Description: 

Designed to honor an individual, the award celebrates a journalist who is a partner to the public relations industry and a true professional. A trusted source for objective and honest articles.

Criteria:

• Consistently demonstrates fact-based, well-researched, and ethical journalism.

• Possesses an exceptional ability to present complex issues in a clear, engaging, and compelling manner.

• Proven track record of in-depth investigations that uncover new information or perspectives.

• This journalist’s work has had a significant influence on public opinion, policy, or societal change.

• This journalist’s stories have reached a large or targeted audience, making a meaningful difference.

• Raised awareness about important issues, particularly those underreported or marginalized.

• Demonstrates the ability to report across multiple platforms (print, digital, broadcast) with versatility.

• Adherence to Journalistic Ethics, showing high standards of truthfulness, fairness, and accountability.

• Clear and open communication with audiences about methods, sources, and challenges faced during reporting.

• Easily adjusts journalistic approach to evolving trends, like digital media, while maintaining quality.

NOMINATE

Description: 

This person has taken the toughest pitches and hooked national or international media.

Criteria:

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and other media professionals.

• Proven success in securing media coverage through well-crafted pitches, even for challenging or niche topics.

• Understanding of media outlets’ needs and the ability to tailor pitches to suit different publication styles and preferences.

• Creativity in storytelling, with pitches that present unique angles or narratives that resonate with target audiences.

• Success in positioning clients or companies in ways that align with current trends, industry developments, or news cycles.

• Expertise in researching and identifying the right media contacts for specific pitches.

• Personalized outreach to journalists, taking into account their past work, beats, and preferences.

• Ability to match stories with the most relevant media outlets, ensuring the pitch aligns with the publication’s audience and editorial goals.

• Consistent record of successful media placements, demonstrated by coverage in top-tier outlets or key niche publications.

• Ability to secure high-quality, impactful media coverage that raises visibility for clients, products, or events.

• Proven track record of obtaining a mix of media placements across platforms (print, digital, TV, radio, podcasts).

• Flexibility to adjust pitches in response to feedback or evolving media landscapes.

• Quick thinking and agility when pitching under time constraints or in crisis situations.

• Ability to position clients or brands as thought leaders in their industry through strategic media placements.

• Success in getting clients featured in high-profile industry-specific media or speaking engagements through proactive pitching.

• Commitment to maintaining transparency and honesty in all media interactions, avoiding exaggerated claims or misleading information.

• Adherence to ethical standards when pitching, including clear identification of paid or promotional content.

• Use of media analytics to track pitch effectiveness and refine future outreach strategies.

• Success in using media coverage to achieve PR objectives, such as brand visibility, reputation management, or product awareness.

• Effective collaboration with clients to develop key messages and storylines that align with their goals and the media landscape.

• Success in guiding clients through media interviews or feature stories, ensuring they are well-prepared and represented accurately.

NOMINATE

Description:

This early career professional is one to watch as she/he has demonstrated PR prowess with a fresh perspective. 

Criteria:

• Consistently and substantially exceeds the expectations of the position, performing at a level above and beyond normal job requirements and expectations

• They have made important and significant contributions to their team, resulting in the client’s success.

• Consistently and substantially demonstrates an ability and willingness to work positively, respectfully, and effectively with others

• Has exceptional customer service skills and proven customer relations

• demonstrates exceptional ability to foster collaboration, communication, and cooperation among colleagues 

• Significantly improved a work process or system, or has significantly increased the efficiency of an operation or process

• Has worked creatively with colleagues to present a new idea that directly benefited the client

NOMINATE

Description: 

From a social audit to a campaign that moved the needle in a big way, this PRo broke the mold and is making waves.

Criteria:

•  Expertise in aligning social media content with the brand’s PR messaging and goals.

• Ability to craft compelling, cohesive narratives that support public relations campaigns.

• Success in promoting a consistent brand voice across all social platforms.

• Demonstrated ability to manage crises through social media, including timely responses and mitigation strategies.

• Effectiveness in engaging with journalists, bloggers, and influencers through social media.

• Ability to use social platforms to amplify earned media coverage and press releases.

• Success in fostering partnerships with influencers or media professionals that support PR goals.

• Ability to engage with key audiences (e.g., media, stakeholders, customers) through tailored PR-driven social media campaigns.

• Proficiency in managing social media campaigns tied to corporate events, product launches, or announcements.

• Focus on building trust and transparency through authentic interactions with the audience.

• Demonstrated success in positioning the brand as a thought leader through social media channels.

• Use of social media to elevate the company’s executives or spokespersons as industry experts.

• Strategies that encourage brand advocacy, leveraging loyal followers or industry voices to amplify PR efforts.

• Expertise in using analytics to measure the impact of social media on PR campaigns (e.g., media mentions, sentiment analysis, engagement growth).

• Ability to tie social media results to broader PR objectives (e.g., brand reputation, message reach).

• Creative use of social media features (e.g., live streaming, polls, or story formats) to support PR initiatives.

• Innovation in leveraging new platforms or digital trends for PR outreach and engagement.

• Adaptability to new PR challenges or goals through evolving social media strategies.

• Proficiency in collaborating with PR professionals, understanding the integration of social media within the overall PR strategy.

NOMINATE

Description: 

This influencer has proven to be the best strategic partner who consistently provides meaningful results.

Criteria:

• Demonstrated ability to maintain an authentic voice and strong personal brand that resonates with their audience.

• Consistency in messaging and content that reflects their core values and the interests of their followers.

• Transparency in sponsored content, ensuring that partnerships align with their 

• High levels of engagement with followers, including meaningful interactions through comments, direct messages, and social media posts.

