Pinnacle Awards 2023

Entries Accepted August 18-September 8

The Pinnacle Awards recognize the best public relations programs and tactics in the Hampton Roads region and recognizes individuals for professional achievements in public relations.

Judging

Individual awards are judged by a panel of current chapter members. This year, the Tampa chapter will judge our programs and tactics entries. 

Entries that earn of score of 60 will receive the Pinnacles Merit Award, and entries that earn a score of 85 or higher will receive the Pinnacles Excellence Award. We will also have a Best in Show Award for the submission that receives the highest score for the student category and for all the other entries. 

Entry Fees

• Regular Fee (submissions August 18-September 8): $60 members / $90 non-members.
• Students: Free (regular fees apply)
• Individual Award nominations: Free

You may pay by check (7870 Tidewater Drive, Ste. 206 #148, Norfolk, VA 23505) or with a credit card using PayPal. Checks must be received by October 1.

Submission Guidelines (review before submitting)

• Tactics and program entries must have started and/or ended between July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
• Entries may be submitted for more than one category, however there is an entry fee for each submission.
• Before entering, review the 2023 award categories here descriptions and additional submission requests.
• Please review the judging criteria as it will help you develop your entry. 
• Judging Criteria for Programs
• Judging Criteria for Tactics
• Tactics and program categories:
• Submit a two-page ONLY executive summary that includes the following:
• Research conducted
• Planning involved
• Implementation steps
• Evaluation
• Any details requested in the category
• Points will be deducted if you exceed two pages on the executive summary
• You may submit up to five (5) additional files to supplement the executive summary, and support any category specific instructions. 
• Individual awards:
• Review the nomination requirements and upload information requested.

Submit your entries starting August 18th!

If you have any questions, please email awards@prsahr.org.

Mark Your Calendars!

Pinnacle Awards & End of the Year Luncheon

Thursday, November 9

2022 Award Winners

Best in Show

Digital Platform: Fall for Science Virtual Field Trip 2021
Jefferson Lab

Diversity Champion: Cherise M. Newsome

The Diversity Champion Award honors a current member of PRSA Hampton Roads who has served as a role model in championing multicultural awareness in the Hampton Roads community. This communications practitioner has a track record of promoting the needs of diverse communities and has five years or more work experience.

Member of the Year: Brittany McBride Nichols

Member of the Year honors a current member of PRSA Hampton Roads who has worked in the public relations field for five years or more and who has demonstrated outstanding chapter contributions.

Excellence Awards

Digital Platform:  Fall for Science Virtual Field Trip 2021

Jefferson Lab

Creative Writing: Monarch Magazine Feature on Michael Le’

Old Dominion University

Events and Observances: Fall for Science Virtual Field Trip 2021

Jefferson Lab

Most Effective Campaign on a Shoestring Budget: Career Online High School

Virginia Beach Public Library

Media Relations: Edmarc’s Santa Run

Sunflower Communications

Digital Platform: Garden of Tomorrow Microsite

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Social Media: TRAFFIX Social Media

TRAFFIX/Hampton Roads Transit

Content Marketing: The Ripple Effect

City of Virginia Beach

Events and Observances: Juneteenth Event

On Point Communications

Single-Issue Publication: Every Business Needs an Ally

Hampton Roads Alliance

Merit Award

Content Marketing: Commute Differently

TRAFFIX/Hampton Roads Transit

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: What is Racial Equity?

Hampton Roads Community Foundation

Social Media: Taylor’s Do It Center Meets Millennial Homeowners

Mix + Shine Marketing

Videos: Virtual Site Tours videos

Jefferson Lab

Magazines: Monarch Magazine

Old Dominion University

Magazines: The HRBT Expansion Magazine

VDOT & On Point Communications