We know submitting award entries can feel like a lot, so we’ve kept our process straightforward. The Summit Creative Award was established specifically to celebrate the work of smaller and independent creative firms by providing a level playing field. Our eligibility standards and judging process ensure that great ideas and outstanding execution, not big agency size or budget, are what stand out.
Below you’ll find everything you need to confirm your eligibility and prepare your entries. If you have questions, we’re always here to help at entries@summitawards.com.
Summit Creative Award Eligibility
The Summit Creative Award is exclusively for firms with annual billings under $40 million USD. Some categories have lower limits. If you are unsure which applies to you, please contact us at entries@summitawards.com or call 503-297-9979 x1.
Organization / Maximum Billings
-
Advertising, Interactive, Public Relations, Media Firms: $40 million
-
In-House Marketing Teams: $40 million (marketing budget)
-
Video, Audio, Web, Animation Firms: $35 million
-
Graphic Design, Film, Package Design Studios: $30 million
-
Nonprofits, Creative Boutiques, Photographers: $40 million (capitalized revenue)
Additional Eligibility Rules
-
Entries are accepted worldwide.
-
Work must be produced within the past three calendar years up to the final deadline.
-
Entries may not have been submitted previously unless at least 51% of the work has been updated.
-
Entries must be submitted as originally published, aired, or implemented.
-
Non-English work must include an English translation or adaptation.
-
Entries may be reassigned to the correct category at our discretion.
-
Campaigns must share a common theme.
-
Entries may qualify for multiple categories but must be submitted separately.
-
Judges may choose not to issue an award if entries do not meet standards.
-
The Summit Awards respects all copyrights and will fully protect entrant intellectual property.
Student Entry Requirements
Students must be full- or part-time. Work may be created for class or competitions, but any client work must be submitted in professional categories at standard fees.
Entry Tips
Entry Preparation Guidelines
Use this checklist to finalize your files and avoid delays:
General Requirements
-
Do not include your agency or company name in creative work, descriptions, URLs, or attachments (for blind judging). In-house marketing teams may retain branding.
-
File size must not exceed 100MB.
-
Do not use external file-sharing links (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
-
Focus on creative work. Keep supporting text minimal unless necessary.
-
You can edit your entry anytime before the deadline.
Accepted File Types
Images: jpg, jpeg, png, gif
Documents: pdf, doc
Audio: mp3, wma, wav, m4a, m4p
Video: flv, mp4, mkv, mpg, mpeg, mov, avi, wmv
File Types & Formats
-
Video, Audio, Commercial
Upload a screenshot as a thumbnail. Upload files directly or provide a YouTube/Vimeo link. -
Print (ads, posters, logos, etc.)
Single items: upload jpg or pdf. Multi-page work: upload as multiple jpgs or a single multi-page pdf. -
Websites, Social Media, Apps, Interactive
Upload a homepage or opening screen as a thumbnail. Provide a working URL.
For apps/interactive entries: do not require downloads. Submit a video, screen capture, or pdf walkthrough if needed.
Thumbnails
Thumbnails help judges identify your work and are used in winner galleries.
-
Print files: generated automatically.
-
Video, audio, web, interactive: you must manually upload a jpg or pdf.
How to Add a Thumbnail
-
Log in at summit.awardsplatform.com
-
Go to Entries > My Entries
-
Click on your entry and select the Project Details tab
-
Upload your image
-
Click Save + Close
Blind Judging Reminder
We strictly enforce blind judging. Avoid logos or names on materials.
Need Help?
Contact us at entries@summitawards.com or call 503-297-9979 x1.