Categories in the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service

These are the categories for the 2022 Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

Types of Categories

Sales
   Sales Individuals
   Sales Team
   Sales Achievement
   Sales Distinction
Customer Service & Contact Center
   Customer Service & Contact Center Individual
   Customer Service & Contact Center Team
   Customer Service & Contact Center Achievement
   Customer Service Department
   Customer Service Success
New Product & Service
Solution Provider
Business Development
COVID-19 Response

You may submit any number of entries to any of the following categories. Make sure you get an Entry Kit containing instructions on how to write and submit your entries.

SALES INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
The sales individual categories recognize individual sales professionals.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated individual's achievements since July 1 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2019 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

1. Senior Sales Executive of the Year
Recognizing senior sales executives with titles such as Chief Sales Officer. This category may also be used to recognize senior corporate executives for their role in driving sales achievements.

2. Worldwide Sales Executive of the Year
Recognizing sales executives with responsibility for sales performance on a global level.

3. National Sales Executive of the Year
Recognizing sales executives with responsibility for sales performance on a national level.

4. Sales Director of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of sales directors at organizations of any size, of any type.

5. Sales Manager of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of sales managers and sales professionals with a managerial role at organizations of any size, of any type.

6. Sales Operations Professional of the Year
Recognizing sales executives and sales professionals with a managerial role for their achievements in managing sales organizations that run effectively, efficiently and in support of business strategies and objectives.

7. Sales Training or Education Professional of the Year
Recognizing sales executives and sales professionals with a managerial role who manage, design, or deliver sales training or education in any aspect of work life.

8. Sales Representative of the Year
Recognizing individual sales representatives for their personal contributions to organizations’ sales results. This category is split into four separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes sales representatives in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Other Service Industries: recognizes sales representatives in services industries such as financial services, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   c. Technology Industries: recognizes sales representatives in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   d. All Other Industries: recognizes sales representatives in all industries not covered by the other Sales Representative of the Year categories.

9. Sales Engineer of the Year
A new category for 2022. This category will recognize the achievements since the beginning of July 2019 of individual professionals who prepare and deliver technical presentations explaining products or services to existing and prospective customers; talk with customers and engineers to assess equipment needs and to determine system requirements; and plan and modify products to meet customer needs.

10. Sales Support Professional of the Year
A new category for 2022. This category will recognize the achievements since the beginning of July 2019 of individual professionals who provide administrative, logistical, or resource support to sales organizations.

11. Virtual and Pre-Sales Professional of the Year
A new category for 2022. This category will recognize the achievements since the beginning of July 2019 of individual professionals who offer remote sales and technology expertise to accelerate and enable sales with a global or national scope, or who work closely with sales, service, engineering, and technical support resources prior to a sale to ensure proposed deals include technical solutions that address customer needs.

12. Woman of the Year in Sales
Recognizing women in sales, at any level, for their achievements since the beginning of July 2019.

SALES TEAM CATEGORIES
The sales team categories recognize the members of individual teams within your overall sales department. For example, the team may service a particular customer segment or a single client, or may work in a particular sales territory.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated team's achievements since July 1 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated team: its history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the team's achievements since July 1 2019 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the team's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

19. Account Management Team of the Year
Recognizing the sales management team of a specific client account for their achievements.

20. Global Sales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams whose industry, client, or other focus has a global scope.

21. National Sales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams whose industry, client, or other focus has a national scope.

22. Government Sales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams whose charge is selling to government clients.

23. Field Sales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams that obtain the majority of their business out of the office at face to face meetings with clients.

24. Inside or Telesales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams that obtain the majority of their business by telephone.

25. Online Sales Team of the Year
Recognizing sales teams that obtain the majority of their business via online or social media.

26. Sales Support Team of the Year
Recognizing teams that provide administrative, logistical, or resource support to sales organizations. This category is split into four separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes sales support teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Other Service Industries: recognizes sales support teams in services industries such as financial services, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   c. Technology Industries: recognizes sales support teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   d. All Other Industries: recognizes sales support teams in all industries not covered by the other Sales Support Team of the Year categories.

