Categories

Any advertising, design, direct or interactive materials first published, broadcast, distributed, or posted between May 1, 2017 and June 1, 2018 may be entered for a Hatch Award. The creative concept must have roots in New England, whether it be work from a New England-based agency or for a New England-based client.

Click here to download The 58th Annual Hatch Awards Entry Kit

Annual Reports

Annual report for a company, including non-profit organizations.

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

App Development

At least one, but no more than five, interactive apps developed specifically for mobile media across the same creative campaign. Including mobile, desktop, social and widget apps.
Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Best Use of Branded Content

Creative executions that fuse advertising and editorial content as a way to communicate a brand’s message or values to its target audience. Branded Content can have appeared in any media form. [All Media]
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Business-to-Business Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, creative messages designed and placed to reach a business. For example, business and industrial products and services aimed at retailers, distributors, brokers, dealers, jobbers, advertising agencies, etc. [All Media]

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Business-to-Business Single Entry


Creative messaging designed and placed to reach a business. For example, business and industrial products and services aimed at retailers, distributors, brokers, dealers, jobbers, advertising agencies, etc. [All Media]
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Cause Related Marketing Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, pieces of marketing created on behalf of a brand for a greater cause. [All Media]
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Cause Related Marketing Single Entry

Marketing created on behalf of a brand for a greater cause. [All Media]
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Corporate Communications

At least one, but no more than five, creative executions developed by advertising or marketing agencies, in-house agencies, design studios, interactive firms, technical/production studios and media suppliers of any size to promote (or recruit for) themselves or trade associations, such as The Ad Club. [All Media]
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Creating a Movement

Best use of crowdsourcing tactics to creatively produce content that mobilizes people behind a shared purpose and makes a change in thought or behavior to benefit a product or campaign. [All Media]

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Digital: Advertising Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, digital ads of any size, designed for web.

Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Digital: Advertising Single Entry

Digital ad of any size, designed for web.
Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Digital: Games

Games created with the purpose of promoting a brand.

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.
Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Digital: Rich Media Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, rich media banners, interstitials and superstitials, any size media unit, that use rich media (Flash, rollover/click-to-expand technologies, video, etc.) to encourage interaction.
Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Digital: Rich Media Single Entry

Rich media banners, interstitials and superstitials, any size media unit, that use rich media (Flash, rollover/click-to-expand technologies, video, etc.) to encourage interaction.
Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Digital: Video Long Form Campaign

A campaign comprised of at least three, but no more than five, videos each 1 minute in length or longer, produced exclusively for digital media.

Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Digital: Video Long Form Single Entry

Video 1 minute in length or longer produced exclusively for digital media.

Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Digital: Video Short Form Campaign

A campaign comprised of at least three, but no more than five, videos each under 1 minute in length, produced exclusively for digital media.

Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Digital: Video Short Form Single Entry

Video under 1 minute in length produced exclusively for digital media.

Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Elements of Advertising: Illustration & Animation

Entries in any media type featuring outstanding executions of Illustration or Animation as a key component to the creative.

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Elements of Advertising: Music

Entries featuring outstanding use of original or positioned Music as a key component to the creative.

Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Elements of Advertising: Special Effects & Photo Editing

Entries in any media type featuring outstanding executions of Special Effects or Photo Editing as a key component to the creative.

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Elements of Advertising: Videography

Entries featuring outstanding Videography as a key component to the creative.

Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Experiential: Consumer Activations

Creative activations that target a physical interaction or engagement between a brand and its target audience (the consumer), with the goal of eliciting an emotion, action, or response. Entries in this category could include guerrilla, mobile, pop-up, sports, and entertainment activations. [All Media]

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Experiential: Live Events


Live events that create engagement between a brand and its target audience (the consumer). The goal of the engagement is to elicit an emotion, action, or response from the target audience. Entries in this category would include events such as conferences, product launches, and special events. [All Media]

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Experiential: Other i.e. Augmented/Virtual Reality

Any physical environment, space, or experience that connects the brand with the consumer that does not categorize as a Live Event or Consumer Activation. [All Media]

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Identity System

At least three, but no more than five, samples of the logo execution, such as letterhead, envelope, business card, animation, flash execution, out of home, etc. for any company, including non-profit organizations.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Innovative Use of Media Campaign

At least three, but no more than five pieces that use media vehicles in a new or exciting way to execute their message. In this category the medium is very much part of the creative. [All Media]

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Innovative Use of Media Single Entry

A single piece that uses a media vehicle in a new or exciting way to execute its message. In this category the medium is very much part of the creative. [All Media]

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Logo Design

Logo designed for any company or brand.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG

Mobile: Advertising Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, creative executions developed exclusively to run on mobile media.
For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.
Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Mobile: Advertising Single Entry

Creative execution developed exclusively to run on mobile media.

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.
Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Multi-Platform Campaign

Campaigns involving multiple formats (i.e. print, television, interactive, viral, video, social, radio, etc.) that fall under a singular, cohesive brand message promoting any one company, product, or service, including public service. Submissions must be a cohesive integrated idea across various formats. [All Media]

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Out-of-Home Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, pieces of printed or digital outdoors and transit posters, billboards, 2-sheets, car cards, TDI posters, bumper stickers or advertising posters.

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Out-of-Home Single Entry

Printed or digital outdoor and transit posters, individual billboard, 2-sheets, car cards, TDI posters, bumper stickers or advertising posters.

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Packaging & Point-of-Purchase Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, creative executions designed to stimulate on-site purchase. For example, packaging, labels, shopping bags, in-store signage, counter cards, aisle displays, and 3-dimensional or freestanding displays for any audience.

