6.01 ARDA Committee Report

Brandon Clokey Last updated 

The 2026 ARDA Season is now behind us, and by every typical standard, it was a success. As previously reported, we did see a decrease in entries, from the previous three years. It was also stated at the previous board meeting some of the reasons that may have lead to the decline.


As with every year, there are post gala housekeeping matters to tend to. They may be a matter of duplicate trophies, assuring judges have received their stipend and small gift, and other details. We are very near to closing the chapter and looking forward to ARDA 2027.


Now is when the processes of the year will be reviewed and discussed during our October and November huddles.  I have been given feedback points from our judges, winners, not winners, board members, and gala attendees. Most of it has been extremely positive, but worth discussion and development where needed.

LOOKING FORWARD:


During the months of September and October, the committee will take a focused a look at two key elements of the award program. These include:


1. A possible shift the ARDA Calendar to Improve the Winner Experience

Beginning with the upcoming awards cycle, ARDA entries could open in March and close in May, allowing judging to take place earlier and winners to begin being announced in October. This adjustment will provide winners with additional time to make travel and scheduling arrangements for the summer Awards Gala while significantly reducing the time between entry submission, award notification, and celebration.


2. Invest ARDA Revenue in Program Growth

The committee will recommend retaining approximately 10%–15% of the previous year's ARDA revenue for targeted marketing outside the existing AIBD membership. Each year, the committee will evaluate the most effective marketing outlets and direct these resources toward opportunities that provide the strongest return on investment and support continued growth of the ARDA program.


The committee and its newly appointed Chair, Ted Hake will look forward to reporting the the Board the result of its findings.