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SPARK Award entry page: Submissions accepted Jan. 10, 2024 to Feb. 3, 2024

QUALIFICATIONS to Enter Pine Belt PRAM's SPARK Awards:

  • You must be an active member of PINE BELT PRAM to qualify for the awards program. Be sure your membership is up-to-date.
  • The work associated with your entry must have appeared (published, printed, presented, etc.) between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.

ENTRY FEES & DEADLINES

  • Professional Members:
    • $35 for each entry finalized in the online award system by Saturday, February 3

PAYMENT OPTIONS: Credit card or Check

  • Entry fees will not be refunded. All entries without accompanying fees will be ineligible for judging.
  • Pay via Credit Card: https://squareup.com/store/pbpram 
  • Make checks payable to PINE BELT PRAM.
    • If you are mailing a check, please print the invoice from the award system and submit it with your check.

Mail the check and invoice to PINE BELT PRAM at:

PINE BELT PRAM • PO BOX 18126 • Hattiesburg, MS 39404-8126

How to Submit Award Entries:

Watch this webinar for easy to follow instructions: "How to Enter SPRF Lanterns"

Step 1: Prepare to Enter

  • Review the award categories and criteria in the tabs listed above.
  • Note the tier and category for your entries.
  • Note the parameters (research, planning, implementation, evaluation) and restrictions (word/character limits).
  • Set aside time to prepare your entries. Follow the “Four Weeks to a Successful Award Entry” as a guide.
  • A new judging methodology is in effect for 2022. View the full details at https://pram.secure-platform.com:443/a/page/evalform

Step 2: Register/login to the Awards System

  • If you are new to the system, click on the "first time logging in" link located on the award system home page.
    • Enter your email address and click “Next.”
    • Enter your contact information, select your chapter, and create a password.
    • Click “Register” to finish setting up your account.
    • You will be taken to the “SPRF Award Programs” page to submit your award entries.
  • If you have already created an account on this site, simply log in using your email address and password on the left side of this page. If you started an award entry but have not submitted it, you will be able to edit your entry and continue the submission process.
  • SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY: Submissions accepted Jan.10, 2024 to Feb. 3, 2024

Step 3: Select your Awards Program and Entry Category

  • Select “SPARK AWARDS” in the Awards Program drop-down menu.
  • Then choose the tier that your award entry falls under from the drop-down menu.
  • Pick the category that fits your award entry. Depending on the entry type, there may be a subcategory for you to select as well.
  • Type in the name of your entry under “Entry Title.”
  • Click on the “Save And Next” button.

Step 4: Input Award Entry

  • Fill in the research, planning, implementation, and evaluation sections for this award entry. Text can be copied and pasted from Microsoft Word or Notepad. Note the maximum word/character count for each section.
  • Upload supporting documentation and collateral pieces. At least one file is required, but you may choose to upload up to three files.
  • Provide a web address of any online materials you would like the judges to review. Two links can be included.
  • Select “Save And Next” to continue.

Step 5: Award Information

  • Should your entry be selected for recognition, this information will be used to prepare awards and during the presentation ceremony. At least one line is required, but you may provide up to three lines of text. Company/organization name is typically placed on line 1 with the names of individuals who worked on the project or the department name on lines 2 and 3, if applicable. It is not necessary to provide the award entry title or category name.
  • Upload one image associated with your entry that the awards committee may use during the presentation ceremony or in publicity materials.
  • Click “Save” to save all information input into the award system to this point.
  • Click “Add to Cart” to finalize your entry, submit additional award entries and/or pay for your entry.

Step 6: Review and Checkout

  • Once at this screen, you can:
    • Click “Make Another Submission” to enter another award entry.
    • Click “Print All Entries” to review all the information you submitted through the award system.
    • Click “Checkout” to select your payment method.
  • You may also click “Copy Your Submission” if some of the same information for one entry applies to another entry.

Step 7: Payment

  • When paying by either check or credit card, hit the PROCESS button at the bottom of the page. Once you process your entry, the system will not allow any changes.
  • After you have submitted your entry, the next page will allow you to print an invoice to send with your check, or you can access the credit card payment site. 
    • If paying by credit card. A, visit Pine Belt PRAM's Square Storefront via this link https://squareup.com/store/pbpram
    • If paying by check, mail the check and invoice to PINE BELT PRAM at:

PINE BELT PRAM • PO BOX 18126 • Hattiesburg, MS 39404-8126

Remember: This awards program does not require a binder; there is no need to print or mail your entry or collateral pieces.

If your entry wins an award, you may order duplicate awards. Information will be available following the awards program.

For SPARK Award Questions: Contact Anthony Palazzolo, Pine Belt Awards Chair, at Anthony.Palazzolo@usm.edu.

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY: Submissions accepted Jan. 10, 2024 to Feb. 3, 2024