2024 Categories

Important note to entrants for all categories:

  1. Include URLs to all entry assets, and use PDF as backups if you wish. If you only have a PDF, please create a URL for that asset. Due to file size downloads, links are more accessible and preferable for judging.
  2. For all URLs with gated-content, you must provide login credentials within the entry form. The login credentials and links must remain active through April 30, 2024.
  3. For entries with multiple assets, provide the publish date in chronological order within the entry form.
  4. A title (i.e., any single publication brand) may enter up to twenty submissions total, and no more than two entries in any one category.
  5. An individual item/asset contained in these specific categories may also be entered into more than one category (EXCEPT Best Series or Best News Coverage). Best Single Issue, Best Overall Art Direction/Design, Best Use of Editorial Data, Best Range of Work by a Single Author, Best Subject-Related Package, Best Climate Change Coverage, Best DEI Coverage, Best Industry Coverage or Best Range of Work by a Media Brand.

Otherwise, asset should be submitted once. 

Exceptions to this rule are Best Series and Best News Coverage, in which all assets must be unique and not contained in any other Neals submission.

Answers to additional FAQs can be found here.

Enter

A single, substantive article dealing with subjects, events, or developments of importance to the target audience or industry. Entry may contain sidebars, related links, and other supporting print or digital elements, as long as the main article is clearly primary and can be distinguished from any supporting elements.

Do Not Enter

News stories (see Best News Coverage); columns, editorials or blogs (see Best Commentary); multiple articles from a series or package (see Best Series or Best Subject-Related Package.)  More than three total examples (article itself and up to two supporting examples demonstrating impact).

Revenue Class:

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Enter

A series of two or more stories dealing with subjects, events, or trends of importance to your target audience or industry. Entries must clearly reflect a single, cohesive editorial theme or purpose. The content must be a consciously planned series published over time (i.e., not released in a single issue, but parsed out through more than one issue across more than one day).

Do Not Enter

A subject-related package published concurrently (see Best Subject-Related Package), a series of columns (see Best Commentary) an educational or instructional package (see Best Instructional Content), or a single article with sidebars (See Best Single Article).  Assets submitted in any other Neals category.  More than five total examples.

Note:

A series with installments before or after the competition dates (Jan 1-Dec 31, 2022)  may be entered in its entirety only if at least 50% of the series appeared within the competition period.

Revenue Class:

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Enter

A package of two or more stories that explore a common topic and are published concurrently (released on the same day and/or in the same issue). Entries may include a combination of print, online, or multimedia assets. Packages must clearly reflect a single cohesive editorial subject with all elements published in the same time period.

Do Not Enter

A subject-related series published over successive issues or an extended time period (see Best Series), a package of columns (see Best Commentary), an educational or instructional package (see Best Instructional Content), a single article with sidebars (see Best Single Article), or content that has been entered in Best Single Issue.

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Enter

Three examples of opinion-driven columns, editorials or blog posts. Subject matter may cover a single topic or a variety of topics. Judges will consider the strength of the opinions expressed, relevance of topics, and the skill and clarity of the writing. Winning entries will explain the entry’s relevance to the industry served and the distinctiveness and/or significance of the opinion being expressed to the industry.

Do Not Enter

Publishers’ memos; fewer than or more than three examples.

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Enter

News coverage and analysis or follow-up of a topical event or development of importance to the target audience or industry. This category recognizes excellence in covering news as it happens and/or as it develops over time. Enter no more than five examples from print or digital media, in any combination, including assets such as social media. Explain why the coverage was valuable to the audience and how the timing of the event affected coverage.

Do Not Enter

Feature articles (see Best Single Article), profiles (see Best Profile), technical articles (see Best Technical Content), DEI-themed articles (see Best DEI Coverage), or climate change-themed articles (see Best Climate Change Coverage). Assets submitted in any other Neals category.  More than 5 examples.

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Social media posts and editorial social media initiatives that facilitate sharing, elicit information or insights, and/or promote thoughtful interaction within the target audience or industry. Social media is defined broadly: in addition to networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, etc., eligible entries may use proprietary networks, forums and comments, and may tap into crowd-sourced content. Judges will look for examples of compelling ways of using the medium for the reader’s benefit; compelling content designed for sharing and audience involvement; integration of social media into other formats, commentary, or coverage; and the use of social media for internal editorial purposes, such as reporting. The best entries will highlight a social media personality or influencer demonstrating social media use that rises above generic promotion to provide value, and leverages the technology of social media platforms to enhance editorial value and engagement.

Enter

Three samples of active social posts (URLs) or dated screenshot of the post/comments. Entries should state the goals of each submitted initiative, how well they were met, and metrics to demonstrate the quantity and quality of engagement and impact (e.g. an active link to a post illustrating comments and engagement).