27. Sales Operations Team of the Year
Recognizing teams that help sales organizations to run effectively, efficiently and in support of business strategies and objectives.

28. Virtual Technology Sales Enablement and Pre-sales Team of the Year
Recognizing teams that provide remote sales and technology expertise to accelerate and enable sales with a global or national scope.

29. Sales Management Team of the Year
Recognizing the leadership teams of sales organizations for their achievements.

SALES ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated organization's achievements since 1 July 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of July 2019 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination. (up to 250 words). Optional

Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files and web addresses that you may upload to our server to support your entry and provide more background information to the judges. These might be planning documents, press clippings, work samples, photographs, video clips, etc.

30. Award for Innovation in Sales
Recognizing new ideas and developments within sales that enabled organizations to implement creative selling and business development strategies, since the beginning of July 2019, to win new customers and grow revenue. his This category is split into four separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes innovation in sales in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Other Service Industries: recognizes innovation in sales in services industries such as financial services, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   c. Technology Industries: recognizes innovation in sales in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   d. All Other Industries: recognizes innovation in sales in all industries not covered by the other Award for Innovation in Sales categories.

31. Best Use of Technology in Sales
Honoring sales organizations for their innovative use of technology to improve sales operations, drive sales growth, and/or improve customer satisfaction since the beginning of July 2019.

32. Demand Generation Program of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations (and their colleagues in marketing) for their demand generation programs.

33. Inbound Marketing Program of the Year
Recognizing marketing programs that rely on content generation, lead development, and prospect cultivation.

34. Outbound Marketing Program of the Year
Recognizing marketing programs that use advertising, promotions, public relations and sales.

35. Remote Sales Innovation of the Year
A new category for 2022. This category will recognize innovations in sales spurred by the need to sell remotely by the COVID-19 pandemic.

36. Sales Diversity and Inclusivity Initiative of the Year
Recognizing organizations for their work to make their sales forces more diverse and inclusive.

37. Sales Employer of the Year
A new category for 2022. This category will recognize how organizations have provided a supportive and rewarding work environment for sales professionals since the beginning of July 2019.

38. Sales Enablement Program of the Year
Recognizing organizations for their development and effective use of sales enablement information, content, and tools.

39. Sales Growth Achievement of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for their improvements in sales growth - in revenue and/or units - since the beginning of July 2019, over the prior year.

40. Sales Incentive Program of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for the design and effectiveness of their sales incentive programs.

41. Sales Meeting of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for creativity and effectiveness in their sales meetings. There is no entry fee for this category.

42. Sales Process of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for their development and use of sales process methodologies.

43. Sales Recruitment Initiative of the Year
Recognizing organizations for their programs and initiatives to recruit new sales staff.

44. Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for their development and use of sales training and coaching programs. This category is split into four separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes sales training or coaching programs in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Other Service Industries: recognizes sales training or coaching programs in services industries such as financial services, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   c. Technology Industries: recognizes sales training of coaching programs in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   d. All Other Industries: recognizes sales training or coaching programs in all industries not covered by the other Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year categories.

45. Sales Turnaround of the Year
Recognizing sales organizations for improvements since July 1, 2019, over the prior year. Improvements in revenue, operations, and training will be considered in this category.

46. Social Selling Initiative of the Year
Recognizing organizations for their effective strategies to employ social media to enhance or increase sales.

47. White Paper or Research Report of the Year
Recognizing outstanding white papers, research reports, or similar documents that help sales professionals to be successful.

SALES DISTINCTION CATEGORIES
Rather than focus on the performance of a named sales department, these new categories recognize sales-related achievements across your entire company or organization. You choose the successes you wish to highlight. They can be related to revenue growth, customer acquisition, lead development, training, enculturation of product knowledge, etc.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated organization's achievements since July 1 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the organization's achievements since July 1 2019 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

Optional (but highly recommended), Add supporting materials to your nomination. Provide any number of weblinks, and/or upload any number of files, that you believe will support your case to the judges. These might be press articles, press releases, videos, work samples, internal or external reviews, or employee feedback, for example.

