Judges' Orientation

Orientation is a chance for judges to prepare for the competition. At the session, you will review the criteria for evaluating entries, learn about the consensus judging process, and spend time practice judging. Each competition has different requirements for orientation, but we strongly encourage all judges to attend.

If you haven't already signed up as a judge this year, go to the Judges' Registration page. See Dates and Locations for the registration deadlines and locations of the judging events.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask one of the competitions contacts.

Online Communication Competition Judges

The orientation session will start with refreshments and networking, followed by the orientation program. New judges are required to attend orientation. Returning judges are strongly encouraged to attend, both to refresh their knowledge and to add their insight and experience to the training.

Technical Art Competition Judges

All judges are required to attend the orientation session to familiarize themselves with the Art judging process. Full attendance at orientation will ensure an efficient and fair judging process on Consensus Judging Day.

Technical Publications Competition Judges

All judges must attend orientation. You will receive your judging package (containing the publications you will judge) at orientation. Because of rising costs, we will not be able to mail the packages.

New judges must attend a 3-hour orientation session to be introduced to the judging process. This session will explain the forms used, how to approach the process, and what to expect at consensus. Please feel free to attend the full orientation session even if you're an experienced judge.

Lead judges and returning judges (who do not attend the full orientation session) must attend an abbreviated orientation session. This session will introduce new judging forms and act as a refresher course to help lead judges guide their team, and to demonstrate how to reach consensus. The abbreviated session should take no more than an hour.