Awards - Alberta Magazine Publishers Association

The Alberta Magazine Awards recognizes, supports and celebrates outstanding magazine content in our province. The annual awards program honours the best in the industry and gives the region's magazine professionals a chance to commend the work of their colleagues. The opportunity to celebrate achievement within our community both strengthens and inspires us to further excellence.

The 2013 Alberta Magazine Awards were presented at a gala dinner that kicked-off the Alberta Magazines Conference on March 14, 2013 at the Carriage House Inn, Calgary.

We are pleased to announced the SHOWCASE AWARDS WINNERS (see tab below) and ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS RECIPIENTS (see tab below).

- AWARDS GALA SPONSOR -

- AWARDS CATEGORY SPONSORS -

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AMPA acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) of the Department of Canadian Heritage, and the Government of Alberta through the Alberta Multimedia Development Fund, towards our project costs.

2013 Showcase Awards

Description of Showcase Awards

The Showcase Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in magazine editorial content and design. AMPA is pleased to announce an expanded line-up of Showcase Awards categories for 2013: Written (Alberta Story, Emerging Writer, Essay, Feature Writing [Short], Fiction, Poetry, Profile and Service); Visual (Art Direction for a Single Issue, Feature Design, Illustration and Photograph); Integrated (Cover); and Digital (Digital Presence).

SHOWCASE AWARDS WINNERS

WRITTEN

ALBERTA STORY Sponsored by

GOLD
Swerve
Jeremy Klaszus
Deerfoot's Revenge

Judges' commentary:

With his gift for narrative, Jeremy Klaszus reminds us there are rich (and at times troubling) histories associated with even the most quotidian aspects of life in Alberta. It's just a matter of looking for them -- a process in which Klaszus obviously takes great pleasure, judging from 'Deerfoot's Revenge'.
The story behind Calgary's most hated freeway, Deerfoot trail, is a one of nasty traffic snarls and daily hold ups that neither the province nor the city want anything to do with. And to think, the road everyone loves to hate can trace its troubled past back to the Siksika runner it was named after and his story of being screwed over by the white man.

SILVER
Eighteen Bridges
Russell Cobb
Glorious and Free. Mostly.

Judges' commentary:

Russell Cobb's 'Glorious and Free. Mostly.' succeeds for the risk it takes. The author is happy to celebrates his newly adopted nation, but willing to take a hard look at Canada's shortcomings as well. The result is a piece that challenges readers to rethink what it means to be Canadian.
When a liberal Texan decides to become a Canadian citizen, he experiences the ups and down of our country's immigration system and discovers that being Canadian is great -- most of the time.

EMERGING WRITER Sponsored by

GOLD
Profiles West
Melissa Molloy
The Accuser and Us

Judges' commentary:

The Accuser and Us is a treacherous journey into one family's struggle with mental illness and the court system. It's a heartfelt, poignant and sometimes terrifying read.

SILVER
Degrees Magazine
Raquel Fletcher
Ten Tree Sees th e Forest and the Trees

Judges' commentary:

Ten Tree Sees the Forest and the Trees is classic journalism, asking all the right questions for its readers and giving them meaningful, memorable answers.
It's rare to see a young journalist recognize the narrative tools available, and use them -- confidently, sparingly -- to sculpt what could have been an ordinary business story into something that stands out.

ESSAY

GOLD
Alberta Views
Karen Connelly
Washing the Body

Judges' commentary:

Washing the Body tackled the emotional minefield of a mother’s hospice death (and life) with an engaging poetic voice in an intimate essay beautifully balanced and crafted.
Washing the Body is a reflective story that is seeped with texture, mood and genuine emotion. Its intimate perspective gives us insight into the bonds of family and humanity and the nature of graceful acceptance.

SILVER
Eighteen Bridges
Max Fawcett
Why Knot?
Judges' commentary:

Why Knot takes on another universal theme of marriage (and divorce) from an unmarried adult son’s view. Layers of research and personal experience build on each other to form this engaging essay that pits the idea against the institution.
Why Knot is a fascinating read that combines thorough research with a fresh personal perspective. It tells an eccentric history of marriage seamlessly intertwined with details about a family’s intimate history.

