We understand the sensitivity of the information you provide and put you in control.

As organisers of the PMEA, PMGroup recognises the sensitive nature of the information submitted in the entries and understands your concerns. With this in mind, we have systems in place to ensure confidentiality at every stage of the judging process.

You have total control of the information disclosed when the results of the Awards are published, In the published coverage of the Awards, your entry will be strictly limited to –

• The content of the 500-word exectuive summary within your submission - please ensure that this is prepared with due care and attention
• Stakeholder references - unless otherwise indicated on the entry form
• Visuals of the supplementary materials - unless otherwise indicated on the entry form

Every judge is required to sign a detailed and legally-binding confidentiality agreement before appointment. PMGroup also undertake to adhere to the same confidentiality agreement.

Entries are delivered to the judges by hand and signed for.

By indicating your preference on the entry form you can either have your entry and supporting materials returned to you or destroyed by PMGroup after the Awards presentation.

The judging process
The judging panel comprises a range of experts with a breadth of expertise and experience, from leading management consultants to top business school academics.

Stage 1:
Once all the entries have been received and processed, copies of the submissions are delivered to the relevant judges for each category. Entries (written submissions only) are reviewed and scored independently by each of the judges according to the criteria for the specific category. At this stage, decisions are made solely on the content of the written submission (and any PowerPoint data/website information provided). Supporting materials are not made available at this stage.

Stage 2:
The Group Judging Day takes place in September 2011. The judges come together and are split into two groups (according to expertise and experience) to review and compare preliminary scores and discuss each entry in detail. It is at this stage that supporting materials will be taken into consideration.

Following the group discussions, judges then re-score the entries to identfy the finalists, award commendations (where appropriate) and decide upon the winners.

Stage 3 (for company of the year awards):
Following consideration of all submissions into the PMEA scheme, together with the analysis of IMS data relating to company performance throughout 2010, judges will shortlist three companies in each category to visit during September/October. The organiser will contact shortlisted companies following the judging day to arrange an interview at their premises.

Stage 4:
Finalists will be announced here on PMLiVE and also in the October issue of Pharmaceutical Market Europe. All entrants will be notified directly following the judgging day by email as to whether they are finalists.

The judges' decision is final and neither the organiser nor the judging panel will enter into individual correspondence about the results.

Coverage of PMEA
PMEA results are published in a special commemorative brochure, which is circulated to guests at the event. Coverage of the Awards and all the results are published in Pharmaceutical Market Europe and on PMLiVE immediately following the event.