Do Not Enter

Content supplied by third-party content marketers.

Revenue Class

All entries in this category will be considered as part of a single class.

Enter

An article that brings to life a person, business, institution or association. Sidebars and other related material may be submitted, but no more than two such assets may be submitted in addition to the main profile. Entries will be judged primarily on the quality of the profile itself. Entries will be judged on thorough and independent reporting that covers the profile subject’s strengths, weaknesses, and relevance to the target audience or industry.

Do Not Enter

Single-source interviews, Q&As (unless used as a supporting element of a broader profile package), or coverage of an overall industry (See Best Industry Coverage). More than three total examples (profile itself plus two sidebar/related pieces).

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Enter

A podcast, video, etc. that brings to life a person, business, institution or association. Sidebars and other related material may be submitted, but no more than two such assets may be submitted in addition to the main profile. Entries will be judged primarily on the quality of the profile itself. Entries will be judged on thorough and independent reporting that covers the profile subject’s strengths, weaknesses, and relevance to the target audience or industry.

Do Not Enter

Q&As (unless used as a supporting element of a broader profile package), or coverage of an overall industry (See Best Industry Coverage). More than three total examples (profile itself plus two sidebar/related pieces).

Revenue Class

All entries in this category will be considered as part of a single class.

Enter

Content that demonstrates original reporting on one or more trends impacting an entire industry. Entries should demonstrate expertise, insight and/or practical service to the industry or market served. Content will be judged on the strength of its reporting, writing skill, and relevance to the target audience. Submit up to three insightful articles that showcase a brand’s ability to report on an industry.

Do Not Enter

More than three assets. Stories whose primary purpose is to deliver news (see Best News Coverage) or profiles of an individual or institution (See Best Profile).

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Enter

A single issue that best exemplifies your overall mission and reflects your publication’s typical format. Entries must be part of your regular publishing cycle and distributed to your full circulation. Any content outside of the regular format—such as bonus issues, advertorials, or supplements—must be clearly identified as such. Editorial elements used to support an entry in this category are not disqualified from submission in other categories.

Do Not Enter

Websites (see Best Website), bonus issues outside the regular publishing cycle, stand-alone supplements, or content entered as Best Subject-Related Package.

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Special Instructions: Entries may include print publications, digital publications, desktop e-zines, or tablet editions. For print entries, the entire issue should be uploaded as a high-resolution (300 DPI or greater) PDF, including cover and table of contents.

Enter

Submit up to three examples of technical or scientific content that presents complex information regarding a process, technology, regulation or scientific principle and improves audience members’ knowledge about their field. Entries will demonstrate expertise, clarity, depth of research, and creativity in conveying complicated and detailed concepts. Winning entries will explain the entry’s relevance and utility to the industry served. Entries are not limited to assets including text-based content and may include any and all print and digital formats, including video, static or interactive infographics, data or illustrations and any combinations thereof. If appropriate, an illustration may be entered as an individual piece of content. A series or package is permitted, but should be limited to three assets.

Do Not Enter

Content whose primary purpose is to deliver news (see Best News Coverage) to express an opinion (see Best Commentary), how-to articles (see Best Instructional Content), or advertiser-supplied white papers. More than three examples.

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Enter

Submit up to three examples of instructional content that teaches audience members how to do their jobs or specified aspects of their jobs better. Entries will demonstrate expertise, clarity, depth of research, and creativity in conveying complicated and detailed concepts. Judges will be looking for entries that emphasize direct instruction or continuing education. Entries are defined as individual assets including: articles, videos, webcasts, webinars, podcasts, or interactive materials such as quizzes, schematics, surveys, etc. A series or package is permitted, but should be limited to three assets.

Do Not Enter

Advertiser-supplied white papers, or technical content that do not focus on teaching or training (see Best Technical Content). More than three examples.

Revenue Class

All entries in this category will be considered as part of a single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.

This category honors excellence in B2B coverage of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the profession or community served. Well-crafted, insightful and compelling entries should explore such concerns as lack of representation or influence, systemic or personal inequity, financial disparity, racism, prejudice, or strategies for expanding opportunity and success.

Enter

Submit up to three pieces or a clearly branded editorial package, in print, multimedia and/or social media formats.

Do Not Enter

More than three assets. Content whose primary purpose is to deliver news (see Best News Coverage) or profiles of an individual or institution (See Best Profile). Entries submitted to DEI Coverage may not be submitted to Best Subject-Related Package or Best Single Issue.

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Content that demonstrates original reporting on how climate change is impacting an entire industry, including but not limited to coverage on how climate change is affecting the people working in the industry, service and product innovations, and policy, legislative or industry remedies. Entries should demonstrate expertise and deep understanding of the industry or market served.