FEATURE WRITING (SHORT) Sponsored by

GOLD
Western Living
Stacey McLachlan
The Bounty Hunter

SILVER
up!
Zac Unger
Small is Beautiful

FICTION

GOLD
Eighteen Bridges
Caroline Adderson
I Feel Lousy

Judges' commentary:

Caroline Adderson takes on big themes of love, loyalty and betrayal in this deftly written story about the messiness of life and the triumph of the spirit.

SILVER
filling Station
Natalie Morrill
Ossicles

Judges' commentary:

The fears and fantasies of a 6 year spin out of control against the backdrop of normalcy in this highly original story about coping with trauma.

POETRY

GOLD
Eighteen Bridges
Karen Solie
Rothko via Muncie, Indiana

Judges' commentary:

There's an exciting tension between the abstract subtlety of his paintings and mundane details of baseball diamonds and divorce. There are knotty particularities in this poem -- most significantly, the poem gets more complex the more it's read.

SILVER
FreeFall
Richard Harrison
Poem for a Crescent Moon

Judges' commentary:

Gorgeous, sensual, thoughtful and mature; it tells a whole story through immediate and specific imagery, and invites the reader to contemplate the nature of love and the journeys we all take.

PROFILE

GOLD
Eighteen Bridges
Curtis Gillespie
The Populist

Judges' commentary:

Gillespie creates a real, accessible portrait of Hart Hanson while pulling the curtain back on the backrooms of Hollywood.

SILVER
Eighteen Bridges
Christine Fischer Guy
Burden of Proof

Judges' commentary

Fischer Guy’s profile of one woman’s efforts to bring truth to an issue long shrouded in misinformation managed to enlighten, educate and entertain. What more could a reader ask for?

SERVICE Sponsored by

GOLD
Swerve
Kim Gray
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Judges' commentary:

I thought I knew snow. And I thought I never wanted to think about shoveling again. This fun, creative and information-packed approach to every Canadian’s most dreaded task proved me wrong on all fronts
A cheerful, well-written and well-crafted piece that takes a surprisingly innovative and insightful look at one of life’s more mundane chores. One might well ask how one could fill six pages on the subject of shovelling snow, and yet no part seemed like filler. The different components interacted well and were filled with moments that engaged, bringing forth the ‘ahs’ and ‘oh, really's’ of good service writing.

SILVER
Avenue Edmonton
Tina Faiz
Truck Nuts

Judges' commentary:

Faiz’s light, bright voice is the perfect complement to this piece that had me all but wiping the barbeque sauce from my chin.
The food descriptions were filled with tight yet detailed writing that often rose to the saliva-inducing, “I’ve got to try that” moments characteristic of food writing at its best. This, supplemented by interesting tidbits and morsels of history, trivia and useful information about the entrepreneurs and their various mobile eateries made this a satisfying read

VISUAL

ART DIRECTION FOR A SINGLE ISSUE Sponsored by

GOLD
UPPERCASE
Janine Vangool, publisher, designer, editor
Issue #13

Judges' commentary:

This magazine is well suited for its audience. The variety and creativity in imagery and content works well to keep interest throughout.
Uppercase is a visual treat from first page to last. The design is simple, engaging, and colorful, and provides the perfect counterpoint to the lush and diverse collection of imagery. There's a rich texture to the ever-changing selection of story presentations. Everything about Uppercase's design, from the paper selection, format size, to the delicate use of metallic ink on the cover, is in perfect harmony with the magazine's editorial mission.

SILVER
UPPERCASE
Janine Vangool, publisher, designer, editor
Issue #15

Judges' commentary:

A well curated collection of photos, illustrations, people and stories that remain true to the issue's theme, while still being fresh in approach.
Uppercase's design is the complete package: smart, thoughtful, engaging design, great paper, a beautiful, graphic cover, and a rich treasury of imagery. Best of all, the design all works in harmony with the content and the magazine's crafty, DIY aesthetic.

FEATURE DESIGN

GOLD
Swerve
Vishu Mahajan, art director
Double Take

Judges' commentary:

There is a striking graphic quality to these images, bringing a fresh perspective on scenes that would otherwise be simply overlooked.
A great example of how design can complement and accentuate an already striking subject matter. This feature demonstrates how restrain in design is an important skill in itself.

