CALL FOR ENTRIES

Ready to showcase the work that defined your year?

The campaigns you refined until they were perfect. The strategies that delivered breakthrough results. The creative solutions that exceeded expectations and demonstrated the power of strategic communication.

It’s time to enter the 2026 PRSA Pittsburgh Renaissance Awards.

We’re calling on the accomplished communicators, innovative agencies, and forward-thinking organizations across the Pittsburgh region to submit work that exemplifies excellence in strategic communication. Whether you represent an established enterprise or growing organization, we want to recognize it the work that if you’ve created communications that achieved measurable impact.

What Makes a Renaissance Award Winner?

Programs and campaigns that combine strategic insight with outstanding execution. Work that not only communicates effectively but delivers measurable results. From crisis communications that preserved reputation to digital campaigns that drove engagement, from internal communications that aligned organizations to brand initiatives that captured market attention.

Who Should Enter?

  • Agencies delivering innovative client solutions.
  • In-house teams achieving strategic objectives.
  • Nonprofits maximizing impact through strategic communication.
  • Students and emerging professionals bringing fresh approaches.
  • Industry veterans demonstrating continued excellence.
  • Independent practitioners proving the power of focused expertise.

Each entry represents strategic thinking and professional execution. Every winner exemplifies the innovation and expertise that defines Pittsburgh’s communications community. Your exceptional work deserves professional recognition.

The Renaissance Awards honor more than successful campaigns — they celebrate the professionals who understand that strategic communication drives business results and creates meaningful connections.

Make 2026 the year your best work gets the recognition it deserves.

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Make sure your program/campaign was executed between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025.
  • View entry categories and descriptions here. You may submit the same program / project for more than one category, but each must have its own entry and payment. Entrants may submit as many entries as they wish.
  • Review the judging criteria, due dates and fees below. 
  • Draft a 1-2 page summary and 50-word abstract summarizing the entry. This abstract will be used to introduce the award at the ceremony.  
  • Compile 1 – 3 visual elements that best represent the campaign or tactic. Incorporate videos, media coverage, reports, letters, photos and samples of materials used in the program. We will showcase these at the awards.
  • Upload materials and complete entry information through these Google Forms:
      1. Individual Awards Entry Form
      2. Campaign Awards Entry Form
  • Submit payment. 

DEADLINES & FEES:

Call for Entries Open: Monday, September 15

Early Bird Deadline: Friday, October 10 by midnight.

Click link to pay below:

Final Deadline: Friday, October 24 by midnight.

Renaissance Ticket Registration: November 2025

Renaissance Award Notifications: December 2025 

2026 Renaissance Awards Ceremony: January 29, 2026

JUDGING & CRITERIA

An impartial panel of judges from the Hoosier PRSA Chapter will judge all Renaissance Awards entries. At least two judges will evaluate each entry based on the entry summary and visuals provided, which should include the areas listed below. 

Campaign Entry Format 

  • 10% Situation Analysis / Research: Describe the situation and audience. 
  •  30% Implementation / Execution: Describe how the plans were executed and all tactics. Quality of work, creativity and budget.
  • 30% Planning: Include research, goals, objectives, strategies and any challenges experienced during the planning process. 
  • 30% Evaluation: Overall success of the program, including metrics and method of evaluation.

Tactics Entry Form

  • 30% Planning / Content: Objectives and target audience, including research.
  • 25% Technical Excellence: Quality of design, writing and other communications elements.
  • 15% Creativity: Unique messages, materials, technology.
  • 30% Results: Overall success of the program, including metrics and method of evaluation.

Individual Entry Form

  • Has the nominee demonstrated invaluable contributions to the field throughout their career? 
  • What has the nominee’s impact been on the field?
  • Does the nominee show a lasting commitment and contribution to the field?
  • Did the nominee go above and beyond the standards of the PR profession? 
  • Did the nominee achieve and demonstrate remarkable results in their efforts this year?
  • Does the nominee show vested interest, enthusiasm and commitment to PR?
  • Did the nominee show exemplary dedication to the PRSA Pittsburgh Chapter?
  • Did the nominee demonstrate a high understanding of public relations practices?

QUESTIONS?

Please send any questions you have to us at renaissance@prsa-pgh.org.