50a. Sales Distinction of the Year - Computer Hardware
50b. Sales Distinction of the Year - Computer Services
50c. Sales Distinction of the Year - Computer Software
50d. Sales Distinction of the Year - Consumer Products & Services
50e. Sales Distinction of the Year – Distribution & Transportation
50f. Sales Distinction of the Year - Financial Services
50g. Sales Distinction of the Year – Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Related Industries
50h. Sales Distinction of the Year – Hospitality & Tourism
50i. Sales Distinction of the Year - Industrial & Manufacturing
50j. Sales Distinction of the Year - Media & Entertainment
50k. Sales Distinction of the Year – Public Services & Education
50l. Sales Distinction of the Year - Services
50m. Sales Distinction of the Year - Telecommunications
50n. Sales Distinction of the Year – All Other Industries

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
The customer service and contact center individual categories recognize individual contact center and customer service professionals.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated individual's achievements since July 1 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

55. Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of customer service professionals who directly engage customers. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of professionals in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in all industries not covered by the other Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year categories.

56. Back-Office Customer Service Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of customer service professionals who work behind the front lines of customer service organizations for their achievements since the beginning of July 2019. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of professionals in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in all industries not covered by the other Back-Office Customer Service Professional of the Year categories.

57. Young Customer Service Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of customer service professionals who at some point since July 1 2019 were under the age of 30. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of professionals in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of professionals in all industries not covered by the other Young Customer Service Professional of the Year categories.

58. Contact Center Leader of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of senior contact or call center executives for their achievements since the beginning of July 2019.

59. Contact Center Manager of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of contact or call center managers for their achievements since the beginning of July 2019.

60. Contact Center Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of non-executive professionals who work in a call or contact center.

61. Customer Service Leader of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of senior customer service and call center executives.

62. Customer Service Manager of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of customer service managers and service professionals with a managerial role at organizations of any size, of any type.

63. Customer Service Training Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of customer service or contact center center professionals for their achievements since the beginning of July 2019.

64. Woman of the Year in Customer Service
Recognizing women in customer service, at any level, for their achievements since the beginning of July 2019.

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER TEAM CATEGORIES
The customer service team categories recognize the members of individual teams within your overall customer service department or contact center organization. For example, the team may service a particular customer segment or a single client, or may work in a particular call center.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated team's achievements since July 1 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

65. Customer Service Team of the Year – Recovery Situation
Recognizing service teams who have demonstrated exceptional skill in recovering either an individual case or in rebuilding an underperforming service department. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of teams in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality& leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Customer Service Team of the Year - Recovery Situation categories.

66. Customer Service Complaints Team of the Year
Recognizing service teams whose primary focus is to address and resolve customer complaints. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of teams in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality& leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Customer Service Complaints Team of the Year categories.

67. Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year.
Recognizing service teams that directly engage customers. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of teams in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Front-Line Customer Service Team of the Year categories.

68. Back Office Customer Service Team of the Year
Recognizing teams that provide service functions that do not directly engage customers, such as billing, credit and collections, payments, security and support services. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of teams in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Back-Office Customer Service Team of the Year categories.

69. Contact Center of the Year (Up to 100 Seats)
Recognizing call and contact centers that have no more than 100 seats. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of contact centers in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in all industries not covered by the other Contact Center of the Year (Up to 100 Seats) categories.

70. Contact Center of the Year (Over 100 Seats)
Recognizing call and contact centers that have more than 100 seats. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of contact centers in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of contact centers in all industries not covered by the other Contact Center of the Year (Over 100 Seats) categories.

71. Customer Service Management Team of the Year
Recognizing the leadership teams of customer service organizations and contact centers for their achievements.

72. Customer Service Training Team of the Year - External
Recognizing teams that develop curricula and deliver training to external customer service organizations and contact center personnel (at organizations other than their own). This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of team in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Customer Service Training Team of the Year categories.

73. Customer Service Training Team of the Year - Internal
Recognizing teams that develop curricula and deliver training to internal customer service organizations and contact center personnel (within their own organizations). This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes the achievements of team in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in services industries such as healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   d. Technology Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievements of teams in all industries not covered by the other Customer Service Training Team of the Year categories.