SILVER
Western Living
Randall Watson, art director; Carlo Ricci, John Sinal, Martin Tessler, Nic Lehoux, Eugene Uhuad and Robert Lemermeyer, photographers; Maureen Willick, stylist
Designers of the Year

Judges' commentary:

A clean design allows the beauty of the spaces to engage the reader.
An article that visually holds well together through the use of impactful photography, bold colour and consistent type treatments.

ILLUSTRATION Sponsored

GOLD
Alberta Oil
Dushan Milic
End of Da ys

Judges' commentary:

Stormy skies appear to be closing in on the man who is trying desperately to keep the gas alight, leading the viewer to feel a sense of uncertainty for the company.

SILVER
Swerve
Josh Holinaty
The Art of Snow Removal

Judges' commentary:

I enjoyed the playful and whimsical nature of the illustration, which lent itself well to the subject matter. I thought the integration of the subject with the type was smart, and made it more interesting.

PHOTOGRAPH

GOLD
Alberta Oil
Curtis Comeau, photographer; Kim Larson, art director
Calling Nisku

Judges' commentary:

A graphic and elegant corporate environmental portrait. The subject's facial expression reveals a real connection with photographer.
A strong environmental portrait of China's Tony Wang that creatively sets Wang among the tools of his trade. Pipelines act as bold visual reference points to draw us into the story of the man and his work. Shot at a time of day when many photographers could not handle the light, photographer Curtis Comeau adds location strobe to available light to carve out just the right amount of three dimensionality. Bravo.

SILVER
Where Calgary
Jason Eng, photographer; Veronica Cowan, art director
Urban Renewal

Judges' commentary:

Absolutely stunning image! My eyes never get tired of looking at it. It's complex yet effortlessly simple. A real winner.
A nice juxtaposition of fashion, architecture and landscape that instantly excites the eye through creative use of composition, colour and mood. Photographer Jason Eng makes it look effortless to align all of the visual elements into perfect harmonic balance while also eliciting a striking pose from the model.

INTEGRATED

COVER Sponsored by

GOLD
Avenue Calgary
Anders Knudsen and Erin Burns, art directors; Jared Sych, photographer; Alicja Wilkosz, hair and makeup; Julie Van Rosendaal, food stylist
Last Supper

Judges' commentary:

The special execution/gatefold really has a big impact, and the local/insider feel of all the cultural references associated with the various personalities is a lot of fun to try to decipher
This clever solution was tastefully executed, and utilized the format of the gatefold very well.

SILVER
Alberta Venture
Kim Larson, art director; Gary Stevensen, illustrator
The Sin & Self-Improvement Issue/August 2012

Judges' commentary:

A delightfully whimsical and unexpected illustration, especially for a business magazine. Tons of newsstand appeal and a nice surprise for subscribers and regular readers.
I liked that there were many different entry points into the cover. The colour and type gave the cover a lot of energy, and made it more compelling.

DIGITAL

DIGITAL PRESENCE

GOLD
Galleries West
Tom Tait, Kim Machado, Kristy Davison
www.gallerieswest.ca

SILVER
Avenue Calgary
Allison McNeely, web editor; Dave Wilkinson, technology director; Joel Collyer, web developer; Kenny Odlum, web designer; Jennifer Hamilton, executive editor; Jaelyn Molyneux, senior editor; Jay Winans, managing editor; Ricky Zayshley, associate editor; Meredith Bailey, editorial assistant; Shelley Arnusch, staff writer
www.avenuecalgary.com

Categories for Showcase Awards

Written Categories

Alberta Story Sponsored by

Articles in this category must showcase a distinctly Alberta subject, flavour and flair. This is subject to broad interpretation but examples would be stories about Alberta’s cultural and economic scene; stories about interesting Albertans; or stories told from a distinctly Albertan perspective. Entries in this category are not eligible for entry in any other written category.

Emerging Writer Sponsored by

This category is for non-fiction or journalistic work written by either a current full-time post-secondary student or a magazine intern who has graduated within the past three years. Articles published in magazines (including university/college) based in Western Canadian provinces (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba) are eligible. Entries do not have to be from an AMPA member magazine. This award goes to the writer whose early work in magazines shows the highest degree of craft and promise. The award was established to honour and preserve the memory of journalist Amber Webb-Bowerman and to help support emerging magazine talent.

