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HomePinnacle Awards 2026


Welcome to the 2026 PRSA Hampton Roads Pinnacle Awards Submission Page


Each year, PRSA Hampton Roads recognizes outstanding public relations professionals and their work. Over its history, the chapter's awards program has recognized the most creative and effective communications strategies and tactics happening across Hampton Roads, Virginia.


Whether you work in an agency, corporation, nonprofit, government, higher education or as an independent consultant, the Pinnacle Awards provide an opportunity to showcase your best work, gain industry recognition and celebrate excellence among your peers.

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES

Submissions are open now through 11:59 p.m.,Sept. 13, 2026.

Submit Your Entries Today!

 

Important Dates

Entries Open: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026

Early Bird Deadline: Aug. 16, 2026

Regular Deadline: Sept. 5, 2026

Final Entry Deadline: Sept.13, 2026

Eligible Work: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 

Countdown to Submission Deadline
Countdown
Countdown to Submission Deadline

What's New for 2026?

The communications profession continues to evolve. And so do the Pinnacle Awards!


This year, we've expanded our awards program to recognize today's most innovative communications strategies with several new categories, including the following:

  • Best Use of Artificial Intelligence
  • Integrated Communications
  • Marketing
  • Executive Communications & Thought Leadership
  • Influencer Marketing
  • Paid Promotions
  • Organizational Award: Best AI Integration & Digital Innovations

These additions reflect the changing communications landscape while continuing to recognize the strategic excellence that has defined the Pinnacle Awards for decades.

Award Categories

Strategic Campaign Awards

Recognizing comprehensive communications programs and campaigns that demonstrate exceptional planning, execution and measurable results.

  • Community Relations
  • Crisis Communications
  • Events & Observances
  • NEW: Integrated Communications
  • Internal/Employee Communications
  • NEW: Marketing
  • Most Effective Campaign on a Shoestring Budget ($5,000 or less)
  • Multicultural Public Relations
  • NEW: Organizational Award – Best AI Integration & Digital Innovations 
Click here for Judging Criteria.

Tactical Awards

Recognizing excellence in individual communications tactics and deliverables.

  • NEW: Best Use of AI
  • NEW: Executive Communications/Thought Leadership
  • NEW: Influencer Marketing
  • Media Relations
  • Newsletters/Magazines
  • NEW: Paid Promotions
  • Single-Issue Publications
  • Social Media
  • Website 
Click here for Judging Criteria.

Individual Awards

Recognizing communications professionals whose leadership and contributions have advanced the profession.

  • P. Lee Starkey Pinnacle in Public Relations
  • PRSA Hampton Roads Member of the Year
  • PRSA Hampton Roads Rising Star Award 
Review full category descriptions here.

Entry Fees

Strategic Campaign Awards


Registration Period Members Nonmembers Students
Early Bird (Aug. 5–16) $85 $105 $10
Regular (Aug. 17–Sept. 5) $100 $120 $15
Late (Sept. 6–13) $115 $135 $20

 



Tactical Awards

 

Registration Period Members Nonmembers Students
Early Bird (Aug. 5–16) $65 $85 $10
Regular (Aug. 17–Sept. 5) $80 $100 $15
Late (Sept. 6–13) $95 $115 $20





Individual Awards

 

Registration Period Fee
Early Bird (Aug. 5–16) $10
Regular (Aug. 17–Sept. 5) $15
Late (Sept. 6–13) $20

You may pay with a credit card using PayPal or with a check payable to: PRSA Hampton Roads


Mail to:

PRSA Hampton Roads

c/o Thomas Becher

Hampton Roads Transit

509 E. 18th St, Building 4

Norfolk VA 23504


Submission Guidelines

Before submitting your entry, please review the following:

  • Eligible work must have been implemented between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
  • Entries may be submitted in multiple categories; however, a separate entry fee is required for each submission.
  • Review the category descriptions before selecting your category.
  • Review the judging criteria before preparing your submission.

Entry Requirements

Strategic Campaign & Tactical Awards

Please submit:

  • A two-page executive summary addressing:
    • Research
    • Planning
    • Implementation
    • Evaluation
    • Any category-specific requirements
  • Up to five supporting files to supplement your executive summary.

Executive summaries exceeding two pages will receive a point deduction.

Individual Awards

Please review the nomination requirements for the applicable award and upload all requested supporting materials. 

Submit Your Entry

Ready to showcase your best work?

2026 Pinnacle Awards submissions open Wednesday, Aug. 5.

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES!

Questions?

For questions about categories, eligibility or the submission process, please contact:

awards@prsahr.org