About the Golden Image Awards

FPRA, the oldest professional association for PR professionals in the U.S., introduced an award program in 1957 to recognize the very best examples of innovation, planning, implementation and results in the field of public relations.

Conducted annually, the Golden Image Awards program provides PR practitioners a platform to be recognized for their outstanding public relations tools and programs. The competition includes four divisions: Public Relations Programs, Collateral of Public Relations, Digital Tools of Public Relations and Student Projects in Public Relations. Each division includes multiple categories, including digital and printed endeavors, pitches and promotions, events and more.

Award-winning entries incorporate sound public relations research and planning, production and implementation, execution, achievement and evaluation of results, budget and return on investment. FPRA also offers the Pinnacle Awards program, which recognizes individuals and teams for exceptional work in public relations and communications.

For 2026, the Golden Image Awards will accept entries based on work completed between January 1, 2025 and May 1, 2026.

Winners will be recognized during a black-tie optional awards ceremony and gala on August 11, 2026, at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate in Orlando, FL.

The Gold Standard of Excellence

The Golden Image Awards stands among the most respected recognitions in public relations, with a legacy spanning nearly seven decades since its establishment by FPRA in 1957. As one of the industry’s oldest and most prestigious honors, earning a Golden Image Award represents a truly distinguished professional achievement.

A Golden History

In 1957,19 years after John Dillin created the Florida Association of Publicity Directors (which later became the Florida Public Relations Association), an annual awards program was created that evolved into the Golden Image Awards.

At FPRAs silver anniversary conference in 1963, the first Golden Image Awards were presented in Winter Haven. Ten years later, FPRA introduced the 3D Golden Image Trophy.

In 1987, then FPRA State President Kathy Coleman, APR, presented the first John W. Dillin Award to John Dillin himself. The man behind this award has remained as a reminder to keep the integrity in public relations with his words that FPRA is “helping us do our jobs better.”

The following year, in 1988, the first Member of the Year Award was given by the FPRA State President to an outstanding FPRA member. Also in 1988, which happened to be FPRA’s golden anniversary year, the top Golden Image Award was named the Dick Pope All Florida Golden Image Award in honor of founding member Dick Pope Sr. and remains the highest award presented for excellence in the Golden Image Competition, Division A.

Today, the program continues to honor excellence in the public relations industry.

Ready to Enter?

Entering the Golden Image Awards is easier than ever before. You’ve already done the hard work of developing your PR program or project, now you just need to tell us about it! You’ll fill out a series of questions and upload supporting materials – then cross your fingers and click Submit!

About the FPRA

Established by FPRA, the Golden Image Awards stands among the most respected recognitions in public relations, honoring campaigns and projects that exemplify the highest standards of strategic planning, creativity, and measurable success. Open to entrants from the United States and around the world, the program provides PR practitioners the opportunity to showcase exceptional work across a range of categories, including public relations programs, collateral, digital tools and student projects. Award-winning entries demonstrate excellence in research, planning, execution and evaluation, with a clear focus on achieving meaningful, measurable results and return on investment—earning recognition among the very best in the profession.

Recognizing and Celebrating Excellence in Public Relations