Essay

Articles in this category include those in which a writer’s perspective is paramount. Regular columns may also be entered in this category.

Feature Writing (Short) Sponsored by

Articles in this category include any fact-based work of non-fiction no longer than 2,000 words. Judging will emphasize writing quality and impact. Entries are not eligible for entry in any other written category.

Fiction

Articles in this category include any work of fiction first published by the magazine. Entries are not eligible for entry in any other written category.

Poetry

Articles in this category include any work of poetry first published by the magazine. A collection of up to three poems by the same author, all published in the same issue, may also be entered in this category. Entries are not eligible for entry in any other written category.

Profile

Articles in this category focus on a person or a group.

Service Sponsored by

Articles in this category include any explanatory or informational piece, which organizes information of a practical applicability to the reader. Topics can cover health, medicine, relationships, education, travel, recreation, sports, music, entertainment, décor, hobbies, food, fashion, personal finance, etc.

Visual Categories

Art Direction for a Single Issue Sponsored by

The use of compelling imagery and graphic elements that work creatively and engagingly to support the issue’s theme. This award is granted to art directors and their staff or freelance associates for a single magazine issue.

Feature Design

The use of compelling imagery and graphic elements that work creatively and engagingly to support the story narrative. This award is granted to art directors and their staff or freelance associates for a single magazine article.

Illustration Sponsored by

A compelling and unique illustration that works in the magazine context. Awards are granted to the creator of the work. Entries must be shown in the magazine context. If the entry is not from an article title page, please upload the title page image as well.

Photograph

A compelling and unique photo that works in the magazine context. Awards are granted to the creator of the work. Entries must be shown in the magazine context. If the entry is not from an article title page, please upload the title page image as well. Entrants must declare the nature of any substantial and/or unapparent manipulations of images for the consideration of the judges

Integrated Categories

Cover Sponsored by

Any single magazine cover can be entered. This category is judged on the creative synergy between imagery and textual elements.

Digital Categories

Digital Presence

An online publication or magazine companion website that demonstrates high editorial standards and effective use of the digital medium to reach and engage the intended audience. Demonstrates best practices in navigation and architecture; interactivity, including use of social media or mobile apps; excellent content and outstanding design; and, if applicable, integration with print publication.

Guidelines and Rules for Showcase Awards

Guidelines and Rules for All Showcase Awards

The Alberta Magazine Awards competition is open to all current AMPA member magazines (with the exception of the Emerging Writer award, which is open to all magazines) whose work has been published in an issue dated 2012. Submissions from digital magazine and magazine websites must be original work first published during the 2012 calendar year.

A magazine may submit up to 3 entries per category
Advertorial and/or promotional content will be ruled inadmissible
Entries that do not conform to the rules or fit category definitions may be disqualified without notice. Entry fees will not be refunded
No entries will be returned. No refunds will be granted
All decisions made by the judges are final
Judges reserve the right to not grant an award in a category if, in their opinion, no entry merits one
AMPA reserves the right to use the winning entries in the awards program for exhibit, educational purposes, online and/or in a publication of collected work
The number of finalists in each category will be proportionate to the number of entries submitted in each category up to a maximum of ten finalists
Finalists will be announced in each category prior to the Awards Gala
See specific guidelines and rules for applicable categories below.

Specific Rules for Written Categories

Awards for writing are open to staff or freelance contributors
With the exception of the fiction category, all written submissions must be non-fiction
The same written work may be entered in multiple categories unless otherwise indicated
Awards in the written categories are not open to articles published under ‘second rights’
The Emerging Writer award refers to non-fiction or journalistic work written by either a current full-time post-secondary student or a magazine intern who has graduated within the past three years. Articles published in magazines (including university/college) based in Western Canadian provinces (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba) are eligible. Entries do not have to be from an AMPA member magazine.

Specific Rules for Visual Categories

Awards for design are open to staff or freelance contributors
The same piece may be entered in multiple categories unless otherwise indicated

Specific Rules for Digital Categories

Entries must have been live online during at least part of 2012, through to April 2013.