CUSTOMER SERVICE & CONTACT CENTER ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated organization's achievements since 1 July 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

74. Award for Innovation in Customer Service
Recognizing new ideas and developments within customer service that enabled organizations to meet the needs of their customers more effectively, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Computer Industries: recognizes achievement in the internet/new media, computer hardware, computer software, computer services, etc. industries.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes achievement in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievement in all service industries except for financial services.
   d. Telecommunications Industries: recognize achievement in all telecommunications industries.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievement in all industries that are not covered by one of the other Award for Innovation in Customer Service categories.

75. Best Customer Engagement Initiative
Recognizing customer engagement initiatives since July 1, 2019 that created a positive customer experience that has maintained or increased customer loyalty.

76. Best Customer Feedback Strategy
Recognizing customer feedback strategies that led to an improvement in customer satisfaction and performance since July 1 2019. Include in your nomination a discussion of how easy it is for customers to provide feedback and how you close the feedback loop.

77. Best Customer Satisfaction Strategy
Recognizing strategies that measurably improved customer satisfaction ratings since July 1 2019. Include in your nomination a discussion of your strategic plan designed to leave a legacy, after implementation, of a new relationship between your organization and its customers.

78. Best Return on Customer Service Investment
This category is open to any organization that made an investment in customer service and has realized a quantifiable return on investment since July 1 2019. Investment could be in process redesign, strategy, training, human resources, hardware or software. Include in your nomination evidence of measurable return applied specifically to the activity which the investment enabled, as well as secondary benefits (other than financial) which were a direct outcome of the investment.

79. Best Use of Customer Insight
Recogizing organizations for their successful use of customer insight to gain competitive advantage. Include in your nomination detail about the strategy that drove the customer insight as well as the expected outcomes and the actual results of your use of customer insight.

80. Best Use of Technology in Customer Service
Recognizing customer service and contact center organizations for their use of technology that has directly improved customer service delivery, provided real business benefits, and shown system adoption across the entire customer service function. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Computer Industries: recognizes achievement in the internet/new media, computer hardware, computer software, computer services, etc. industries.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes achievement in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievement in all service industries except for financial services.
   d. Telecommunications Industries: recognize achievement in all telecommunications industries.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievement in all industries that are not covered by one of the other Best Use of Technology in Customer Service categories.

81. Customer Service Employer of the Year
A new category for 2022. This category will recognize how organizations have provided a supportive and rewarding work environment for customer service professionals since the beginning of July 2019.

82. Customer Service Training or Coaching Program of the Year
Recognizing customer service organizations for their development and use of training and coaching programs. This category is split into four separate categories:
   a. Business Services Industries: recognizes training or coaching programs in business services industries such as advertising, consulting, marketing, public relations, recruiting, etc.
   b. Other Service Industries: recognizes training or coaching programs in services industries such as financial services, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, legal, media & entertainment, real estate, retail, etc.
   c. Technology Industries: recognizes training of coaching programs in technology industries such as computer software, computer services, computer hardware, internet/new media, and telecommunications.
   d. All Other Industries: recognizes training or coaching programs in all industries not covered by the other Customer Service Training or Coaching Program of the Year categories.

83. e-Commerce Customer Service Award
Recognizing customer service and contact center organizations for their innovative use of online technologies and social media to service the needs of customers. This category is split into five separate categories:
   a. Computer Industries: recognizes achievement in the internet/new media, computer hardware, computer software, computer services, etc. industries.
   b. Financial Services Industries: recognizes achievement in the accounting, banking, financial services, insurance, etc. industries.
   c. Other Service Industries: recognizes achievement in all service industries except for financial services.
   d. Telecommunications Industries: recognize achievement in all telecommunications industries.
   e. All Other Industries: recognizes achievement in all industries that are not covered by one of the other e-Commerce Customer Service Award categories.

84. Remote Customer Service Innovation of the Year
A new category for 2022. This category will recognize innovations in customer service spurred by the need to service customers remotely by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT CATEGORIES
In addition to the possibility of receiving a peer-reviewed honor in these categories, all nominated customer service departments that are chosen as Finalists also will be included in voting for the People's Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Customer Service. Online voting will open to the public worldwide in mid-January and will continue through mid-February. We will provide Finalists in these categories with tools to help you encourage your fans, followers and customers to vote for you. The nominee with the most votes in each category will receive a special crystal People's Choice Stevie Award (100 votes minimum required to win.).

