NYF maintains an international network of representatives who promote the competitions in over 65 countries. These representatives are a crucial element in upholding NYF’s dedication to searching out and rewarding The World’s Best Work™ - not only by recruiting entries but also filling the judging rosters with award winning creatives who represent every advertising center of the world, ensuring that all work is judged without cultural bias and that each competition really does represent the best in communications the world has to offer.

Each NYF competition is supported by a Board of Judges and Advisors, each of which is led by a chairperson and represents a veritable "who's who" of international communications.

Entries are judged by panels of international award winning creatives who are recognized as leaders in their respective fields. The preliminary round of judging produces Finalist winners. Finalist winners receive a Finalist Certificate. Further judging rounds determine Bronze, Silver and Gold medal winners. Gold award winners then contend for Grand Prix Awards.

In collaboration with the United Nations Department of Public Information, NYF established the United Nations Awards in 1990 to honor programming and advertising that best exemplifies the aims and ideals of the United Nations. Global concerns of particular interest include peace and security; advancement of women; social development; health issues including HIV/AIDS; tobacco use; human rights; crime and violence; literacy; sustainable development; and the fight against poverty. Entries that achieve Finalist status are eligible for these prestigious awards.

NYF honors winners with parties, Un-traditional awards ceremonies and gallery-style showcases. Black-tie awards ceremonies for Film & Video and TV Broadcasting Awards are held the last week in January. The winners of NYF Innovative Advertising competition are showcased in April and the winners of the NYF Advertising in All Media competition are celebrated at the beginning of June. An awards ceremony for Radio Broadcasting is held at the end of June.