The Crystal Awards committee sets criteria, tabulates results, and certifies finalists and winners. A select panel of judges consists of CMOs, national AMA leaders or executives, nationally recognized agency leaders, authors, and marketing academics outside of the Houston area. Past participants have been senior marketers from other AMA chapters, Ogilvy, FedEx, Accenture, University of Michigan, and more.

All entries are judged at least twice, and by different judges, all of who are experts in the particular category. Judges make all decisions regarding eligibility, finalists, and winners. Judges’ decisions are final. Each entry must include answers to the five questions, 800 word maximum for each question.