Enter

Submit up to three pieces or a clearly branded editorial package, in print, multimedia and/or social media formats.

Do Not Enter

More than three assets. Content whose primary purpose is to deliver news (see Best News Coverage) or profiles of an individual or institution (See Best Profile). Entries submitted to Climate Change Coverage may not be submitted to Best Subject-Related Package, Best Technical/Scientific Content or Best Single Issue.

Revenue Class

All entries in this category will be considered as part of a single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.

(Coverage of the industry rather than coverage generated by AI.)  Content that demonstrates original reporting on how generative AI is impacting an  industry, including how generative AI is affecting the people working in the industry, service and product innovations, and policy, legislative or industry impacts. Entries should demonstrate expertise and deep understanding of the industry or market served. 

Enter

Up to three pieces or a clearly branded editorial package, in print, multimedia, and/or social media formats.

Do Not Enter

More than three assets. Coverage that was generated by AI.  Content whose primary purpose is to deliver news (see Best News Coverage) or profiles of an individual or institution (See Best Profile). 

Revenue Class

All entries in this category will be considered as part of a single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.

An editorial eNewsletter is an email whose primary purpose is to deliver industry-specific news, analysis, training, resources and other original content to subscribers. Sent to opt-in subscribers—at minimum, monthly—an eNewsletter may contain advertising insertions and sponsored content links. Content for editorial eNewsletters should be curated by editorial staff.

Enter

Up to three URLs of editorial eNewsletters. Entries will be judged solely on the eNewsletter itself, not the content to which it links.

Do Not Enter

Marketing emails, product advertisement or solicitation emails, event announcement emails, or pop-up or one-time editorial eNewsletters.

Revenue Class

All entries in this category will be considered as part of a single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.

Enter

A single journalistic work in which data plays an essential or central role. The work may include any of several forms and formats, (e.g., infographics, trend analyses, blogs, interactive tools, data-based investigation) to enhance its overall effectiveness – provided all elements serve as integral parts of the work submitted. The winning entry will show outstanding ability to assess and present informative and substantive data.

Do Not Enter

More than one individual work.

Revenue Class

All entries in this category will be considered as part of a single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.

Enter

Up to three examples of video content that reflect an overall competency with the medium. The videos provided within a submission may stand together as a series or package or as discrete examples. They may also have been published as part of a package with other content. The videos should provide compelling material that is enhanced by use of the medium. Judges will consider the value and relevance of the information provided, the use of the medium, and how one supports the other. Entries should explain the context of the work, including whether it was originally streamed live, and how it relates to other content. All examples must contain original material that was exclusively controlled by the editorial department. Some use of stock footage and other outside video content is permitted, but all examples must be under the exclusive control of the editorial department.

Do Not Enter

More than three examples; slide-based/PowerPoint webinars; promotional, advertorial, or commercial programming for which the publication or website has been compensated to include specified subjects, guests, or presenters.

Revenue Class

All entries in this category will be considered as part of a single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.

Special Instructions: Submissions must be delivered as a link to a landing page or series of links (one to each video) that are live at the time of judging and reflect the date of original publication.

Enter

One example of design work (print and/or digital) for a cover that clearly presents complex or compelling information, consistent with the audience, mission and voice of the publication. Entries may be judged on a range of design considerations, including enticing entry points; integration of text and graphic information; clean narrative flow; and effective use of visual elements, including typography, photos, illustrations, infographics, icons, etc.

Do Not Enter

An entire publication issue or website. Artwork for an entire article spread (see Best Overall Art Direction).

Revenue Class

This category requires entry into one of the following three classes of gross (print and online) advertising/circulation revenue:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Enter

Three examples of design work (print and/or digital) that clearly present complex or compelling information, consistent with the audience, mission and voice of the publication. This could be a single article, a story package or infographic, e.g. This award recognizes cohesive design that tells a story. Entries may be judged on a range of design considerations, including enticing entry points; integration of text and graphic information; clean narrative flow; and effective use of visual elements, including typography, photos, illustrations, infographics, icons, etc.

Do Not Enter

An entire publication issue (see Best Single Issue) or an entire website (see Best Website.)

Revenue Class

This category requires entry into one of the following three classes of gross (print and online) advertising/circulation revenue:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Submission Instructions: This category is platform-neutral and may consist of any combination of print or digital media. Submission of entire issues in this category will result in automatic disqualification. For digital entries, make certain URLs are active. Also include special access information and a high-resolution screenshot (300 DPI or greater) of your entry. All individual print examples must be uploaded as URLs. The publishing date of the articles should be apparent.

