Research has shown that the annual report is the single most important document a public company produces. At Schenkel/Stegman, we believe that if a design project, such as an annual report, is well-planned and executed, it will result in a higher quality, more successful end product.
Producing an annual report is a complex process: numerous details and proofs to oversee, critical deadlines to meet, not to mention the audits and approvals. To help our clients manage the process, we have developed the following detailed project schedule. From our experience, this is a helpful tool for those involved in producing the annual report.
Due Dates
- Internal company meeting(s) to determine annual report objectives, messages, and budget. (Ideally, start 3-4 months prior to annual meeting.)
- Meet with Schenkel/Stegman and copywriter to discuss annual report objectives, communication strategies, and desired image.
- Establish total budget for the project including design, photography/illustration, printing and copywriting.
- Presentation of initial concepts (2-3 design ideas).
- Editorial concept selected.
- Copy draft from copywriter.
- Photography and/or illustration planning and coordination.
- Presentation of editorial spread, 2-3 covers and thumbnail layout.
- Comprehensives approved.
- Revised copy for review and approval.
- Photography and/or illustration of company personnel/customers/conceptual images, etc.
- Editorial copy to design firm.
- Layout of editorial section for review; return with revisions; write photo captions.
- Obtain estimates from three different printers.
- Revised editorial layout for review.
- Photography/illustrations to printer (3 weeks prior to delivery).
- Final dummy of complete report for review and approval (Color output optional).
- File to printer (2 weeks for printing).
- Adapt design for online annual report.
- Programming of online annual report.
- Review of printer's proofs.
- Design firm to supervise press run.
- Annual reports mailed to shareholders (Not less than 20 days prior to meeting).
