Award Categories
1. Best Anniversary Campaign
Judges will be assessing the overall strategy and impact of the anniversary component on the overall success of the campaign. Where possible, demonstrate how the anniversary component led to a more successful and effective outcome towards campaign and business objectives.
2. Best Corporate Affairs Strategy
Judges will be assessing the overall strategy, as well as the effectiveness in communicating with stakeholders, promoting a favourable image or perception of the organisation, enhancing the organisation’s positioning, and where possible, a measured change in sentiment and achieving other corporate goals.
3. Best CSR Communications
Judges will be looking at how the campaign’s PR strategies created genuine benefits for both the cause and business objectives, as well as strengthening the company’s image as a responsible entity of society. This category is open to any one-off or ongoing campaign or initiative.
4. Best Employee Engagement / Internal Communications
Judges will be looking at the success displayed in terms of employee / stakeholders’ satisfaction and performance. This category is open to any one-off or ongoing campaign or initiative.
5. Best Engagement for a Targeted Community
Judges will be looking at the nature of the campaign / event, communication strategies, core business objectives and context within the overall PR campaign. Attention will also be paid to the campaign’s strategic engagement, positive action and / or change in community behaviour.
6. Best Event-Led PR Campaign
Judges will be looking at the nature of the event, communication strategies, core business objectives, context within the overall PR campaign and the ability to build brand reputation.
7. Best Experiential PR Campaign
Judges will be evaluating the creativity and execution of the experiential elements, the alignment with brand messaging and objectives, and the overall impact on audience engagement and brand perception. Measurable results such as attendance, media coverage, social media engagement, and ROI will also be considered.
8. Best Insights-Driven PR
Judges will be looking at how data has been crucial in driving the campaign’s core objectives. Entrants should illustrate the details of the target audience, how they were engaged via the campaign and the measurements of success.
9. Best Launch / Re-Launch Campaign
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR in the campaign, such as brand share of voice, buzz and public awareness, and an increase in conversations about the product and / or service.
10. Best Media Relations Strategy
Judges will be looking for PR and communication strategies for the media, the coverage as a result and the subsequent rise in brand awareness.
11. Best Partnership or Collaboration-Led PR Campaign *NEW*
Entries should demonstrate how the partnership enhanced storytelling, expanded audience reach, strengthened brand reputation, and delivered meaningful business or communications outcomes.
12. Best PR by an In-House Communications Team
Judges will be looking at creativity and innovation, as well as the strategy and execution of any given programme. Entrants should be able to evidence impact on the organisations’ external reputation as well as building the importance of the communications role internally, particularly in regard to the C-Suite.
13. Best PR Campaign for SMEs & Emerging Brands*
This category recognises outstanding PR campaigns developed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 200 employees, as well as emerging brands that have been operating for five years or less.
Entries should demonstrate how strategic communications effectively built brand awareness, strengthened reputation, engaged target audiences, or delivered measurable business results despite operating with comparatively limited resources or an emerging market presence.
*This category was previously ‘Best PR Campaign – Start-Up/Small Business’
14. Best PR Campaign - Thought Leadership & Reputation Management
Judges will evaluate the strategic approach, the alignment with organisational objectives, and the impact on thought leadership and reputation. Measurable results such as media coverage, audience reach, social media engagement, and reputation metrics will be considered.
15. Best PR Campaign for a Specific Audience
16. Best PR Campaign: B2B
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that contributed to the product, services, and / or brand objectives. Entrants should be able to outline creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and be able to evidence the ability of the campaign to increase share of voice, generate buzz and public awareness about the product, service and / or brand in the media. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
17. Best PR Campaign: Banking / Financial Services
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that contributed to the brand / services’ business objectives. Entrants should be able to outline the creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and be able to evidence the ability of the campaign to increase share of voice, generate buzz and public awareness about the brand / service in the media. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
18. Best PR Campaign: Beauty & Wellness
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that contributed to the brand, product and / or service’s business objectives. Entrants should be able to outline creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and be able to evidence the ability of the campaign to increase share of voice, generate buzz and public awareness about the brand, product and / or service in the media. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or succeeded.
19. Best PR Campaign: Electronics & Tech
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that contributed to the brand / product and business objectives. Entrants should be able to outline the creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and be able to evidence the ability of the campaign to increase share of voice, generate buzz and public awareness about the brand / product in the media. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
20. Best PR Campaign: Entertainment
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that contributed to the product and business objectives. Entrants should be able to outline creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and be able to evidence the ability of the campaign to increase share of voice, generate buzz and public awareness about the product in the media. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
21. Best PR Campaign: F&B
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that contributed to the business objectives. Entrants should be able to outline the creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and be able to evidence the ability of the campaign to increase share of voice, generate buzz and public awareness about the F&B product / service in question. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
22. Best PR Campaign: Fashion & Apparel
Judges will evaluate the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that supported the brand, label, or product objectives. Entrants should outline the creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and demonstrate the campaign’s ability to increase share of voice, generate buzz, and raise public awareness within the fashion industry. Entrants should also provide evidence of how ROI was measured and how the campaign achieved or exceeded its goals.