Judging for Showcase Awards

Judging for All Showcase Awards

Judges are responsible for the selection of finalists by first working individually to submit scores from 0 to 100. From these scores the top 10 submissions are compiled and a gold and silver winner and up to eight finalists are determined. If the judges' scores vary by 15 or more points on more than one-fifth of the entries, all finalists in that category will proceed to a second round of judging, via a moderated conference call, to deliberate and collaboratively determine finalists, silver and gold winners. Their decision is final. Judges in all categories receive written instructions and an explanation of the judging process. See specific judging criteria for applicable categories.

Conflict of Interest:

A judge shall be considered ineligible to adjudicate a panel in which: his/her name appears on the masthead of the magazine entered in that category; is entered as a writer or other contributor in that category.

Category Review:

AMPA reviews its awards categories annually. Stakeholders are welcome to provide feedback on the clarity of category descriptions, relevance, and omissions.

Judging for All Written Categories

All entries are adjudicated by a carefully selected panel of three industry professionals who give equal weight to the five following areas:

Writing style, engaging voice	/20
Content	/20
Creativity; originality	/20
Appropriateness for target audience and ability to engage readers	/20
Overall impact	/20

Judging for All Visual Categories

Aesthetic considerations are the main focus of entries in visual categories, but judges also weigh the appropriateness of the visual material for the:

accompanying text
magazine medium
intended audience

Specific Judging for Feature Design

Overall

Layout is creative, original, fresh and impactful
Images, graphic elements and text work well together

/40

/20

Image or Graphic Elements

Layout is creative, original, fresh and impactful
Images, graphic elements and text work well together

/20

/10

Text

Text works well within the design

/10

Specific Judging for Art Direction for a Single Issue

Overall

Layout is creative, original, fresh and impactful
Images, graphic elements and text work well together

/40

/20

Image or Graphic Elements

Creativity, originality, visual impact
Quality of production

/20

/10

Text

Text works well within the design

/10

Specific Judging for Photograph

Creativity, originality, visual impact	/50
Works well in context	/30
Quality of production	/20

Specific Judging for Illustration

Creativity, originality, visual impact	/50
Works well in context	/30
Quality of production	/20

Judging for Integrated Categories

Specific Judging for Cover

This category is judged on the creative synergy between imagery and textual elements.

Overall

Image and cover line are synergistic, reinforce each other through literal or subtextual means
Logo, image, graphic elements and text all work together

/20

/10

Graphic Element/Image

Creativity, originality, visual impact
Quality of production

/40

Text

Cover line content
Cover line appearance

/20

Judging for Digital Categories

Specific Judging for Digital Presence

Overall experience	/30
Content	/20
Structure	/10
Navigation	/10
Visual Design	/10
Functionality	/10
Interactivity	/10

How to Enter Showcase Awards - 2013 Competition is Closed

We are no longer accepting awards entries for the 2013 Alberta Magazine Awards.

A magazine may submit up to 3 entries per category
If you do not already have an AMPA website user account, you will need to create your website account to access awards entry forms: http://albertamagazines.com/component/chronoforms/?chronoform=Registration
You have the option to add and upload multiple entries at any time (up to the submissions deadline) by logging in to your website account, with just one payment at the end for all entries.
All submissions must include the magazine’s editorial mandate.
Each entry must include a high-resolution (300 dpi) image, in PDF format only, no larger than 20 MB.
The image filename should be formatted accordingly: categoryabbreviation_magazine_entrytitle (no spaces or punctuation symbols). (e.g. Illustration entry Due Diligence from Alberta Oil would be: I_AlbertaOil_DueDiligence.pdf). Category abbreviations are as follows:
- Alberta Story = A
- Art Direction for a Single Issue = AD
- Cover = C
- Digital Presence = D
- Emerging Writer = EW
- Essay = E
- Feature Design = FD
- Feature Writing (Short) = FW
- Fiction = F
- Illustration = I
- Photograph = PH
- Poetry = P
- Profile = PR
- Service = S
Each entry for “Digital Presence” must include an image with the above file specifications (e.g., screenshot of homepage) and a website URL (live from the date of entry through April 2013).
For Art Direction for a Single Issue, please fill out the form and send four copies of this issue to the AMPA office (#304, 1240 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary AB T2N 3P7) by January 10, 2013.
The fee is $30 per entry ($20 for non-profit organizations). There is no fee for the Emerging Writer award. Payment can be made via PayPal (including credit cards) or by cheque. The online form will prompt selection of payment method.
Deadline for entries & fee payments: 12:00 noon on Thursday, January 10, 2013.