The customer service department categories recognize everyone who works formally in customer service in your organization, regardless of their role or location.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated department's achievements since July 1 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated department: its history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the department's achievements since July 1 2019 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the department's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

85. Customer Service Department of the Year – Airlines, Distribution & Transportation
86. Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Hardware
87. Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Software. This category is split into two separate categories:
   a. At Organizations With Up to 100 Employees
   b. At Organizations With 100 or More Employees
88. Customer Service Department of the Year – Computer Services
89. Customer Service Department of the Year - Consumer Products & Services
90. Customer Service Department of the Year – Financial Services. This category is split into two separate categories:
   a. At Organizations With Up to 100 Employees
   b. At Organizations With 100 or More Employees
91. Customer Service Department of the Year – Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, and Related Industries
92. Customer Service Department of the Year – Leisure & Tourism
93. Customer Service Department of the Year – Public Services & Education
94. Customer Service Department of the Year – Retail
95. Customer Service Department of the Year – Telecommunications
96. Customer Service Department of the Year – All Other Industries

CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCCESS CATEGORIES
If your organization doesn't have a formal customer service function - if "everyone here works in customer service" is your motto - then these are the categories for you. If your organization has a formal customer service function, don't enter these categories - enter the Customer Service Department categories instead.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

140. Customer Service Success - Business Service Industries
141. Customer Service Success - Financial Service Industries
142. Customer Service Success - Other Service Industries
143. Customer Service Success - Technology Industries
144. Customer Service Success - All Other Industries

NEW PRODUCT & SERVICE CATEGORIES
These categories recognize new and new-version solutions for sales, business development, contact center and customer service operations released since July 1 2019. Any type of product or service offering may be nominated in these categories.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated solution or implementation since July 1 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. If you are nominating a brand-new product or service, state the date on which it was released. If you are nominating a new version of an existing product or service, state the date on which the update was released. Required
b. Describe the features, functions, and benefits of the nominated product or service (up to 350 words). Required
c. Outline the market performance, critical reception, and customer satisfaction with the product or service to date. State monetary or unit sales figures to date, if possible, and how they compare to expectations or past performance. Provide links to laudatory product or service reviews. Include some customer testimonials, if applicable. (up to 350 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

Optional (but highly recommended), add to your entry up to 10 webpage links and up to 10 document uploads to support your case to the judges. These might be press articles, press releases, videos, or images, for example.

97. Business Intelligence Solution – New
98. Business Intelligence Solution – New Version
99. Collaboration Solution – New
100. Collaboration Solution– New Version
101. Contact Center Solution – New
102. Contact Center Solution – New Version
103. CRM Suite - Enterprise - New. For integrated CRM suites that serve organizations with 1,000 or more seats.
104. CRM Suite - Enterprise - New Version. For integrated CRM suites that serve organizations with 1,000 or more seats.
105. CRM Suite - Mid-Market - New. For integrated CRM suites that serve organizations with 250-999 seats.
106. CRM Suite - Mid-Market - New Version. For integrated CRM suites that serve organizations with 250-999 seats.
107. CRM Suite - Small Business - New. For integrated CRM suites that serve organizations with less than 250 seats.
108. CRM Suite - Small Business - New Version. For integrated CRM suites that serve organizations with less than 250 seats.
109. Incentive Management Solution – New
110. Incentive Management Solution – New Version
111. IVR or Web Service Solution – New
112. IVR or Web Service Solution – New Version
113. Marketing Solution – New
114. Marketing Solution – New Version
115. Relationship Management Solution – New
116. Relationship Management Solution – New Version
117. Sales Automation Solution – New
118. Sales Automation Solution – New Version
119. Sales Enablement Solution – New
120. Sales Enablement Solution – New Version
121. Sales & Marketing Mobile Application – New
122. Sales & Marketing Mobile Application – New Version
123: Sales Performance Management Solution - New
124: Sales Performance Management Solution - New Version
125. Customer Service or Sales Book of the Year
   If available, attach an electronic version of your book to your online entry using the attachment/link
   uploading tool If you will submit your publication offline for review by the judges, you must first
   submit your entry online. Then print out a copy of your entry and mail it with one (1) copy of the
   publication or series of publications to: The Stevie Awards, 10560 Main Street, Suite 519, Fairfax, VA
   22030, USA.
126. Customer Service Training Product of the Year
  Eligible products include DVDs, videos, courseware and workbooks, among others.
127. Sales Training Product of the Year
  Eligible products include DVDs, videos, courseware and workbooks, among others.