23. Best PR Campaign: FMCG
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that contributed to the brand / product and business objectives. Entrants should be able to outline the creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and be able to evidence the ability of the campaign to increase share of voice, generate buzz and public awareness about the brand / product in the media. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
24. Best PR Campaign: Government / Public Services
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that contributed to the product, services, and / or business objectives. Entrants should be able to outline creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and be able to evidence the ability of the campaign to increase share of voice, generate buzz and public awareness about the product or service in the media. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
25. Best PR Campaign: Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that contributed to the brand, product and / or service’s business objectives. Entrants should be able to outline creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and be able to evidence the ability of the campaign to increase share of voice, generate buzz and public awareness about the brand, product and / or service in the media. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or succeeded.
26. Best PR Campaign: Lifestyle & Travel
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that supported the brand, product, and / or service’s business objectives. Entrants should outline creative and innovative elements, demonstrate successful execution, and provide evidence of the campaign’s ability to increase share of voice, generate buzz, and build public awareness in the media. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign met or exceeded both communications and business goals.
27. Best PR-led Integrated Communications
Judges will be looking at the role PR played in the strategic development and implementation of a programme, as well as streamlined PR strategies that drove core business objectives, and evidence of creativity, execution, impact and effectiveness.
28. Best Regional PR
Judges will be looking at the role and contribution of PR / communications in the campaign strategies that contributed to the product, services, and / or brand objectives. Entrants should be able to outline creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and the ability of the campaign to understand and adapt to specific audience / cultural differences. Entrants should also be able to evidence an increased share of voice, how they generated buzz and increased public awareness about the product or service in the media. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
29. Best Use of Advocates
Judges will be looking at how the PR team leveraged an advocate’s testimonial and / or position as part of the PR strategy, how the content and delivery fit into the brand and campaign’s overall strategy, and how by incorporating the advocate element the campaign was successfully impacted. Entrants should be able to outline creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and evidence an increased level of awareness. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
30. Best Use of Celebrities / Influencers
Judges will be looking at how the PR team leveraged a celebrity / influencer’s position as part of the PR strategy, how the content and delivery fit into the brand and campaign’s overall strategy, and how by incorporating the celebrity / influencer element the campaign was successfully impacted. Entrants should be able to outline creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and evidence an increased level of awareness. Entrants should also show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
31. Best Use of Content
Judges will be looking for creativity and originality of content. Entrants should be able to show how the brand, product or service’s story was developed and tailored to the target audience, how the media strategy was developed and executed across various channels, and how the successful execution delivered an increased level of awareness, as well as how ROI was measured and how the campaign and/or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
32. Best Use of Influencer Marketing (B2B)
Judges will assess the strategic use of influencers, the alignment with brand messaging and objectives, and the overall impact on audience engagement and brand perception. Measurable outcomes such as influencer reach, media coverage, social media engagement, and ROI will be taken into account.
33. Best Use of Micro / Niche Influencers
Judges will be looking at how the PR team leveraged the micro / niche influencer’s position as part of the PR strategy, how the content and delivery fit into the brand and campaign’s overall strategy, and how by incorporating the micro / niche influencer element the campaign was successfully impacted. Entrants should also be able to outline creative and innovative elements, successful execution, and evidence an increased level of awareness, as well as how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
34. Best Use of Owned Media
Judges will be looking for the strategic use of owned media to support both PR and broader business goals. They’ll expect to see original, consistent, and engaging content that is clearly tailored to your target audience. Strong entries will demonstrate evidence of audience growth, loyalty, or meaningful engagement, along with measurable impact on brand reputation, thought leadership, or stakeholder relationships.
35. Best Use of Social Media
Judges will be looking for innovative strategies and content that are well-suited to the chosen platforms. Successful entries should showcase real-time engagement and meaningful interaction with the community, alongside effective targeting and amplification of PR messages. Clear metrics such as reach, shares, sentiment, and ROI will be key in demonstrating the campaign’s success.
36. Best Use of Social Media for Crisis Communications
Judges will evaluate the strategic approach, the alignment with crisis management objectives, and the overall impact on crisis resolution and brand reputation. Measurable results such as social media engagement, media coverage, audience reach, and crisis mitigation metrics will also be considered.
37. Best Use of Tech / AI for PR
Judges will be looking for innovative PR strategies and effective ways that technology and AI were used to enhance audience engagement and customer experience. Entries should focus on how the technology and AI were leveraged; entrants should be able to evidence the successful implementation of these technologies, demonstrating an increased level of awareness and engagement. Additionally, entrants should show how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
38. Best Use of Trendjacking for PR
Open to in-house PR teams, agencies, or joint efforts, this category celebrates the ability to identify and align with fast-moving public discourse in a manner that strengthens brand positioning while maintaining authenticity and appropriateness.
