THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS
OF DISTINGUISHED AWARDS

Official

AWARDS MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
and its formal program of study for the
CERTIFIED AWARDS ADMINISTRATOR (C.A.A.)

[Official Statement 8.1.2004]

Purpose

The International Congress of Distinguished Awards (ICDA)—the world’s only organization formed to promote a greater awareness of the most distinguished awards given internationally—has recently established a new fundamental program in the service of the world of awards: The Awards Management Institute. The purpose of this new initiative is to expand the appreciation of awards and award giving in all realms of human civilization; to provide information and data concerning the world’s greatest awards and award programs; and to inform and provide training in essential professional skills for those individuals with the responsibility of administering award programs..

The principal objectives of the Institute are (1) to provide on an annual basis an intensive program of training for existing and new awards administrators; (2) to introduce administrators to a challenging body of information about the history of awards, the present structure of the world of awards, and proven methods of administering awards; (3) to assist administrators in developing a strategic plan for establishing a new award or award program or for upgrading an existing award or award program; and (4) to offer an official certification from the International Congress of Distinguished Awards of those who successfully complete the course of study as a Certified Awards Administrator (C.A.A.).

Certified Awards Administrator (C.A.A.)

In response to numerous suggestions and requests from both award donors and fledgling awards administrators, ICDA has established a program of study and examination leading to the awarding of an official designation of Certified Awards Administrator (C.A.A). Through its official certificate and in confirming letters to employers of awards administrators or prospective employers, the ICDA will certify that participating individuals have successfully completed the prescribed course of study. Individuals who are awarded the certificate may display the certificate in their place of employment and may affix the official letters of the certificate (C.A.A.) to their name in official correspondence, letterhead, business cards, and e-mail and internet identifications as they choose.

As the world of awards develops and matures and as methods of administration change over time, ICDA may offer brief refresher courses to upgrade and reconfirm the initial certification. No person who has not completed ICDA’s certification course of study and been certified as an official C.A.A. may use this designation in any manner. The ICDA maintains a list of certified individuals on its website that may be checked by prospective employers and other interested individuals.

Rationale

The administration and presentation of awards at all levels—whether stand- alone awards with large cash prizes, award programs in professional and peer group associations, or awards given by foundations, clubs, or corporations—is a solemn professional responsibility. However, too often this task is assigned to individuals with little or no knowledge about awards or awards management. And such individuals are often isolated at the periphery of organizations with minimal contact and opportunities for interaction with their peers in the world of awards.

And just as often organizations giving awards—in a perpetual need to limit expenses—legitimately raise questions about the costs of managing and presenting awards. Even experienced awards administrators need to reach out to others in the world of awards to compare costs and practices, to learn about proven methods of administration, and to evaluate her/his own award program.

Then, too, many awards wish to insure or reconfirm their uniqueness or special status in the world of awards. In some cases, awards want to make sure they are the largest in their realm of concentration; that they reflect the highest standards of practice in the selection of recipients; that they are getting the greatest mileage possible from their use of resources; or that they are contributing to the common good of humankind

The ICDA Awards Management Institute and its Certified Awards Administrator program is the unique place where both new and experienced awards administrators can make sure that they are on the cutting edge of the awards administration profession; and that they can demonstrate to boards, employers, and peers their determination to pursue the highest standards of quality and productivity in the world of awards.

Certification of Experienced Awards Administrators

Experienced awards administrators are encouraged to participate in the in the Awards Management Institute; but they may not be required to complete the attendance requirements to achieve the official designation of Certified Awards Administrator. Individuals with a minimum of five (5) years experience in the management of an award or an awards program may by-pass the course requirements of Awards Management Institute and proceed directly to the final examination to become a Certified Awards Administrator. A one-time fee of $2300 ($250 for members) is necessary for an interview, the administration and evaluation of the examination, and the issuance of a certificate. Based upon the results of the examination, ICDA examiners may offer a follow-up consultation prior to the issuance of the C.A.A. designation.

Faculty

Larry E. Tise, PhD, Founder, President, and CEO of the International Congress of Distinguished Awards since 1994. Private Practice Historian. Former executive director of North Carolina Division of Archives and History, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Author of more than fifty books and articles in history, historic preservation, archives, museum and historical management. Degrees from Duke University (A.B., M.Div.) and University of North Carolina (PhD). Resident of Philadelphia, PA.

