FROM $850,001 to $999,999 41. BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL PRICED FROM OVER $1 MILLION

Judging Criteria
Entry will be judged on concept, creativity, wall and window treatments, and the impact of furniture and accessories.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains four (4) to eight (8) digital images of the following: living room, dining room, master bedroom, kitchen/family room area, and additional shots of your choice. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the floorplan showing the furniture layout. Photocopies are accepted. The community or company name must not appear on the plans. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.

 

Marketing Awards – Architecture (Categories 42–49)

42. BEST SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOME PRICED UNDER $225,000
43. BEST SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOME PRICED $225,001 TO $399,999
44. BEST SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOME PRICED FROM $400,000 TO $650,000
45. BEST SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOME PRICED FROM $650,001 TO $850,000
46. BEST SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOME PRICED FROM $850,001 to $999,999
47. BEST SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HOME PRICED OVER $1 MILLION
48. BEST ATTACHED HOME PLAN 
49. BEST UNIQUE OR ONE-OF-A-KIND HOME BUILT FOR A SPECIFIC CLIENT OR ON SPEC

Judging Criteria
Entry will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, function, and creative use of interior space and creative integration of plan design with site considerations.

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.

• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains four (4) to eight (8) images of the following: front exterior, living room, dining room, master bedroom, kitchen/family room area, and additional shots of your choice. Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the floorplan showing furniture layout. Photocopies are accepted. The community or company name must not appear on the plans. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.

 

Marketing Awards – Community of the Year (Categories 50–52)

50. ATTACHED COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
51. DETACHED COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR 
52. MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR

Judging Criteria
Entry will be judged on implementation and creativity of the marketing plan, cost, and continuity of all marketing phases (i.e., graphics, advertising, sales office, merchandising, signage, and product design), and overall sales success.

To be considered for the Community of the Year, this single product or masterplanned community must have been entered one entry into each of the following categories.

Mutiple entries are encouraged

• Community Branding – Logo or graphic continuity
• Brochure
• Advertisement – Ad, direct mail, internet marketing, website
• Sales environment – Sales office or information pavilion, design center
• Interior Merchandising
• Product design – Single family or attached

Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company names must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital images that represent the project submitted (logo, brochure, sales office, signage, interiors, exteriors of product). Images should be saved as JPEG files, 300 dpi at highest quality.
  

NEW CATEGORIES JUST ADDED!!!

53. Best Virtual Reality Experience
Must be computer generated (3D) video. Entry will be judged on level of realism, creativity, cinematic quality, use of sound (music, sound effects, narration), and use of special effects.

• Completed entry form.
• Marketing statement.
• Submit DVD of video animation.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital image that can be used to represent entry.

54. Best Interactive Point-of-Sale Experience
Entry will be judged on concept, creativity, user friendliness, uniqueness, and integration into sales environment/process.

• Completed entry form.
• Marketing statement.
• Submit DVD of video animation.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital images of sales center integration, screen captures for major components, i.e., main menu, submenus as JPEGs, working copy of application on CD. Specify system requirements.

NEW FOR 2009! ON THE BOARD CATEGORIES
What does “on the boards” mean?
These categories are targeted to any particular project that is not completed by the date of the entry deadline. If your community is not yet built, you will need to provide renderings, sketches and floor/site plans that illustrate your product or project.

55. Best On the Boards Logo
Entry Requirements– same as category 7

56. Best On the Boards Ad
Entry Requirements– same as categories 19 except no tear sheet is required

57. Best On the Boards Sales Office
Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital images of sketches, illustrations of the proposed office.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the office layout with dimensions and showing the layout of exhibits. Photocopies are accepted. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.

58. Best On the Boards Clubhouse or Sales/Information Pavilion
Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains digital images of sketches, illustrations of the proposed office.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the office layout with dimensions and showing the layout of exhibits. Photocopies are accepted. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.

59. Best On the Boards Interior Merchandising of a Model – Any Price
Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains images of sketches, renderings and illustrations of the proposed plan, including furniture layout.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the floor plan. Photocopies are accepted. The community or company name must not appear on the plans. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.

60. Best On the Boards Single Family Detached Home – ANY SIZE
Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains images of sketches, renderings and illustrations of the proposed plan, including front elevation.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the floor plan. Photocopies are accepted. The community or company name must not appear on the plans. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.

61. Best On the Boards Attached Home Community
Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains images of sketches, renderings and illustrations of the proposed project, including front elevations, sales office, ads, and other marketing materials that are prepared.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the 2 sample floor plans & community site plan. Photocopies are accepted. The community or company name must not appear on the plans. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.

62. Best On the Boards Detached Home Community
Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains images of sketches, renderings and illustrations of the proposed project, including front elevations, sales office, ads, and other marketing materials that are prepared.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the 2 sample floor plans & community site plan. Photocopies are accepted. The community or company name must not appear on the plans. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.

63. Best On the Boards Masterplanned Community
Entry Requirements

• Two (2) copies of a completed entry form.
• Two (2) copies of a marketing statement. The community or company name must not appear on the statement.
• One (1) CD per entry that contains images of sketches, renderings and illustrations of the proposed project, including front elevations, sales office, ads, and other marketing materials that are prepared.
• Six (6) printed 8 1/2" ´ 11" copies of the 2 sample floor plans & community site plan. Photocopies are accepted. The community or company name must not appear on the plans. Multiple pages MUST be collated and stapled.