SOLUTION PROVIDER CATEGORIES
These categories recognize the achievements of solution providers for sales, contact center, and customer service professionals.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated organization's achievements since 1 July 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

130. Sales Consulting Practice of the Year
131. Sales Training Practice of the Year
132. Sales Outsourcing Provider of the Year
133. Incentive, Rewards, or Recognition Provider of the Year
134. Customer Service or Call Center Consulting Practice of the Year
135. Customer Service or Call Center Training Practice of the Year
136. Sales or Customer Service Solutions Technology Partner of the Year
137. Contact Center or Customer Service Outsourcing Provider of the Year
138. Leadership or Management Training Practice of the Year

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CATEGORIES
These categories recognize the achievements of individual business development professionals, and singular business development achievements in a variety of industries. "Business development" incorporates the creation and mining of partnerships, alliances, deals and agreements that don't directly produce sales, but instead create platforms from which sales may be pursued.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated individual's achievements since July 1 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated individual or organization: history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the achievements since July 1 2019 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

150. Business Development Executive of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of business development executives since July 1, 2019. (Professionals at the VP level or higher.)

151. Business Development Professional of the Year
Recognizing the achievements of non-executive business development professionals since July 1, 2019. (Professionals at a Director level or lower.)

152. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Financial Services Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the financial services industries since July 1, 2019.

153. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Hospitality & Leisure Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the hospitality and leisure industries since July 1, 2019.

154. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Media & Entertainment Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the media and entertainment industries since July 1, 2019.

155. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Services Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the services industries (business or consumer) since July 1, 2019.

156. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Technology Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the technology industries since July 1, 2019.

157. Business Development Achievement of the Year - Transportation Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - in any of the transportation industries since July 1, 2019.

158. Business Development Achievement of the Year - All Other Industries
Recognizing singular business development achievements - agreements, deals, implementations, and/or performance results - since July 1, 2019 in any industry not addressed by categories 132 - 137.

COVID-19 RESPONSE CATEGORIES
These categories will recognize the responses of business development, customer service, and sales organizations and professionals to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their customers, employees, partners, and other stakeholders.

Information required for entries in these categories include:

Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated individual's achievements since July 1 2019, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:

a. Briefly describe the nominated individual or team: history and past performance (up to 200 words). Required
b. Outline the achievements since July 1 2019 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words). Optional

160. Most Valuable Response by a Business Development Team During the Pandemic
This category will recognize notable responses by business development teams to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their organizations' business partners, partnerships, community, and team members.

161. Most Valuable Response by a Customer Service Team During the Pandemic
This category will recognize notable responses by customer service teams to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their organizations' customers, community, and team members.

162. Most Valuable Response by a Sales Team During the Pandemic
This category will recognize notable responses by sales teams to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their organizations' customers, prospects, community, and team members.

163. Most Valuable Business Development Professional During the Pandemic
This category will recognize notable responses by individual business development professionals to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their organizations' business partners, partnerships, community, and colleagues. There is no entry fee for this category, but the $55 late fee will apply for nominations submitted after November 10.

164. Most Valuable Customer Service Professional During the Pandemic
This category will recognize notable responses by individual customer service professionals to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their organizations' customers, community, and colleagues. There is no entry fee for this category, but the $55 late fee will apply for nominations submitted after November 10.

165. Most Valuable Sales Professional During the Pandemic
This category will recognize notable responses by individual sales professionals to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their organizations' customers, prospects, community, and colleagues. There is no entry fee for this category, but the $55 late fee will apply for nominations submitted after November 10.