These categories recognize innovation in corporate communications, investor relations, and public relations since July 1, 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 3,500 characters describing the nominated innovative achievements since July 1, 2023.
b. Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files, work 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
C02. Award for Innovation in Crisis Communications (New for 2026)

C03. Award for Innovation in Investor Relations
C04. Award for Innovation in Media Relations
C05. Award for Innovation in Public Affairs Communications
C06. Award for Innovation in the Use of Celebrities or Public Figures
C07. Award for Innovation in the Use of Events
C08. Award for Innovation in the Use of Social Media
C09. Award for Innovation in the Use of Video
C10. Award for Innovation in the Use of Viral Media / Word of Mouth
C11. Most Innovative Public Relations Agency of the Year
Your nomination must cite innovation since July 1, 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.

C12. Most Innovative Communications Team of the Year
Your nomination must cite innovation since July 1, 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.

C13. Most Innovative Communications Professional of the Year
Your nomination must cite innovation since July 1, 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.