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Packaging & Point-of-Purchase Single Entry

Physical creative messaging designed to stimulate on-site purchase. For example, packaging, labels, shopping bags, in-store signage, counter cards, aisle displays, and 3-dimensional, digital, or freestanding displays for any audience.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Personal Branding

At least one, but no more than five, self-promotion creative executions in any media for an individual or freelance professional. [All Media] 

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Print: Company Literature

At least one, but no more than five, brochures, sales kit, booklets, or catalogs for any audience or company.

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG

Print: Consumer Magazine Single Page or Smaller Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, single magazine ads, in any size, appearing in general consumer magazines.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG

Print: Consumer Magazine Single Page or Smaller Single Entry

Single magazine ads, any size, appearing in general consumer magazines.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG

Print: Consumer Magazine Spread Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, magazine ads, spread size, appearing in general consumer magazines. (Continuous-page advertisements are to be submitted in this category if the advertiser is identified on only one portion of the ad.)
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG

Print: Consumer Magazine Spread Single Entry

Single magazine ads, spread size, appearing in general consumer magazines. (Continuous-page advertisements are to be submitted in this category if the advertiser is identified on only one portion of the ad.)
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG

Print: Newspaper Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, single newspaper ads, any size. (Ads from Sunday supplements are to be entered in the Consumer Magazines category.)
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG

Print: Newspaper Single Entry

Single newspaper ads, any size. (Ads from Sunday supplements are to be entered in the Consumer Magazines category.)
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG

Print: Posters Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, posters with a creatively related concept.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG

Print: Posters Single Entry

Individual poster.
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG

Public Service Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, creative executions produced for a non-profit organization for the purpose of the public good. Public Service does not attempt to sell product or promote a corporate image. [All Media]

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Public Service Single Entry

Any creative execution produced for a non-profit organization for the purpose of the public good. Public Service does not attempt to sell a product or promote a corporate image. [All Media]

Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Radio Single Entry

Individual commercials promoting consumer or business products or services (both broadcast and streaming radio ads will be accepted)
Accepted Media:

  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script

Radio Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, commercials promoting consumer or business products or services (both broadcast and streaming radio ads will be accepted)
Accepted Media:

  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script

Social Media: Earned

Social media programs that did not receive paid placement or a budget, and received only organic reach. Comprised of at least one, but no more than five creative executions, designed to create an experience and engage with online communities to generate exposure, opportunity and sales.

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.

Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Social Media: Multi-Platform

Social media campaigns that span multiple social platforms, and are comprised of at least one, but no more than five creative executions, designed to create an experience and engage with online communities to generate exposure, opportunity and sales.

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.

Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Social Media: Paid

Paid social media advertising, which received paid placements or boosts. Comprised of at least one, but no more than five creative executions, designed to create an experience and engage with online communities to generate exposure, opportunity and sales.

For this category, entrants may include a brief video explanation in addition to the other materials. A supporting document is also allowed but not required.

Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Optional Supporting Materials:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Student Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, entries of work in any media. All work submitted in these categories must be speculative. All students still enrolled in college are eligible, as are students of The Ad Club classes and other professional development programs. Work in the Student category is ineligible to be entered in any non-Student category, and vice versa. Entrants in this category cannot have worked in the creative field for more than 2 years. [All Media]
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Student Single Entry

Single entry of work in any media. All work submitted in these categories must be speculative. All students still enrolled in college are eligible, as are students of The Ad Club classes and other professional development programs. Work in the Student category is ineligible to be entered in any non-Student category, and vice versa. Entrants in this category cannot have worked in the creative field for more than 2 years. [All Media]
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

TV: Budget Under $50,000 Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, individual commercials promoting any product or service, where the client’s production budget was under $50,000.
Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

TV: Budget Under $50,000 Single Entry

Individual commercials promoting any product or service, where the client’s production budget was under $50,000.
Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

TV: National Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, individual commercials promoting any product or service. TV that runs in a national spot market is considered national TV.
Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

TV: National Single Entry

Individual commercials promoting any product or service, either corporate or retail. TV that runs in a national spot market is considered national TV.
Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

TV: Regional Campaign

At least three, but no more than five, individual commercials promoting any regional product or service, that are produced and aired solely for regional promotion (note: this does not include regional tagging on otherwise national spots).
Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

TV: Regional Single Entry

Individual commercials promoting any regional product or service that are produced and aired solely for regional promotion (note: this does not include regional tagging on otherwise national spots).
Accepted Media:

  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills

Unconventional Format

This category is specifically designed for “big idea” branding projects and formats that don’t necessarily fit into other categories. Entries in this category must be larger brand ideas that go beyond traditional advertising (i.e., something that will take the judges by surprise). [All Media]
Accepted Media:

  • Print: PDF or JPEG
  • Video: .MOV or .MPG (no slates) PLUS the script, and six stills
  • Audio: .MP3 PLUS the script
  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Website: eCommerce

A website created for the primary purpose of explaining and selling products and/or services. Site must include the ability to purchase the product and/or service.

Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Website: Editorial

A website or blog created to distribute a non-tangible product including news, advice, opinions, reviews and/or independent editorial.

Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Website: Non-Profit

A website created for a non-profit cause or NGO, including public service and educational advertising. Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Website: Product/Goods/Service Promotion

A website created to explain or promote tangible or virtual products or services including electronics, cars, clothing, footwear, equipment, applications, games and/or software.

Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Website: Self Promotion

A website created by an agency, individual or group for the purposes of promoting themselves.

Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs

Website: Social Network/Community

A website created to bring together a group of people to engage in dialog and/or collaborative experiences.

Accepted Media:

  • Interactive: URL PLUS login information for password protected sites, and six screen grabs