What information do I need to enter?

For the full description of the entry fields and scoring, please see Rubric and Entry Fields.

The following entry fields are required for your entry. Each field has a word limit that you cannot exceed, but you do not need to use all of the space provided. Clear and concise writing is valued by the judges.

• Organization Overview – 150 words
• 50-Word Summary – 50 words
• Defining the Problem – 250 words
• Employed Research Methods – 200 words
• Goal-Directed Thinking – 150 words
• S.M.A.R.T. Objectives – 100 words
• Strategies & Tactics Distinguished – 350 words
• Audience Identification – 100 words
• Sequence of Events/Timeline – 200 words
• Effectiveness of Plan Messaging — 150 words
• Evaluation – 200 words
• Budget Documentation – 100 words
• Budget Justification (ROI) — 100 words

Required Uploads:

• Support Materials – This is a .pdf, titled with name of entry, division, category and the word “Support.” It should contain materials that support or substantiate the entry, including research, planning, implementation and evaluation. The first page of the Support Materials should be a Table of Contents.
• Graphic – This is a .jpg, .tiff or .png. to be used during the Golden Image Gala if your entry wins an award. Title the file with the name of the entry, division, category and the word “Graphic.”

You will also be asked for your name, the name of the entry exactly the way you’d want it printed on an award, the company name, address, your phone number and email, FPRA chapter if you are a member, and names to be printed on the award if you win. And you’ll have the ability to upload up to four additional files if they are necessary to represent your project.

Can I enter a project in more than one category?

Entries for the same project may not be entered in more than one category in the same year; however, pieces from an entry may be entered into other categories. For example, a full campaign could be entered in Category 1A – Community Relations, and a component of that campaign could be entered in Category 7B – Brochure.

How can I share video, audio or multimedia files with the judges?

Beyond the required fields and files, you can upload up to four additional files, if needed to represent your project. Title each file with the entry name, division and category, and a descriptive word such as “Video.” Additional files are not required.

I entered a project last year and did not win. Can I re-enter it this year?

Entries that win may not be re-entered in subsequent years unless there has been substantial change in the project/entry. Entries that did not win may be re-entered, provided that a part of the project took place during the applicable time frame, which for the 2024 Golden Image Awards is January 1, 2023 – May 1, 2024. Generally, re-entering is not recommended unless there is significant change to the project or results over the additional time period.

After my entry is submitted, can I make changes to my entry?

No, you cannot make changes to your entry in the system after it has been submitted.

What are the deadlines for submitting entries?

Early Bird Deadline: May 7, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Final Deadline: May 14, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET

If I start my entry before the Early Bird deadline but don’t finish it until after Early Bird deadline has passed, what price will I be charged?

You will be charged for your entry based on the date it is submitted. If you want to take advantage of the Early Bird pricing, make sure to submit your entry before 11:59 p.m. ET on May 7, 2024.

If I missed the final deadline, is there any way I can still enter?

No, if your entry has not been submitted by 11:59 p.m. on May 14, 2024, it will not be accepted.

Who are the judges and how are they selected?

Much care and thought has been put into the judging of the Golden Image Awards to ensure consistency and fairness. Our judges are required to have their APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) and are selected for their experience and expertise in public relations. Each entry is judged by a panel of three judges.

Usually, judging teams are made up of one judge who is an FPRA member and two judges from another industry association, such as PRSA. The scores are averaged to determine the final score. Before that happens, the judges meet to discuss their scores and impressions of the entries, and to reach consensus on the awards to be given.

What are the judges looking for?

The judges are looking for demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and innovation, skill and creativity in messaging and implementation, return on investment and clarity in communication.

Before submitting your entry, review the Golden Image Entry Fields and Rubric carefully. This will help you understand exactly what the judges are looking for as they read through your entry and Support Materials.

The entries in each category are judged by the same panel of judges. However, entries are judged only on their own merit for Judges’ Awards and Awards of Distinction. Golden Image Awards are presented to the highest scoring entry in the category. See more on the Awards.

When does my project need to have taken place to be entered in the Golden Image Awards?

Some part of the entry must have taken place between January 1, 2023 – May 1, 2024.

I entered a project last year and did not win. Can I re-enter it this year?

Entries that win may not be re-entered in subsequent years unless there has been substantial change in the project/entry. Entries that did not win may be re-entered, provided that a part of the project took place during the applicable time frame, which for the 2024 Golden Image Awards is January 1, 2023 – May 1, 2024. Generally, re-entering is not recommended unless there is significant change to the project or results over the additional time period.

What will be listed on an award if I win?

When you submit your entry, you will be asked for the name of the entry and the names you want listed on the award. Up to three names can be listed, and these can include individual’s name or department/team names. Please make sure you enter them exactly as you would like them to appear, including relevant credentials and correct spelling.

If I made a mistake or forgot to include someone, can I make changes?

You cannot make changes to your submission after it has been submitted. However, if you find you have a mistake, you can email state@fpra.org. If the awards have not yet been engraved or printed, we will make the changes for you.

What if I win but am not able to attend the Golden Image Gala?

We hope you will attend the Golden Image Gala and the PR & Comms Summit, particularly if you are winning an award! However, if you are unable to attend, please email state@fpra.org and let us know. We will arrange to have your awards shipped to you.

Can I order duplicate awards for my team members or clients?

Of course! You can order duplicate or replacement awards through our website.

How do I get tickets to the Golden Image Gala?

Attendance at the Golden Image Gala is included in full registration for the PR & Comms Summit. If are not attending the Summit or would like to order additional Golden Image Gala tickets for guest or team members, you can order them here.