Image Awards
The FPRA Image Awards recognize the best in research, strategy, implementation and execution in the public relations profession. Image Awards competitions are conducted in the spring at the chapter level and recognize the area’s best work in four main divisions:
- Public Relations Programs
- Printed Tools of Public Relations
- Audio/Visual Tools of Public Relations
- Student Projects in Public Relations
Local Image Awards competitions are conducted on the chapter level. Generally, entries come from within the host chapter or its local community, but the competitions are not restricted to those entries. An entry consists of a two-page summary of the program, tool or project and a notebook of supporting materials. Judges for the local competition are qualified, experienced, and accomplished PR professionals from a neighboring FPRA Chapter. Judges must have achieved APR Accreditation.
Three types of awards can be presented in each division/category:
- Award of Distinction: Presented to all entries that meet the five criteria of excellence set by the panel of judges.
- Image Award: May be presented to the top-scoring entry in each category, provided it meets the predetermined criteria of excellence.
- Judges’ Award: Given to an outstanding entry that achieves maximum results while using a minimum amount of money.
The top-scoring entry in each division receives an Grand Image Award, with the top public relations program receiving the Grand All Image Award.
Winners of local Image Awards are encouraged to apply for the statewide Golden Image Awards, given at FPRA’s annual conference. The Golden Image Awards competition is conducted annually by the Florida Public Relations Association to recognize outstanding public relations programs in Florida and to encourage and promote the development of public relations professionalism in our state. Winners demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning and design.
Entries are accepted from members throughout the state and beyond, and from non-members. The award divisions mirror the local Image Awards: Public Relations Programs, Printed Tools of Public Relations, Audio/Visual Tools of Public Relations and Student Projects in Public Relations. To qualify for judging, an entry must incorporate sound public relations research and planning. Entries also must meet the highest standard of production, execution and evaluation of results and budget. Visit the state website for more information about the Golden Image Awards.
The effort and labor of entering the competition is nothing compared to the satisfaction and pride of winning an award. Receiving an Image Award for your annual report, grand opening ceremony, PSA, or Website is something that will be attributed to you for years to come. In addition to being a means for public recognition, Image Awards promotes professionalism in our industry. What better way to show the value of your work than winning an Image Award!
More information about application deadlines, entry costs and workshops will be posted next spring. In the meantime, you can brush up on brush up on entry writing skills and view a sample judging form.
The 2011 Image Awards luncheon was held on April 21. View the list of this year’s winners.
