Student Housing Business Awards Competition

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Best New Development - more than 400 beds
This category will be awarded to the best new purpose-built off-campus development with more than 400 beds completed during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How the project has distinguished itself in the marketplace to achieve strong occupancy and rental rates compared to other similar projects in the market
Architecture/design that made the project stand out from the competition
Evidence that the development fit the surrounding community as well as students' needs.
Amenities and comforts surpassing those available in the market.

Entries should include two exterior photos; one interior photo of common area; and one shot of a completed bedroom/unit, and a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, on the project from conception to full development. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features of the development. Please include the date (month and year) that the project was completed in your narrative. Please list key team members (architect, contractor, etc.) in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Developers, Architects, Project's Current Owner

Best New Development - 400 beds or fewer
This category will be awarded to the best new purpose-built off-campus development of 400 or fewer beds completed during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How the project has distinguished itself in the marketplace to achieve strong occupancy and rental rates compared to other similar projects in the market
Architecture/design that made the project stand out from the competition
Evidence that the development fit the surrounding community as well as students' needs.
Amenities and comforts surpassing those available in the market.

Entries should include two exterior photos; one interior photo of common area; and one shot of a completed bedroom/unit, and a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, on the project from conception to full development. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features of the development. Please include the date (month and year) that the project was completed in your narrative. Please list key team members (architect, contractor, etc.) in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Developers, Architects, Project's Current Owner

Best New Development - Boutique (150 beds or less)
This category will be awarded to the best boutique purpose-built off-campus development of 150 beds or less, completed during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How the project has distinguished itself in the marketplace to achieve strong occupancy and rental rates compared to other similar projects in the market
Architecture/design and amenities that make the project stand out from the competition

Entries should include two exterior photos; one interior photo of common area; and one shot of a completed bedroom/unit, and a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, on the project from conception to full development. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features of the development. Please include the date (month and year) that the project was completed in your narrative. Please list key team members (architect, contractor, etc.) in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Developer, Project's Current Owner

Best Renovation of Existing Project
This category will be awarded to the best renovation of an existing student housing development completed during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How the renovation improved the occupancy and rental rates of the property
How the renovation improved the look and living conditions of the property
How the renovation performed relative to budget/timing

Entries should include four exterior photos (two before and two after renovation); one interior photos of common area/clubhouse; and one shot of a completed bedroom/unit, and a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, on the renovation from conception to full renovation. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features of the renovation. Please include the date (month and year) that the renovation was completed in your narrative, as well as the age of the project before renovation. Please list key team members (architect, contractor, developer, etc.) in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Architects, Contractors, Developers, Project's Current Owner

Best Architecture/Design - more than 400 beds
This category will be awarded to the best architecture and design used in the construction of a new purpose-built off-campus development with more than 400 beds completed during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How it blends form and function while facilitating the needs of both the developer and student residents
How the architecture and design of the project distinguished it in the marketplace to standout from the competition and achieve strong occupancy and rental rates compared to other similar projects in the market
How the architecture and design allowed the project to offer features (greater amenities, location of amenities, features within units) that helped facilitate leasing and student interest in the development

Entries should include two exterior photos; one interior photo of common area; and one shot of a completed bedroom, and a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, on the project from conception to full development. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features of the architecture/design. Please include the date (month and year) that the project was completed in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Architects, Contractors, Developers

Best Architecture/Design - 400 beds or fewer
This category will be awarded to the best architecture and design used in the construction of a new purpose-built style off-campus development with 400 or fewer beds completed during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How it blends form and function while facilitating the needs of both the developer and student residents
How the architecture and design of the project distinguished it in the marketplace to standout from the competition and achieve strong occupancy and rental rates compared to other similar projects in the market
How the architecture and design allowed the project to offer features (greater amenities, location of amenities, features within units) that helped facilitate leasing and student interest in the development

Entries should include two exterior photos; one interior photo of common area; and one shot of a completed bedroom, and a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, on the project from conception to full development. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features of the architecture/design. Please include the date (month and year) that the project was completed in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Architects, Contractors, Developers

Best Interior Design (Budget of Less than $250,000)
This category will be awarded to the best interior design used in the new construction or renovation/refresh of a purpose-built off-campus development completed during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021, based on the following criteria:

How it blends form and function while facilitating the needs of both the developer and student residents
How the design works with the overall theme of the project.
How elements of the design (colors/paint/wallcovering, furniture, floorcoverings, art, etc.) were utilized effectively.
How the interior design distinguished the project and lent identity and theming to stand out from the competition
How the interior design helped facilitate student interest or leasing in the development

Entries can be for common areas, units or both; the narrative should specify if you are focusing on a single area or interior design for the entire project. Please specify the budget and any other constraints. Entries should include five interior photos; and a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, on the project's design covering the points outlined above. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features and partners used in the design. Please include the date (month and year) that the project was completed in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Architects, Contractors, Developers, Interior Design Firms, Vendors to the industry.