Winner Recognition for Showcase Awards

The winner of each Showcase Award category will receive a cash prize. Winners will be announced at the Awards Gala held Thursday, March 14, 2013 in Calgary.

2013 Achievement Awards

Description for Achievement Awards

The Achievement Awards recognize the innovation and creativity made by an individual or publication to the magazine industry. Achievement Awards include both Individual and Publication Categories: Achievement in Publishing, Editor of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Best New Magazine.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS RECIPIENTS

EDITOR OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Mike Ganley, recipient of the 2013 Editor of the Year award!

Editor of Alberta Venture since 2011, Mike Ganley engages with the issues facing Alberta’s business sector with immense energy. He has distinguished himself as a leader and collaborator, developing initiatives that have not only contributed to discussions in Alberta, but have launched them. Read the full description of Mike Ganley's editorial accomplishments.

ACHIEVEMENT IN PUBLISHING

Congratulations to Elaine Kupser, recipient of the 2013 Achievement in Publishing award!

Elaine Kupser launched IMPACT Magazine in September 1991, with $5,000 seed money and raw determination. By the time the magazine celebrated its 20^th anniversary, its circulation had expanded sevenfold, and its page count increased from 32 to a record of 164. More significantly, Elaine celebrated a two-decade journey from fitness professional and novice publisher, to inspiring leader in both the fitness and publishing industries. Read the full description of Elaine Kupser's career accomplishments.

Categories for Achievement Awards

Individual Categories

Achievement in Publishing Sponsored by

To qualify, a nominee must have worked a minimum of five years in the Alberta magazine industry. The award is open to all magazine professionals in various areas of publishing, including but not limited to publishers, editors, art directors, freelancers, sales managers and circulation experts. Previous nominees are eligible for this award, but not previous winners.

Editor of the Year

To qualify, magazine editors must have been employed by an Alberta magazine and worked on at least two consecutive issues in the year 2012. Editors of magazines that do not abide by the national Magazine Advertising-Editorial Guidelines are not eligible. (View these guidelines at http://www.albertamagazines.com/images/member/Code-of-Reader-Advertiser-Engagement-2.pdf)

Volunteer of the Year

To qualify, a nominee must have contributed more than 30 volunteer hours in 2012 to a member magazine or to AMPA.

Publications Categories

Best New Magazine

To qualify, the magazine must have a head office in Alberta, and began publishing within 18 months of December 31, 2012. Entrants must include an editorial mandate, and four copies of one or two recent issues. Magazines that do not abide by the national Magazine Advertising-Editorial Guidelines are not eligible. (View these guidelines at http://www.albertamagazines.com/images/member/Code-of-Reader-Advertiser-Engagement-2.pdf).

Guidelines and Rules for Achievement Awards

Nominees must be current residents of Alberta and do not have to be members of AMPA

AMPA reserves the right to use the winning nomination materials in the awards program for exhibit, educational purposes, online and/or in a publication of collected work
See category descriptions for specific guidelines and rules

Judging for Achievement Awards

Judging for All Achievement Awards

Individuals from the AMPA Board of Directors, as well as a previous Achievement Award winner and one industry expert, will make up the judging committee. The committee will consider submitted nominations, along with nominations from the committee itself to select a winner. See specific judging criteria for applicable categories.

Judging for Individual Categories

Specific Judging for Achievement in Publishing

The winner will have demonstrated:

A history of creating excellent magazine content and/or products
Long-term success in the magazine industry
Significant contributions to the Alberta magazine industry, including volunteer work, advocacy, leadership and collaboration

Specific Judging for Editor of the Year

The winner will have achieved standards of excellence in the creation of an Alberta magazine or magazines, demonstrating that they:

fulfill the stated mandate or vision of the magazine through editorial content that is engaging and relevant to its target audience.
maintain high standards of editorial quality throughout the magazine.

