The 32nd Caples Awards entries are now closed. Finalists will be announced December 14, 2009.
Want to be notified on awards updates and important dates? Send an email to pilar.mustafa@dmnews.com with "Caples Awards 2009" in the subject line.
Your entry details
Who can enter?
The Caples Awards are open to any agency, client or individual involved in direct marketing and relationship marketing communication throughout the world. Entries cannot be made without the prior permission of the advertiser/owner with rights of the advertisement. All Caples entries must be created within the context of a normal paying contract with a client, wherein the client paid for all or the majority of the media costs. The only exceptions are in the nonprofit categories and agency self promotion.
Eligibility period
All entries must have appeared in the market between August 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009.
Entry fees
Each entry form requires a separate entry fee.
Single $250 per entry
Campaign $300 per entry
Technique $250 per entry Late entries
Late entries will be received until Monday, October 5, 2009. However, those entries received after September 28 will incur a late fee of $50 per entry.
Your entry materials
Entry Form
All entries must be submitted online.
Each entry for all categories requires the following:
- Definition of benefit
- Response mechanism (except where noted)
- A measureable response elicited (excluding the Direct Mail, Customer Retention and Retention/Loyalty (non-mail) categories); campaigns may combine non-response and response elements
Please refer to each category for specific information required.
At the beginning of your entry submission, you will be asked:
Please select the type of work you will be submitting.
- Single
- Campaign
- Technique
Single is one element.
Campaign requires two or more elements in the same media.
*Integrated Campaign includes all multi-media entries.
Please select your target.
- Consumer
- Business
- Nonprofit
Please select your Use of Media/Technique.
CLICK HERE to see Use of Media and Technique Awards categories and requirements.
Entry details
- Title/Headline
- Product/Service
- Target Audience
Market Problem
The philosophy and focus of Caples is on the power of creativity to address and overcome marketing problems, so please answer this section carefully. Each entry is required to include a Market Problem addressing the following:
- Target Audience
- Marketing Problem
- Objective
- Solution
The response is limited to 300 words. Results are not required but the inclusion of them may help the judges. As the Caples judges are international, please ensure your market problem is clear and concise. Please do not include your agency name in this section as this may result in disqualification.
Support materials
Support materials are mandatory for all entries.
This will enable you to expand on the success of your entry. Support materials for each category will vary. Please refer to each category heading for any specific support material required.
Samples and packaging must not include markings which identify the creative group or agency, with the exception of self-promotion entries. Some examples include letterheads, visible watermarks, labels, marks on carrier envelopes containing the entries, credits in the code of digital entries, or leads on video.
Clear translations are required for all work which is not completed in English. Country idioms that may not be understood universally must be explained.
All support materials must be clearly identified and contained in an individual box. Companies sending multiple entries can use a large box for delivery purposes, but each individual entry must be contained in its own box with the corresponding entry number clearly marked on the outside.
Support material types
Digital
Digital entries must include all assets (web sites, banner ads, emails, etc).
Web sites/Microsites: Required to upload and remain live through December 31, 2009.
Banner ads/Emails: gif. file uploaded
Video: Required to upload as a wmv format, no larger than 15MB, and play time at three minutes or less.
Audio: Required to upload as an MP3 file, no larger than 15MB, and play time at three minutes or less.
**All materials must be PC and MAC compatible.
Print materials/Collateral
Print materials and collateral entry materials must be included as complete actual sets. If complete actual sets are not available, you may submit a presentation board.
- Presentation Board: Maximum size of the board is A2 (16.5"x23.4") flush mounted on cardboard, not foam board Required to include examples of each channel employed.
- Single entries require one photo board.
- Campaign entries require two photo boards.
- Actual Sets: Two complete packages, as mailed or displayed.
Multiple entries
Individual components may be entered as single entries. If you enter any component in more than one category, we strongly suggest you adapt your market problem to fit the category you are entering. You must also submit a separate set of support materials for each category entered.
Price of entry
The single entry fee is $250. The campaign entry fee is $300. Each entry form requires a separate entry fee. A technique entry is $250.
Online entry submission
All entries must be submitted and paid online. You may enter your entry information and save as a "draft" to return at a later date and submit payment. Please ensure your entry is marked as "final" in order to proceed with payment. Credit cards accepted include Visa, MasterCard, American Express. Entries which are not paid prior to judging will not be considered.
Once all entry information is prepared, visit caples.org to submit your entries.
Where to send support materials
Entries should be shipped via air courier and classified as business documents. Do not declare a value on your entry shipment. Otherwise, your shipment may be delayed at customs.
All support materials should include a shipping form printed from the entry system once your entry is paid and processed. The label must be affixed to the outside of the box and a copy of each completed entry form included in the box. If you are shipping multiple entries in one box, please ensure each entry is clearly marked with the entry ID number and includes the printed online entry form.
Ship complete support materials to:
Attn: Pilar Mustafa
John Caples International Awards
Haymarket Media
114 W 26th St, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Returning support materials
The Caples Awards will not return any support materials. Also, due to the volume of materials received, the Caples Awards cannot confirm receipt of support materials; therefore, it is advised you use a form of traceable delivery if you want to confirm receipt.
Deadline for entries
The deadline for entries is Monday, September 28. 2009. Entries which have not been submitted online, marked as final and paid in full will be considered late.
Late entries
Late entries will be received until Monday, October 5, 2009. However, those entries received after September 28 will incur a penalty of $50 per entry.