Best Interior Design (Budget of $250,000 or more)
This category will be awarded to the best interior design used in the new construction or renovation/refresh of a purpose-built off-campus development completed during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021, based on the following criteria:

How it blends form and function while facilitating the needs of both the developer and student residents
How the design works with the overall theme of the project.
How elements of the design (colors/paint/wallcovering, furniture, floorcoverings, art, etc.) were utilized effectively.
How the interior design distinguished the project and lent identity and theming to stand out from the competition
How the interior design helped facilitate student interest or leasing in the development

Entries can be for common areas, units or both; the narrative should specify if you are focusing on a single area or interior design for the entire project. Entries should include five interior photos; and a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, on the project's design covering the points outlined above. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features and partners used in the design. Please include the date (month and year) that the project was completed in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Architects, Contractors, Developers, Interior Design Firms, Vendors to the industry.

Best Use of Green & Sustainable Construction/Development
This category will be awarded to the best use of green and sustainable construction in the development of a purpose-built student housing project completed during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How the use of green and sustainable construction and development will help achieve operations and management cost savings both short- and long-term
Specific LEED rating achieved, if applicable
Number and scope of green & sustainable construction & development features in the project

Entries should include two exterior photos; one interior photo of common area; and one shot of a completed bedroom/unit, and a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, on the project's environmental sustainability and how that was inspired and implemented. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features of the development. Please include the date (month and year) that the project was completed in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Architects, Contractors, Private Developers, Project's Current Owner

Best Financing Solution
This category will be awarded to the most creative financing strategy and package used to bring an off-campus student housing acquisition or development transaction to a successful conclusion during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How the financing strategies and package ultimately used were able to overcome obstacles in the transaction
How creative thinking and an open-minded approach to looking at the deals and financing parameters helped get the transaction across the finish line

Entries should include a narrative, not to exceed 1,000 words, on the background of the transaction, the financing and other obstacles to getting the deal done, how those obstacles were overcome and the financing strategies and package used to get the deal across the finish line. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific aspects of the financing. Please include the date (month and year) that the project was completed in your narrative. Please include at least one photo of the project with your entry.

Entries may be submitted by: Lenders, Financial Intermediaries, Developers, Project's Current Owner

Best Turnaround Project/Value-Add
This category will be awarded to the best turnaround of an underperforming off-campus student housing project during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

The occupancy and rental rate turnaround in the property from when the turnaround first began to stabilization to where the owner/manager wanted the property to be
The obstacles overcome in achieving the turnaround, be they college/university-driven, competition/market-driven, or the condition or reputation of the property

Entries should include four exterior photos (two before turnaround, two after); two interior photos of common area (one before turnaround, one after); and two shots of a completed bedroom/unit (one before, one after), and a narrative, not to exceed 1,000 words, on the project from acquisition or beginning management contract to full turnaround. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features of the turnaround. Please include the date (month and year) that the turnaround was both begun and completed in your narrative. As well, it is imperative to include leasing or NOI percentage growth results of the turnaround in your narrative.

Entrees may be submitted by: Project's Current Owner, Managers/Operators

Best Vendor/Operator Solution
This category will be awarded to the best vendor solution that a provider or project owner introduced into an off-campus student housing project during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How the vendor (and product/service) solved a unique need for the operator and its project(s).
How the solution saved the operator money and time
Return on investment of the solution

Entries should include a narrative, not to exceed 1,000 words, on the solution and what was involved in the situation. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Specific quantitative results of net operating income, improvements in speed or service, should be discussed in the narrative. Separately, bullet points can be included highlighting specific elements of the solution. Please include the date (month and year) that the solution was implemented in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Project Owner, Managers/Operators, Vendors

Best Package & Offering of Amenities
This category will be awarded to the off-campus project that had the best package of amenities to offer to its residents during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

Breadth, depth and quality of amenities offered by project to residents
Occupancy and rental rate success compared to similar projects in the market and the market overall
"Wow" and 'buzz' factor generated for the project by the amenities package and offerings

Entries should include six pictures of various amenity offerings and a narrative, not to exceed 600 words, describing the package and amenity offerings and the impact they had on leasing and marketing. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific amenity offerings. Please include the date (month and year) that the amenities in question were being offered in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Project Owner, Managers/Operators

Best Marketing & Lease-Up Program
This category will be awarded to the off-campus project that had the best success and most innovation with its attraction to residents and the results in its lease-up rate. The program should be for the 2020-2021 academic years during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021. The award will be based on the following criteria:

