These categories recognize innovation in corporate communications, investor relations, and public relations since 1 July 2023.

Nominations that won in the 2025 edition of the awards may be resubmitted for consideration to the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be resubmitted to the categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories include
a. An essay of up to 2,500 characters describing the nominated innovative achievements since 1 July 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length describing the same.
b. Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files, works samples, and web addresses that you may upload to our server to support your entry and provide more background information to the judges.

C01. Award for Innovation in Community Relations or Public Service Communications: recognizing innovation in campaigns/programs that aim to improve relations with communities in which the sponsoring organization has an interest, need or opportunity, or campaigns/programs that that advance public understanding of societal issues, problems or concerns.

C02. Award for Innovation in Crisis Communications (new for 2026): recognizing innovative strategies and communications efforts in managing and responding to a crisis, protecting reputation, and restoring stakeholder trust.

C03. Award for Innovation in Influencer Marketing Communications (new for 2026): recognizing the innovative use of influencer collaborations and content creator partnerships in integrated communications campaigns.

C04. Award for Innovation in Investor Relations: recognizing innovations in programs/campaigns that manage an organization's relationship with its investors and/or the investment community.

C05. Award for Innovation in Media Relations: recognizing innovation in effective traditional media relations in a PR campaign.

C06. Award for Innovation in Public Affairs Communications: recognizing innovation in campaigns/programs specifically designed to influence public policy and/or affect legislation, regulations, political activities or candidacies.

C07. Award for Innovation in the Use of Celebrities or Public Figures: recognizing innovation in programs/campaigns that effectively use public figures or celebrities to communicate, inform, or persuade.

C08. Award for Innovation in the Use of Events: recognizing the innovative use of events (live or virtual) in overall communications programs/campaigns.

C09. Award for Innovation in the Use of Social Media: recognizing the innovative use of social media communications on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as part of overall communications programs/campaigns.

C10. Award for Innovation in the Use of Video: recognizing the innovative use of video in communications programs/campaigns to affect, inform or persuade.

C11. Award for Innovation in the Use of Viral Media / Word of Mouth: recognizing innovation in the use of viral or word-of-mouth consumer-generated media tools in a communications program or campaign.

C12. Most Innovative Public Relations Agency of the Year
Your nomination must cite innovation since 1 July 2023 in at least three (3) of the following areas: Agency Management or Structure, Events, Investor Relations, Media Relations, Social Media, Video, the Use of Celebrities or Public Figures, and Viral Media / Word of Mouth.

C13. Most Innovative Communications Team of the Year
Your nomination must cite innovation since 1 July 2023 in at least three (3) of the following areas: Department or Team Management or Structure, Events, Investor Relations, Media Relations, Social Media, Video, the Use of Celebrities or Public Figures, and Viral Media / Word of Mouth.

C14. Most Innovative Communications Professional of the Year
Your nomination must cite innovation since 1 July 2023 in at least one (1) of the following areas: Events, Investor Relations, Media Relations, Social Media, Video, the Use of Celebrities or Public Figures, and Viral Media / Word of Mouth.