Editor’s note: What’s on your mind? Submit a supply chain question to Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Rennie at erennie@ascm.org. If yours is selected, she’ll research the topic and share the answer each month in the ASCM Insights Blog.

As the head of the ASCM Awards of Excellence — and with the May 20 deadline fast-approaching — my inbox is currently flooded with inquiries about the program. So, I’ve decided to spend this month’s “Ask ASCM” answering the most common questions I receive. Let’s dig in.

What are the ASCM Awards of Excellence, and can anyone enter?

The ASCM Awards of Excellence are open to any corporation or individual wanting to recognize and celebrate superior supply chain performance. The program is international, and ASCM membership is not required. That said, the judges do consider membership when reviewing submissions, as the spirit of the awards is to highlight how ASCM affiliation enables corporations and individuals to advance and succeed.

What are the award categories?

There are three corporate categories:

1. The ASCM Award of Excellence — Corporate Transformation recognizes an organizational transformation that elevates the business as a result of a supply chain assessment leveraging ASCM global standards, products, services and resources; the APICS body of knowledge; or the Supply Chain Operations Reference Digital Standard.
2. The ASCM Award of Excellence — Learning and Development recognizes an organization’s commitment to productivity and advancement based on the effective and ongoing application of educational concepts, competencies and best practices from ASCM performance-driven team training.
3. The ASCM Award of Excellence — Making an Impact recognizes an initiative that creates a better world through supply chain as a result of pioneering corporate social responsibility, proven business integrity and an unwavering focus on sustainability.

And three individual categories:

1. The ASCM Award of Excellence — Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion honors a professional who displays exceptional commitment to DEI, fosters professional environments that value equality and individual differences, and inspires people of all profiles and backgrounds to succeed in supply chain careers.
2. The ASCM Award of Excellence — Emerging Supply Chain Leader honors a visionary young professional who has made contributions to the supply chain profession that demonstrate strong potential to become an outstanding leader in the field.
3. The ASCM Award of Excellence — Supply Chain Leader honors an executive who exhibits extraordinary team and organizational leadership; provides dedicated coaching, mentoring and support of fellow professionals; and makes lasting contributions to the advancement of the supply chain profession.

Can I enter more than one category?

You may enter as many categories as you like! However, if submitting for an individual award, please ensure the nominee hasn’t also nominated themself — or someone else from your organization has already nominated them. We can’t combine entries, so the latter of the two submissions will be removed from the judging process.

I’d like to enter or nominate someone for the Emerging Leader Award. Is there an age limit?

Yes, nominees must be no older than 35 years of age or have no more than eight years of professional experience, as of May 20, 2024.

How much does it cost?

Nothing! ASCM doesn't charge you to enter, as we want as many people to join in the celebration as possible.

What are the judges looking for in an entry?

The judges base their evaluations on applicants’ supply chain accomplishments, strategies and impact. Here are five ways to wow them:

1. Follow the directions. Read instructions carefully and create targeted responses. Make it easy for our judges to understand why you deserve the win. Address the criteria point by point and be sure any required documents and images are uploaded in the proper format.
2. Solicit feedback. Have one person in charge of the actual submission process, but crowdsource ideas and supporting evidence for each nomination. Providing context, background, facts and figures validates your entry.
3. Avoid PR speak, jargon and acronyms. Be honest, direct and clear. Don’t assume that the judges will understand the industry terms you commonly use. Keeping your language simple will make your entry easier to read and digest.
4. Be persuasive and passionate. Write in a way that shows your own enthusiasm for the initiative or individual you are nominating. Use compelling words and an active voice. If you’re excited about it, chances are our judges will be too.
5. Watch the word count. Our judges have a lot of reading to do; sometimes, the package I send for their review equals the page count of a few novels. Making their lives a little easier can only reflect positively on your submission. Get to the point and include only relevant information.

Can I be a judge? What’s involved?

ASCM relies on volunteers like you to make the awards program great! Judges are assigned specific awards to review and are only responsible for evaluating these entries. Judges commit to carefully reading the qualifications for each award category and applying equal stringency to each submission judged, regardless of the corporation or individual being assessed. They also agree not to reveal any information about the submissions they review, either before or after the official ceremony. Interested in being considered? Apply here!

When and where is the ceremony?

Each year, we honor winners onstage at the ASCM CONNECT Annual Conference. This year, we’re heading to Austin, Texas September 9-11. Don't miss it — conference is always a win!

When will I know if I’ve won?

The judges will wrap up their evaluations by the end of July, so expect to receive an email about your submissions by July 31.

Can I have an extension?

Sorry, our judges are valued volunteers who carefully review many, many entries. To make their reviews as smooth as possible, we need your entry by May 20. Good luck!