Darlene Cavalier, former Director of the International Discover Magazine Awards for Technological Innovation; a specialist in development and strategic marketing with commissions from Disney Publishing Worldwide, the Disney Institute, Space.com and the Christopher Columbus Foundation. Graduate of Temple University School of Communications and Theatre; completing graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Resident of Philadelphia, PA.

Susan Anderson, Administrator, Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Special consulting advisor to ICDA.

David R. Curry, Managing Principal, davidrcurryAssociates, Philadelphia, PA. Consulting advisor to ICDA.

Program of Study

The ICDA Awards Management Institute leading to the awarding of the Certified Awards Administrator certificate is an intensive three-day program held annually during the first week in February. The Institute is held in Philadelphia, PA USA, at a suitable training site—usually the fabulous and historic Union League—a unique site in American history unto itself.

The course of study is divided into nine distinct areas of concentration as follows:

Day 1:

1. Introduction to the history, profile, and current structure of the world of awards
2. Introduction to accepted methods, practices, and standards in presenting awards
3. Preparing a strategic plan for a new or existing awards program

Day 2:

4. Profiling some of the world’s most successful awards and award program
5. Evaluating the costs of administering awards or award programs
6. Constructing or deconstructing a budget for an awards program

Day 3:

7. Methods and practices in promoting and presenting awards
8. Presenting strategic plans and budgets for critique and evaluation
9. Oral and written examination

In addition to the prescribed course of study, the Awards Management Institute will provide ample opportunities for participants to meet one-on-one with the Institute’s faculty and staff—particularly in the individual formulation of strategic plans and budgets.

Where possible the Institute will also feature administrators of successful award programs and opportunities for participants to visit selected historical and cultural attractions in Philadelphia.

Pre-Institute Preparation and Readings

Participants will be provided with a detailed program of study outline prior to the Institute. This will include readings for the Institute, outlines of the strategic plans and budgets that will be developed individually during the Institute, and information on special activities, meals, and accommodations at the Institute.

Required readings include:

1. Thorough familiarity with the ICDA website: www.icda.org

2. Thorough familiarity with 5 other award websites chosen by participant.

3. Review and reading of ICDA reports on Distinguished Awards and Corporate Awards Globally.

4. Review and reading of one of the following:

Elizabeth A. Brennan & Elizabeth C. Clarage, Who’s Who of Pulitzer Prize Winners (Oryx Press, 1999)

Burton Feldman, The Nobel Prize: A History of Genius, Controversy, and Prestige (Arcade Publishing, 2000)

Denise Shekerjian, Uncommon Genius: Tracing the Creative Impulse with Forty Winners of the MacArthur Award (Viking, 1990)

5. Thorough familiarity with Awards, Honors, and Prizes (2 vols.; Gale Research, published annually)

6. Other readings as may be assigned and provided to participants prior to the annual Institute.

Oral and Written Examination

Participants in the Awards Management Institute will be given an oral and written final examination on the last day of the Institute. Experienced awards administrators by-passing attendance at the Institute will be given only a written examination, unless an oral consultation is deemed essential in completing the evaluation process.

Both the oral and the written examinations are designed primarily to evaluate reasoning and judgment in dealing with essential awards issues as opposed to testing familiarity with numbers and facts. Nevertheless, successful candidates for designation of C.A.A. should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the basic characteristics of the world of awards Such characteristics are routinely discussed at ICDA meetings and workshops and should come as no surprise to experienced administrators.

All examinations and their results are held in strict confidence by ICDA examiners. The results of oral and written examinations held at the conclusion of the Awards Management Institute are reported individually to participants after the Institutes with individual consultation provided as necessary. Experienced administrators taking the written examination will be notified individually of the results and direct consultations provided as needed.

Tuition, Fees, Transportation, and Lodging

Tuition for the Institute is $550 per person ($500 for individual and organizational members of ICDA)—tuition includes the costs of instruction and administration of the Institute and facilities for classes

Fees for the Institute are $300 per person—including training materials, lunches, and breaks during the Institute.

Transportation and Lodging—are the responsibility for individual participants. Luxurious rooms are provided at the Union League at a rate far below commercial lodging in the immediate area of center city Philadelphia.

Special requirements—participants should inform ICDA with registration of any special needs in meals or in mobility during the Institute.