Staff Acknowledgement: List the names and titles of up to eight team members responsible for the material submitted, or you may acknowledge the full staff by indicating “Design Staff.” Please note, you cannot acknowledge the full team and individuals on the same entry and the list of names cannot be changed after the submission of the entry. Production staff and editors (photographers, videographers, web producers and programmers etc.) may be included; publishers who do not carry editorial titles are ineligible.

A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or portable media player, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically. Entries will be judged based on service to the audience and accomplished or innovative use of the medium.

Enter

Up to three examples (URLs) of branded podcast episodes (examples can either be from the same podcast title or from different podcasts among the submitting organization’s offerings). Where possible, include transcripts with podcast examples.

Do Not Enter:

A standalone audio file or singular audio file interview. More than three examples.

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

This category recognizes innovation in new product development: a single offering or item such as an event, award, or service. Judges will look for measurable results, strong marketing and promotion, use of audio, video, social media/event-related networking, virtual exhibitor floor and other tools. B2B or B2C submissions will be considered.

Enter

Provide a background statement of the new product: mission, capabilities, user/customer benefit. Be sure to describe the impact, how did this new product make a difference? Include measurable results: adoption, examples of customer benefit from testimonial quotes to increased company and user ROI, etc.). If an event/webinar, etc.: number of attendees, quality of speakers, overall session and networking metrics, testimonial quotes. Provide specifics of how the new product offered new and continuing benefit and how the product/event enhanced a brand portfolio, surpassing competitor assets. Judges will assess both the enterprise of the product and how well the components work together, including accuracy, clarity, lack of copy errors, etc. Submit up to three examples of digital collateral material reinforcing the above. Testimonials may be aggregated and submitted as a standalone PDF. If an event/webinar, etc., please submit the original marketing announcement and the URL home/splash page.

Do Not Enter:

More than one product; more than four total assets (three examples plus optional testimonial aggregate PDF). New brand (see Best Range of Work by a Media Brand).

Revenue Class

All entries in this category will be considered as part of a single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.

Submit one example of an awards program that unites an industry by celebrating its members. The entry may include other elements, such as video, to enhance its overall effectiveness. Winning entries honor a group of individuals, companies, or institutions in a creative, inspiring, and informative way.

Enter

One clearly branded editorial package in print, multimedia, or a combination of the two. Submit as a PDF to highlight the coverage package, e.g.: Article that introduces the programs, common traits of the winners and how it was judged, sample profiles of winners. 

Revenue Class

All entries in this category will be considered as part of a single class. Submission in this category requires no revenue figures.

Enter

Three to five examples that showcase a single author’s work across at least three different content types (e.g., news, features, commentary, video*, audio, blogs, social media, webcasts, mobile). The winning author will be an individual who shows outstanding ability to work across the range of media. Winning entries are likely to include substantive work dealing with a number of subjects, events, or developments of importance to the target audience or industry. Entries can include work in different publications.

Editorial elements used to support an entry in this category are not disqualified from submission in other categories.

*Videos may have an editor, someone other than the author.

Do Not Enter:

Content produced by multiple authors. More than five total examples.

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Submission Instructions: Only the author of the body of work should be listed.

This category recognizes a media brand’s overall excellence by evaluating its depth of offerings to its audience across all media. An entry will be evaluated on how clearly it aligns its editorial mission with journalistic excellence, presentation, service to readers, innovation, and use of multiple content platforms to serve its audience. The winning entry will show outstanding ability to work across the range of media. Winning entries are likely to include substantive work dealing with a number of subjects or developments of importance to the target audience or industry.

Enter

Five total examples that showcase a brand’s work across different content platforms including print, digital, video, audio, blogs, social media, events, webcasts, and mobile.

  1. One example of the brand’s print or digital publication
  2. URL to Publication/Brand’s website
  3. Three examples from other editorially controlled platforms. These platforms include video or multimedia, newsletters, branded emails, social media, apps, webinars, and live or virtual events. The media brand’s logo or labeling must be present on all submitted material

Editorial elements used to support an entry in this category are not disqualified from submission in other categories.

Do Not Enter:

Marketing materials or other branded efforts that are not editorially controlled; examples from fewer than three content platforms; more than five total examples.

Revenue Class

Submissions must be entered into one of the following three gross-revenue classes:
Class A – less than $3 million
Class B – $3 million – $7 million
Class C – more than $7 million
Gross revenue is based on the brand’s revenue and not the parent company’s revenue, and includes all revenue attributed to the brand under which the entry was published (including but not limited to all digital, print, advertising and circulation revenue).

Submission Instructions: If submitting a printed issue, the PDF of the full issue should be submitted as a URL; be sure to provide any access information. For a tablet edition, include a URL to the app store, specify the platform and provide additional instructions (if any) to access the entry.

Staff Acknowledgement: All submissions in this category will recognize the entire editorial staff. Editors should not be listed by name.

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