Effective date: March 16, 2026
Last updated: March 9, 2026
Who We Are
The Echo Awards (“Echo Awards,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) celebrates journalists covering the U.S. Public Sector Market—from policy to technology—by recognizing reporting that informs the public and supports transparency into the business of government.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information when you visit theechoawards.com (the “Site”), make purchases, submit nominations, attend our events, or interact with us.
Scope
This Policy applies to the Site, our e-commerce and ticketing functions, nomination and judging workflows, sponsorship and partnership inquiries, newsletters, and any other services that link to this Policy.
If a section of our services uses a third-party platform (e.g., ticketing, payments, nominations), that platform’s privacy terms also apply.
Personal Information We Collect
- Information you provide
- Contact details: name, email address, phone number, mailing/billing address, employer/outlet, role/title.
- Account and profile data: username, password, preferences.
- Transaction data: items purchased (e.g., tickets, merchandise), order history, support communications.
- Nomination and submission data: nominee and nominator names, bios, outlet affiliations, work samples/links, statements, categories, supporting materials.
- Event participation: RSVPs, dietary or accessibility needs if you choose to share them, session selections.
- Communications: inquiries, survey responses, newsletter sign-ups, press/sponsorship communications.
- Media consent: your likeness, name, and outlet if you attend an event or are recognized as a finalist/winner.
- Information collected automatically
Device and usage data: IP address, device identifiers, browser type, operating system, referring/exit pages, pages viewed, links clicked, approximate location.
Cookies and similar technologies: to remember preferences, enable cart/checkout, measure site performance, and support marketing. See “Cookies & Ads” below.
Information from third parties
- Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) provide limited transaction confirmations; we do not receive full card numbers.
- Ticketing, form, or event platforms provide registration details.
- Public sources and partners may provide professional information about nominees and media contacts.
How We Use Personal Information
- Provide and improve the Site, e-commerce, ticketing, and event operations.
- Process orders and payments; fulfill and deliver tickets or merchandise; provide receipts and support.
- Manage nominations, judging, communications with nominees/finalists/winners, and publish winners.
- Send service messages (order confirmations, event updates, policy changes) and, with your consent or as permitted by law, send newsletters and promotional communications.
- Personalize content, analyze performance, and prevent fraud, abuse, or security incidents.
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms.
Legal Bases (EEA/UK)
Where applicable, we process data based on:
- Contract: to provide purchased or requested services.
- Legitimate interests: event safety, service improvement, marketing to existing customers, fraud prevention, and publishing award outcomes consistent with our mission.
- Consent: newsletters, certain cookies/analytics, and optional sensitive details (e.g., dietary/accessibility notes).
- Legal obligations: tax, accounting, compliance.
How We Share Information
- We may share personal information with:
- Service providers and vendors: hosting, analytics, email/SMS, customer support, ticketing, nomination platforms, and payment processors. These parties act on our instructions.
- Event partners and venues: to operate the event safely and effectively.
- Judges/panels: for nomination review under confidentiality obligations.
- Public disclosure: finalists and winners may be announced publicly (e.g., name, outlet, category, headshot if provided).
- Legal and compliance: to comply with law, enforce our terms, or protect rights, safety, or property.
- Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale.
We do not sell your personal information for money. Some analytics/advertising uses may constitute a “sale” or “sharing” under certain US state laws—see Your Privacy Rights.
Payments
We use third-party processors to handle payments. We do not store full payment card numbers. Your use of payment services is subject to those providers’ terms and privacy policies.
Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary for the purposes described, including:
- Orders/transactions: up to 7 years for tax and accounting.
- Accounts and communications: while active plus up to 3 years.
- Nominations/awards history: retained for archival and historical record unless you object where applicable.
We may retain data longer where required by law or to resolve disputes.
Security
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the nature of the information. No system is 100% secure. Please use strong passwords and keep them confidential.
Your Choices
- Emails: unsubscribe using the link in any marketing email or contact us.
- Cookies: manage browser settings and/or our cookie banner preferences; disabling cookies may affect site functionality.
- Nominations: submit only materials you have rights to share; do not include sensitive information unless requested and consented.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have rights to:
- Access, correct, update, or delete your personal information.
- Port your data, restrict or object to processing, or withdraw consent where we rely on consent.
- Opt out of “sale”/“sharing” for targeted advertising (US state laws such as CA, CO, CT, UT, VA). Use our “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link if available, or contact us.
- Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (EEA/UK).
To exercise rights, email [email protected]. We will verify your request and respond as required by law. Authorized agent requests (e.g., under California law) must include proof of authorization.
Cookies & Ads
- Types we use: essential (checkout/session), performance (analytics), functionality (preferences), and advertising/retargeting.
- Analytics/ads providers may set their own cookies and collect identifiers, device data, and usage metrics.
- You can control cookies via our banner, browser settings, or platform tools (e.g., Google Ad Settings). Some features may not function without essential cookies.
- We do not respond to Do Not Track signals at this time.
Children’s Privacy
The Site is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child provided information, contact us to delete it.
International Transfers
If you are outside the United States, your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. and other countries with different data protection laws.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted with a new effective date. Material changes will be highlighted or otherwise communicated as appropriate.
Contact Us
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: The Echo Awards
8200 Greensboro Dr, Suite 1450
McLean, VA 22102
