New West Publishing (dba Colorado Expression) publishes several bi-monthly publications that are
primarily distributed in Colorado. They also give out awards to various event
planners, caterers and decorators. The award program has 14 different categories
and participating entries can enter into single or multiple categories. All of
the entries are submitted in a binder and include a CD with all of the
high-resolution photography. Zapata Data processes all the physical entries into
an online format that was useful to staff and for a new public voting
initiative they call, The
People's Choice Awards.
The Goal:
Provide a way to let allow nationwide subscribers and visitors to view various entries, bios, and photography.
The Solution:
- Created an online registration form including ReCaptcha technology to ensure bots can't create unlimited accounts
- Provided an interface users to view streaming video and image slideshows
- Based on their votes, a standings list automatically tallies all the results and identifies who has received the most overall votes as well as the top 3 winners from each category.
- Provide an interface for editors, writers and graphic designers to collaborate on the entries that would win and be published in the magazine.
The ROI came from the organization of the entry forms and photos into a database. It was easier for staff to handle calls about entries, update/correct any information and they were able to provide their jurors a leisurely approach to rating the entries.
Since then, the online catalog has been used by their editors, graphic designers and writers to find photography to include in, or inspire, articles and page layouts – making the solution multi-faceted. The online catalog includes filenames and entry numbers that coincide with 16GB USB drive that can be passed around the office.
Today, they have everything they needed for the immediate needs of the entry forms and judging process, as well as, ongoing support for day-to-day business following the awards ceremony.