Breadth, depth and quality of amenities offered by project to residents
Web site, social marketing, personal, e-mail and media campaign to students
General 'word of mouth' buzz of the property among students
Results showing occupancy improvement year over year.
Occupancy & rental rate success compared to similar projects in the market & the market overall
"Wow" and 'buzz' factor generated for the project by the campaign and/or amenities

Entries should include screen shots of any applicable web pages or social media campaigns/pages, photos of any campaign activities, brochures, etc., and photos of various amenity offerings, as well as one photo of the property, and a narrative, not to exceed 1,000 words, describing the marketing and lease-up program and its impact on occupancy. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. State the academic year this program was for and please include the date range that the program ran. If you are an outside vendor to the property, such as an advertising or marketing firm, please state your relation in the narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Project Owners, Managers/Operators, Marketing Firms, Advertising Agencies

Best Social Media Campaign
This category will be awarded to the off-campus project that had the best success and most innovation with its social media program. Since social media is ongoing, the time requirement is that the campaign must have started before December 31, 2020. The award will be based on the following criteria:

Reason and purpose behind the social media campaign
How well the campaign met its reason and purpose (measured results)
Creativity, depth and breadth of the program's reach

Entries should include screen shots of any applicable web pages or social media campaigns/pages, photos of any campaign activities, as well as one photo of the property, and a narrative, not to exceed 1,000 words, describing the campaign and proving its objectives. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Please include quantifiable results (numbers) of the program. State the academic year this program was for and please include the date range that the program ran or date that it began, if ongoing. If you are an outside vendor to the property, such as an advertising or marketing firm, please state your relation in the narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Project Owners, Managers/Operators, Marketing Firms, Advertising Agencies

Best Mobile Marketing Campaign
This category will be awarded to the off-campus project that had the best success and most innovation with its mobile marketing campaign. The campaign must have taken place from the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021. The award will be based on the following criteria:

Reason and purpose behind the mobile marketing campaign
How well the campaign met its reason and purpose (measured results)
Creativity, depth and breadth of the program's reach

Entries should include screen shots of any applicable web/mobile pages, photos of any campaign activities, as well as one photo of the property, and a narrative, not to exceed 1,000 words, describing the campaign and proving its objectives. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Please include quantifiable results (numbers) of the program. State the academic year this program was for. Please include the date range that the program ran. If you are an outside vendor to the property, such as an advertising or marketing firm, please state your relation in the narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Project Owners, Managers/Operators, Marketing Firms, Advertising Agencies

Best Implementation of Mixed-Use in New Development or Renovation
This category will be awarded to the best implementation of a mixed-use into a new development or renovation of an off-campus student housing project built or redeveloped during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How the introduction of the mixed-use benefits the living experience of the residents
How the introduction of the mixed-use enhances the demand for the project by potential residents as well as the status and use for the community.
Success of retailers, restaurants, hotels and/or other use components.

Entries should include one exterior photo; two interior photos of the mixed-use area; and one interior shot of how the mixed-use area integrates with its surroundings, and a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, on the implementation of the mixed-use element into the development or renovation. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Separately, bullet points can be included on specific features of the mixed-use element. Please include the date (month and year) that the project was completed in your narrative. Please list key team members (architect, contractor, developer, etc.) in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Architects, Contractors, Developers/Owners, Managers/Operators

Best Bandwidth/Connectivity/IoT Solution
This category will be awarded to the best solution for bandwidth improvement, internet connectivity enhancement or technology utilization that a provider or project owner/manager introduced into an off-campus student housing project during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

How the vendor (and product/service) solved a unique need for the operator and its project(s).
How the solution was cost efficient and improved amenities for the operator
Positive outcomes of the solution

Entries should include a narrative, not to exceed 1,000 words, on the solution and what was involved in the situation. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Specific quantitative results of net operating income, improvements in speed or service, should be discussed in the narrative. Separately, bullet points can be included highlighting specific elements of the solution. Please include the date (month and year) that the solution was implemented in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Project Owner, Managers/Operators, Vendors

Best In-House Management Innovation
This category is designed to spotlight in-house management programs and policies that result in a great change in NOI for a property, project, or portfolio. This innovator will be awarded to the management company that can demonstrate via narrative positive change results created through an initiative created in-house that brought positive results to NOI at a single property or multiple properties during the period of January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021 based on the following criteria:

Need for the program, policy or change
Effectiveness (change in NOI) of the program, policy or change.
Any change in occupancy and rental rate success compared to similar projects in the market and the market overall
Internal results and adoption of the program, policy or change by other properties.
Trend-setting in the market or sector

Entries should include a narrative, not to exceed 700 words, describing the program, policy or change in operations and the impact it had on efficiency and/or net operating income. Include the background and objectives, implementation and execution, and a summary of the result. Please include the date (month and year) of the time period this change took place in your narrative.

Entries may be submitted by: Owners, Managers/Operators