GENERAL INFORMATION
What are the TAMI Awards?
The TAMI Awards recognize excellence in government communications across Texas. They celebrate outstanding work in areas such as publications, video, social media, websites, marketing, internal communications, and more. All entries must be submitted online via the awards platform: https://tami.awardsplatform.com
What work is eligible to enter?
Any work produced on or after January 1, 2023 is eligible. Entries must be substantially original work from the submitting organization.
What is the submission period?
Submissions open Monday, February 10, 2025, and close on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
How much does it cost to enter?
- Members: $85 per entry
- Non-members: $105 per entry
If you plan to submit multiple entries, consider becoming a member to save on fees.
What if I need to pay by check?
Checks must be received by Monday, March 17, 2025, at the TML Office. If your city requires check payments, submit your entry early to allow processing time.
When will finalists be notified?
Finalists will be notified the week of May 5, 2025.
CHOOSING A CATEGORY
Where can I find the 2025 award categories?
Categories are available on the TAMIO website here: https://texastamio.org/categories-2/
What should I do if I’m unsure which category to enter my work in?
Review the judging criteria and past winners to determine the best category. If you’re still unsure, contact VP of Awards, Sara Bustilloz, sbustilloz@roundrocktexas.gov for guidance.
The VP of Awards or their designee will monitor work submitted before the judging period to ensure it meets the criteria of the category, and a reasonable attempt will be made to contact the submitter if the work does not meet the criteria of the category. In the case contact cannot be made before judging begins, the VP of Awards will move the entry to a category that is a better fit for the work submitted.
What’s new in the 2025 categories?
- New category: New or Refreshed Logo/Visual Branding – Recognizing creative and effective branding efforts.
- Renamed category: Best Overall Use of Short-Form Video → Best Overall Use of Vertical Video (now includes vertical videos up to 90 seconds).
- Category retirement: Best Use of Humor has been removed due to redundancy.
- Expanded category: Innovation → Multimedia – Other (now includes podcasts, radio programs, and other digital formats).
- Renamed category: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Outreach/Campaign → Underserved Audiences (to encourage broader participation).
Is there a limit to how many entries I can submit?
Yes. Starting in 2025, there is a limit of three (3) entries for each agency per category.
As in previous years, each organization can only place once (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) within a given category. “An organization” is generally determined by which taxing entity you fall under, meaning a police department and city communications department from the same city may not both place. The highest placing entry will earn an award.
Can I submit a single entry to multiple categories?
No, an individual entry cannot be submitted in multiple categories within the same award type (e.g., video categories).
However, the same project can be submitted to different award types if it fits. For instance, a special event could be entered under Special Event and Media Relations (if an extensive media relations campaign was created around the event).
JUDGING & SCORING
How do population breaks work?
If a category has more than 15 entries, it may be split into population-based subcategories before judging begins to ensure fairness. The division is based on jurisdiction size and varies by category. If a category has fewer entries, all submissions compete together.
How do tie breaks work?
A maximum of four awards per category will be given. If there is a tie:
- Ties at first place are allowed (two first-place winners).
- If needed, second or third place will be adjusted to maintain the four-award limit.
- Ties will be broken by comparing:
- Overall Impression score; then
- Production Quality score; then
- Combined Goals & Objectives and Results & Outcomes scores
- If a tie remains, a third judge will provide an additional score to break it.
- View the full tie-breaking procedures here.
SUBMISSION BEST PRACTICES
- Be concise but detailed – Avoid unnecessary “word salad.”
- Tell a story – Make it easy for judges to understand why your entry stands out.
- Use clear formatting – A well-organized PDF with supporting materials may help you “walk” the judges through your submission if it has several elements; however, don’t forget to still fill out the fields in the submission portal.
What supporting materials should I include?
- Analytics and measurable outcomes (social media metrics, website traffic, engagement rates, etc.)
- Visuals (screenshots, campaign graphics, photos)
- Testimonials or internal feedback (emails from leadership or community members)
- Presentation decks (Canva, PowerPoint, PDF)
What if my project is still ongoing?
Ask yourself: Have I seen measurable outcomes?
If not, consider waiting until next year when you can provide stronger results.
Can I use AI tools like ChatGPT to help with my submission?
Yes, but avoid overuse of filler language. Focus on real data and clear objectives rather than overly polished wording.
TECHNICAL & PAYMENT ISSUES
How do I pay with a credit card?
- Select PayPal at checkout (even if you don’t have a PayPal account).
- Do not select “Invoice” unless paying by check.
If you accidentally select “Invoice” and want to switch to a credit card, contact VP of Awards Sara Bustilloz to unlock your entry.
What if my submission link doesn’t work?
Double-check that all links are active before submitting. TAMIO does not have the capacity to fix broken links after submission.
What happens if I win but cannot attend the conference?
Notify TAMIO in advance. You will need to cover the cost of shipping to receive your award.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Visit www.texastamio.org for more information, or contact Sara Bustilloz, VP of Awards – sbustilloz@roundrocktexas.gov
We look forward to seeing your entries and celebrating your hard work at the 2025 TAMI Awards!