Judges will evaluate the relevance of the chosen trend, the speed and precision of execution, the alignment with brand values, and the outcomes achieved in terms of engagement, media coverage, and audience resonance.
39. Best Use of Virtual & Hybrid Events
Judges will be evaluating the creativity and execution of virtual and hybrid event elements, the alignment with brand messaging and objectives, and the overall impact on audience engagement and brand perception. Measurable results such as attendance, media coverage, social media engagement, and ROI will also be considered.
40. Most Creative PR Stunt
Judges will be looking for a clear strategy and demonstration of creative content and execution that drove the brand’s core business objectives and awareness. Entries should focus on how the stunt was developed and successfully executed to engage a specific target audience, and how the stunt was leveraged to effectively engage members of the media to raise awareness of a specific brand, product or service. Entrants should be able to evidence how the successful implementation of the stunt delivered an increased level of awareness, as well as how ROI was measured and how the campaign and / or business goals were achieved or exceeded.
TALENT CATEGORIES
41. PR Champion of the Year (Agency)
This category recognises outstanding leadership and excellence from an agency-side leader who has made a significant impact to their client’s PR campaigns, executions and results. Entrants can nominate themselves or a colleague; they should show achievements against objectives and evidence of business impact in the following areas within the eligibility period
- Creativity and innovation
- Strategic thinking
- Excellent execution
- New business wins
- Stability or improvement of the brand’s business performance
- Having built or maintained a positive working environment for their teams
- Contribution to the wider industry
- Any other exceptional achievements or work that especially merits this award
Testimonials for this category are encouraged.
42. PR Champion of the Year (Brand)
This category recognises outstanding leadership and excellence from a brand-side leader who has made a significant impact to their brand’s PR campaigns, execution and results. Entrants can nominate themselves or a colleague; they should show achievements against objectives and evidence of business impact in the following areas within the eligibility period
- Creativity and innovation
- Strategic thinking
- Excellent execution
- Stability or improvement of the brand’s business performance
- Having built or maintained a positive working environment for their teams
- Contribution to the wider industry
- Any other exceptional achievements or work that especially merits this award.
Testimonials for this category are encouraged.
43. PR Team of the Year (Agency)
This category recognises outstanding work from an agency team which has made a significant impact to their clients’ overall PR campaigns, executions, and results. Entrants can use one particular campaign as a case study of evidence to form their entry or can use aspects from various projects, but all work must have taken place within the eligibility period and they must show evidence of:
- Outstanding achievements in campaigns and project management
- Creativity and innovation
- Strategic thinking
- Excellent execution
- Successful results against objectives / KPIs
- Any other exceptional achievements or work that especially merits this award.
Testimonials for this category are encouraged.
44. PR Team of the Year (Brand)
This category recognises outstanding work from a brand-side marketing team which has made a significant impact to the organisation’s overall PR campaigns, executions, and results. Entrants can use one particular campaign as a case study of evidence to form their entry or can use aspects from various projects, but all work must have taken place within the eligibility period and they must show evidence of:
- Outstanding achievements in campaigns and project management
- Creativity and innovation
- Strategic thinking
- Excellent execution
- Successful results against objectives / KPIs
- Any other exceptional achievements or work that especially merits this award.
Testimonials for this category are encouraged.
45. PR Awards Overall Agency Champion (Not for entry)
This title is not open for direct entry, and is based solely on performance across all categories. It recognises the agency with the most successful performance at the PR Awards, based solely on the number and type of awards won as determined by the PR Awards jury.
Points System:
- Gold: 4 points
- Silver: 2 points
- Bronze: 1 point
Points Allocation for Multiple Agencies:
- Lead Agency: When multiple agencies collaborate on a winning entry and a lead agency is identified, the lead agency receives full points towards the overall awards. Non-lead agencies on that entry will each receive 25% of the points respectively.
- Joint Submission: If two agencies declare an equal partnership on a winning entry, each agency receives 50% of the points towards the overall awards.
Tie-Breakers:
- Most Gold: If total points are tied, the agency with the highest number of Gold awards wins.
- Most Silver: If Gold awards are also tied, the agency with the highest number of Silver awards wins.
- Highest Average Score: If a tie still persists, the agency with the highest average score percentage (as assigned by the judges across all their winning entries) will win.
46. PR Awards Overall Brand Champion (Not for entry)
This title is not open for direct entry, and is based solely on performance across all categories. It recognises the brand with the most successful performance at the PR Awards, based solely on the number and type of awards won as determined by the PR Awards jury.
Points System:
- Gold: 4 points
- Silver: 2 points
- Bronze: 1 point
Tie-Breakers:
- Most Gold: If total points are tied, the brand with the highest number of Gold awards wins.
- Most Silver: If Gold awards are also tied, the brand with the highest number of Silver awards wins.
- Highest Average Score: If a tie still persists, the brand with the highest average score percentage (as assigned by the judges across all their winning entries) will win.