How are entries judged and types of awards determined?
Gold Quill Awards coordinators recruit a global network of first-tier judges, who evaluate all entries. At the first-tier level, two judges use standardized criteria to evaluate each entry. Entries must score at least 5.25 out of 7 possible points to be named finalists. Finalists in each category are then re-evaluated by a second tier of Blue Ribbon Panel judges, which is composed of IABC Fellows, Accredited Business Communicators, past Gold Quill Award winners and other senior leaders in the communication profession. This Blue Ribbon Panel selects the winners. Entries that receive a score of 5.75 and above from the Blue Ribbon Panel receive an Award of Excellence. Those that score between 5.25 and 5.74 receive an Award of Merit. There is no limit to the number of awards that can be presented in each category. All judges’ decisions are final. View the judges’ evaluation forms.
