What is this award?
START-IT’s Top 50 Technologies honor innovative products that target the manufacturing industry.

Who can enter?
Any technology/product designed for the manufacturing space is eligible for this award.

What is the deadline?
The deadline for entries is July 24, 2008. Entries will not be accepted after the deadline.

How do we enter?
Simply download a ballot to enter. Complete this ballot as recommended and submit prior to the deadline.

What is the best way to submit?
We recommend that entries be completed as follows:

• Steps 1 and 2 should be completed in a Word document, and emailed along with the required materials outlined in Step 3.
• For Step 2, complete the corresponding questions. Please adhere to the given word count.
• Step 4 is the required subscription. Please provide the requested information in the above-mentioned Word document, if necessary.
• Steps 5 – 8 should be completed on the ballot pages themselves, including all the necessary signatures. These pages can be scanned and emailed to mmayer@start-itmag.com along with the additional materials or faxed to 630.933.0845. These are the ONLY steps that should be completed on those pages and faxed for submission.
• Entries can also be mailed to the magazine directly. Applications must be received on or before the submission deadline to be accepted.

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Where should entries be sent?
Specialty Publishing Co.
c/o START-IT magazine – Top 50 Technologies
135 E. St. Charles Rd. Suite D
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Email: mmayer@start-itmag.com
Fax: 630.933.0845

Can we enter on behalf of another company?
Yes. The company listed in Step 1 on the ballot will be considered the entrant, or the company eligible to win. In the past, public relations firms have aided in the submission process. This is acceptable, however, the applying companies must approve the final entry as well as provide the required signatures.

Can we submit more than one entry?
Yes. Companies can submit entries for one or more eligible products. Each entry must be for a unique product and be accompanied with an individual entry form.

What is the entry fee?
The entry fee is $150 US for the first entry and $75 US for each additional entry. The entry fee does include a subscription to the magazine. Entry fees are nonrefundable. The Awards program does not provide any discounts to entry fees. The application form includes a step where payment for the entry fee can be fulfilled. This step must be completed upon submission or the application will not be accepted.

What are the judging criteria?
Applicants are judged on a variety of criteria including how the product has demonstrated its unique capabilities in the marketplace.

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Who judges the entries?
The editors of START-IT evaluate the entries.

What do the judges/editors do when they judge our entry?
With START-IT’s Top 50 Technologies, each judge reads and reviews the completed entry. Each judge rates the entry on whether or not it is should be named one of the Top 50 Technologies.

Can we talk to the judges?
No. We do not allow the entrants to have contact with the judges in regards to how they will be viewing the entry.

Does the magazine publish our entry material?
START-IT magazine publishes print and Web articles highlighting the winners. This material is based on the award submission. We recommend you do not submit material that is not for publication.

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How are the winners determined?
The judges evaluate each company, and the panel will determine the winners based on the criteria. Winners will be announced in the Fall 2008 issue of START-IT.

When do we hear if we won?
Entrants will be notified that they have been named a winner prior to the public announcement of the awards. An article naming the year’s Top 50 Technologies will appear in the Fall 2008 issue of START-IT.

How will we be notified we are a winner?
The Awards Program contacts the persons named in the application by either phone or email. It is extremely important that each nominee provides email addresses that will be operable throughout 2008 and that will accept email from START-IT magazine.

How does the magazine publicize the winners?
START-IT magazine will issue a press release, publish a print article announcing the winners, and post the company names on its Website.

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Can the winners send out a press release?
Yes. All winners are encouraged to send out a press release as the winners are announced. The magazine is also delighted to grant quotes to each winner for use in their press releases. Please make sure START-IT magazine is given the opportunity to approve press releases containing information and/or quotes pertaining to and coming from START-IT magazine and its awards program.

What do we do if we have further questions?
All questions should be directed to Michelle Mayer at 630.933.0844 ext. 246, or via email at mmayer@start-itmag.com.

Download the Ballot for this Award

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