Annual cadence
Predictable timing for agencies, nominators, judges, and sponsors — with regional events feeding into a national summit.
Program timeline
- Aug–Sep: Program design, categories, rubric, governance
- Sep–Oct: Sponsor commitments
- Nov: Nominations open
- Jan: Nominations close
- Feb: Independent judging
- Mar: Finalists announced
- Apr–May: Awards events (regional + national)
Event model
- Opening remarks + credibility statement
- Keynote by a respected public-sector leader
- Finalist recognition and winner announcements
- Reception/networking
Events can be in-person, hybrid, or virtual depending on region and year.