Entries must consist of work created between June 30, 2023 and July 1, 2024.

Award Categories

Category 1: Overall Communications Program
1A. Internal Communications
Comprehensive programs aimed at improving and strengthening in-house communications or to build greater understanding or awareness between an organization and its direct, internal allies such as employees, members, investors, or shareholders.

1B. External Communications / Consumer Relations
Overarching programs developed to improve external relationships to help market for-profit companies, products, services, or ideas. Includes programs designed to introduce new brands, products, or services, and those aimed at the promotion of existing brands, products, or services to an external audience.

1C. Public Service / Nonprofit Communications
Programs aimed at improving and strengthening community relations, advancing public understanding of societal issues, problems, or concerns, as well as any program designed to disseminate vital information for the good of the general public. Includes any program designed to build greater understanding or awareness of a mission-based or issue-focused entity and an external audience.

1D. Public Affairs
Includes programs specifically designed to influence public policy or to affect legislation, regulation, political activity, and/or candidacies at the local, state, or federal government levels so that the funding entity benefits.

1E. Media Relations
Programs designed to build or improve relationships between an organization and the news media. These programs are intended to secure coverage, influence narratives, or eliminate coverage of a particular brand, topic, organization, individual, or issue.

1F. Crisis Communications / Reputation Management
Programs designed to mitigate risk during unplanned events or crises that require an immediate response. Submissions in this category may include collaterals pertaining to inactive (not yet called upon) strategies or plans as well as those that have been executed.

1G. Special Events
Includes overall communication programs aimed at promoting one-time events as well as event series. May include conferences, commemorations, observances, openings, anniversaries, celebrations, product launches, shows, or other special activities.

1H. Human Resources
Includes programs of HR-related services, solutions, and expertise to companies.

1I. Technology*
Communications programs for technology communications refers to the field of communication that focuses on the dissemination of information, ideas, and messages related to technology products, services, and innovations.

1J. Small/Medium Businesses
Communications programs for small and medium businesses (SMBs), also referred to as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMBs/SMEs are a category of businesses that fall within a certain size range in terms of employees, annual revenue, and market presence. While the specific criteria may vary by country and industry, SMBs generally have fewer resources and a more limited market reach compared to large corporations. SMBs play a vital role in the economy by driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to local communities.

1K.  Healthcare Communications
Communications programs for Healthcare communications refers to the broad range of strategies, methods, and technologies used to facilitate effective and efficient communication within the healthcare industry.

Category 2: Publications
All entries in this category will be judged on the overall impact of content, design, distribution, and engagement criteria. Entries may be intended for either internal or external audiences, and may have been produced in either print or digital versions.

2A. Newsletters

2B. Magazines

2C. Annual Reports

2D. Special Publications – Miscellaneous or niche items not included in the categories above.

Category 3: Strategic Writing
All entries in this category will be judged on the quality of content. It will not factor in peripheral criteria like design or distribution.

3A. News Releases

3B. Editorials

3C. Special Content – Miscellaneous or niche written materials for either written or spoken communications, not applicable to the categories above.

Category 4: Digital Assets & Web-Based Communications
This category includes, but is not limited to news, editorial, advertising, and promotional purposes.

4A. Websites

4B. Blogs

4C. Social Media Campaigns

4D. Special Digital Projects – Miscellaneous or niche items not included in the categories above.

4E. Social Media Management*

4F. Social Media Influencer Campaigns*

Category 5: Audio/Video Communications
This category includes, but is not limited to news, editorial, advertising, and promotional purposes.

5A. Documentaries

5B. Commercials

5C. Public Service Announcements

5D. Podcasts / Video Shorts

5E. Training / Instructional

5F. Interviews / Testimonials

5G. Event Assets

Category 6: Photography
This category includes, but is not limited to news, editorial, advertising, and promotional images.

6A. Best Single Image

6B. Photo Essays / Multi-Image Presentations

6C.  People / Portraits

Category 7: Environmental, Social and Goverance (ESG)
This category includes, but is not limited to news, editorial, advertising, and promotional purposes.

7A. Overall ESG Efforts/Programs

7B. Sustainability*

7C. Social Impact* 

Category 8: Design
This category includes, but is not limited to news, editorial, advertising, and promotional purposes.

8A. Single Printed Piece

8B. Branding Assets 

8C. Specialty Items – Miscellaneous or niche items not included in the categories above. 
 

Category 9: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Includes programs designed surrounding DEI efforts. Submissions in this category may include collateral materials pertaining to strategies or plans that were executed for DEI purposes. This may include social media, communication or any other DEI efforts. 

Category 10: Student Submissions
This category includes any student work in communication or design. Student submissions from any award category above are welcomed. On each student submission, please note the corresponding category number, letter and title that best matches your award entry.

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