• Success in fostering a loyal, engaged community that actively participates in discussions, shares content, and supports the influencer’s initiatives.

• Ability to create a positive, inclusive environment for followers, regardless of niche or content type.

• Ability to produce visually appealing, original, and creative content that stands out in a crowded digital space

• Use of innovative formats or techniques (e.g., video editing, interactive posts) to keep content fresh and engaging.

• Experimentation with new features and platforms to stay ahead of trends and continue growing their influence.

• Ability to drive results (e.g., conversions, brand awareness) through well-executed campaigns and sponsored content.

• Measurable impact on their audience, whether through product recommendations, lifestyle changes, or advocacy for social causes.

• Consistent professionalism when working with brands and partners, including timely content delivery, clear communication, and respect for contractual agreements.

• Commitment to ethical standards in advertising and influencer marketing, including transparency in paid partnerships and adherence to disclosure guidelines.

• Positive reputation among peers, followers, and brands for trustworthiness and reliability.

• Demonstrated ability to grow and sustain a large, engaged audience across social platforms.

• Strategic use of platform features (e.g., hashtags, trends, collaborations) to attract new followers while retaining long-term supporters.

• Participation in or leading initiatives that have a positive impact on their community or the broader public.

NOMINATE

Description: 

This may be an individual, a team, or an agency that introduced a new trend in 2025 that made a significant impact on client relations and their success.

Criteria:

• Introduction of innovative practices, tools, or strategies in the PR field.

• Successful implementation of forward-thinking concepts that challenge conventional methods.

• Significant influence on the evolution of PR trends within the year.

• Evidence of thought leadership through published articles, speaking engagements, or white papers.

• Demonstrated the ability to inspire and guide peers or teams toward embracing new trends.

• Tangible outcomes that showcase the effectiveness of the trend-setting initiatives.

• Shows a clear alignment of innovations with client or organizational goals.

• Ability to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges or shifts in the industry.

• Proven track record of staying ahead of the curve and ensuring relevance in a fast-changing landscape.

• Commitment to ethical standards and inclusive practices in trend-setting efforts.

• Advocates for diversity and equity within the industry.

NOMINATE

Description: 

This person excelled in the agency's affiliate program over the last year and demonstrated exponential growth and potential for their client base.

Criteria:

• Consistently showed high conversion rates and/or sales volume.

• Demonstrated the ability to exceed goals or benchmarks set by the affiliate program.

• Initiated creative and effective marketing strategies (e.g., content creation, email campaigns, social media).

• Use of unique or unconventional methods to engage audiences and drive results.

• Strong representation of the brand’s values and messaging in affiliate promotions.

• Positive feedback or testimonials from the brand or program managers.

• Evidence of fostering meaningful interactions with followers or customers.

• Produced high levels of engagement (e.g., click-through rates, comments, shares).

• Proven ability to build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with affiliate program managers

• Collaboration on strategies or campaigns that enhance mutual success.

• Effective use of analytics to track, adjust, and improve performance.

• Transparent reporting and documentation of results.

NOMINATE

Description: 

The award may honor a full team or an individual. This agency/individual created and directed a truly unique campaign that had a positive impact on the environment or society, while directly benefiting the client.

Criteria:

• Demonstrated originality in strategy, messaging, or execution.

• Effectively incorporated new or unexpected tactics to achieve goals.

• Provided clear, measurable objectives aligned with the campaign's overall goals.

• High-quality execution across all campaign elements (e.g., press releases, media coverage, social media).

• Successful coordination between teams, stakeholders, and platforms.

• Strong engagement or interaction with the target audience.

• Demonstrated ability to resonate and build connections.

• Quantifiable metrics showing success (e.g., media impressions, sales lift, sentiment improvement).

• Showed a positive return on investment (financial or non-financial outcomes).

• Adherence to ethical standards in public relations.

• Inclusive messaging and representation of diverse perspectives.

NOMINATE

Description:

Designed to honor a PR agency with 25 or fewer employees.

Criteria:

• Demonstrated excellence in achieving measurable results for clients.

• Provide examples of successful campaigns or projects that exceeded expectations.

• Initiated unique approaches to PR challenges, showcasing originality and resourcefulness.

• Implementation of new technologies, tools, or methods to enhance results.

• Evidence of business growth, such as new client acquisitions, revenue increases, or team expansion.

• Commitment to professional development for team members.

• Active participation in industry events, conferences, or thought leadership initiatives.

• Showcased contributions to advancing PR best practices or supporting the community.

• Provided a commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and upholding ethical standards.

• Demonstrated efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the agency and campaigns.

• Agency’s role in shaping trends, influencing industry standards, or making a broader societal impact.

• Notable achievements that set the agency apart from competitors.

NOMINATE

Description:

Designed to honor the PR agency with 26 or more employees.

Criteria:

• Demonstrated excellence in achieving measurable results for clients.

• Provide examples of successful campaigns or projects that exceeded expectations.

• Initiated unique approaches to PR challenges, showcasing originality and resourcefulness.

• Implementation of new technologies, tools, or methods to enhance results.

• Evidence of business growth, such as new client acquisitions, revenue increases, or team expansion.

• Commitment to professional development for team members.

• Active participation in industry events, conferences, or thought leadership initiatives.

• Showcased contributions to advancing PR best practices or supporting the community.

• Provided a commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture and upholding ethical standards.

• Demonstrated efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the agency and campaigns.

• Agency’s role in shaping trends, influencing industry standards, or making a broader societal impact.

• Notable achievements that set the agency apart from competitors.

NOMINATE