08/21/2026
PR awards season runs year-round. 🏆✨
Whether you’re eyeing CAPIO, 3CMA, PRSA awards or another program, the best time to start thinking about your entry is long before the deadline.
PRSA Phoenix recently featured a blog post with award-entry tips from Dr. Mary Ann Pearson , APR, and me, based on a webinar we presented for PRSA-IE last year on crafting stronger award submissions.
A few of our favorite tips:
✨ Create a living awards file. Save campaign briefs, research, photos, metrics, media coverage and community feedback throughout the year. Future you will be VERY grateful.
✨ Tell a clear story. What was the challenge, what did you do and what changed?
✨ Start with the judging criteria and make it easy for judges to see how your work meets what they’re actually scoring.
✨ Show measurable results. Don’t just say something was successful. Show it.
✨ Write like a judge will read it on a plane. Keep it clear, concise and easy to follow.
And one of the best ways to become a stronger awards writer? Volunteer to judge. You’ll learn a lot from seeing what makes an entry stand out.
Your work already tells the story. A strong award entry just makes sure the judges can see it.
Read all of our tips on the PRSA Phoenix blog (link in bio)!