Judges will also recognize the nominee who demonstrates strong qualities of resourcefulness, collaboration and vision, as demonstrated by the nominee’s ability to:

bring out excellence in writers.
maximize economic and people resources in the creation of superior content.
engage stakeholders in venues beyond the magazine in ways that strengthen the magazine’s brand and sustainability.

Specific Judging for Volunteer of the Year

The winner will have demonstrated that they bettered the Alberta magazine industry through their involvement and have inspired others to take part in the industry. Nominees will be evaluated on both their volunteer contributions in 2012 and their past history of volunteer involvement.

Judging for Publications Categories

Specific Judging for Best New Magazine

The winner is a publication that demonstrates excellence in editorial and design, fulfills a niche within the industry, and has strong potential for long-term sustainability. Magazines that do not abide by the national Magazine Advertising-Editorial Guidelines are not eligible. (View these guidelines at http://www.albertamagazines.com/images/member/Code-of-Reader-Advertiser-Engagement-2.pdf).

How to Nominate for Achievement Awards - 2013 Competition is Closed

We are no longer accepting awards nominations for the 2013 Alberta Magazine Awards.

A nominee can be anyone who has made a significant contribution to Alberta’s magazine publishing industry and is a current resident of Alberta.
If you do not already have an AMPA website user account, you will need to create one to access Achievement Awards nomination forms: http://albertamagazines.com/component/chronoforms/?chronoform=Registration
You have the option to add and upload multiple nominations at any time (up to the submissions deadline) by logging in to your website account.
Complete one online form for each nominee. Anyone in the industry can make a nomination, and self-nominations are permitted
All decisions made by the judges are final
Judges reserve the right to not grant an award in a category if, in their opinion, no entry merits one
Submissions to Individual Categories require letters of support
The Individual Categories support letters filename should be formatted accordingly: categoryabbreviation_nomineefullname_Letter# (no spaces or punctuation symbols). (e.g. filename of the 2^nd letter of support nominating Rob Tanner for Achievement in Publishing: AP_RobTanner_2). Category abbreviations are as follows:

- Achievement in Publishing = AP
- Best New Magazine - BNM
- Editor of the Year = EY
- Volunteer of the Year = VY

There is no fee for nominations
Deadline for nominations: 12:00 noon on Thursday, January 10, 2013

Winner Recognition for Achievement Awards

Winners will be announced prior to the Awards Gala. The winners are invited to attend the event with a guest.

Past Awards Winners & Finalists

2012 Showcase Awards

The winners of the 2012 Showcase Awards were celebrated at the March 22 Alberta Magazine Awards gala:

Best Alberta Story	Best Feature Design
Best Short Editorial	Best Illustration
Best Digital Presence	Best Photograph
Best Cover

2012 Achievement Awards

The winners of the 2012 Achievement Awards were celebrated at the March 22 Alberta Magazine Awards gala:

Achievement in Publishing – Ruth Kelly, Venture Publishing

Achievement in Publishing is awarded to a nominated individual who has a history of creating excellent magazine content and/or products; achieved long-term success in the magazine industry; and made significant contributions to the Alberta magazine industry, including volunteer work, advocacy, leadership, and collaboration.

Editor of the Year – Chris Welner, Impact Magazine

Editor of the Year is awarded to a nominated individual who fulfills the stated mandate of the magazine through editorial content that is engaging and relevant to its target audience; demonstrates strong qualities of resourcefulness, collaboration and vision; and engages stakeholders in venues beyond the magazine in ways that strengthen the magazine's brand and sustainability.

Volunteer of the Year (tied) – Kayla Nash, Lethbridge Living; Bobbi Beatty, Other Voices

Volunteer of the year is awarded to a nominated individual who has bettered the Alberta magazine industry through their involvement and has inspired others to take part in the industry.

Best New Magazine – WE Magazine, Venture Publishing on behalf of United Way

The Best New Magazine is awarded to a nominated publication that demonstrates excellence in editorial and design, fulfills a niche within the industry, and has strong potential for long-term sustainability.

View the Alberta Magazine Awards image gallery.