Pinnacle Awards - Recognizing PR & Communication Professionals

Recognizing and Celebrating Exceptional Public Relations Practitioners

Established in 2024, the Pinnacle Awards are designed to recognize individuals, agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporate teams and government agencies for outstanding and ongoing strategic work in public relations and communications. If you’re doing standout work and making a profound and meaningful impact on your targeted audiences, organizations or clients, on your publics or on the profession, nominate yourself! Or nominate an individual or team you think should be recognized for their contributions, commitment and advocacy for the greater good of their community, society, publics or the profession of public relations and communication.

Deadline: May 27, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT
2026 Winners Announced: June 22, 2026 – Watch our socials!
2026 Golden Image Awards Gala: August 11, 2026, at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate

HOW TO ENTER

Individuals and entities that meet the award criteria may self-nominate or be nominated by another. Membership in FPRA is not required.

Nominations can be no longer than 400 words and should provide examples of:

Outstanding and unique achievements in the past year

Thought leadership and innovation in
communications and strategy

Successes in the form of impact significance, growth, long-term change or results

In addition to the 400 word entry, up to three additional files may be uploaded, but are not required. These could be articles, webpages, videos or photos showing the accomplishments of the nominee. Each file should be titled with the nominee name, award category and a descriptive word such as “Article.”

AWARDS

Awards Presented

The Pinnacle Awards honor the individuals and teams whose leadership, creativity and contributions help shape the public relations and communications profession.

Communicator of the Year

Recognizes a public relations or communications professional whose exceptional work and leadership make a meaningful impact as a solo practitioner or as part of an agency, business, nonprofit or other organization with operations in Florida.

Agency of the Year

An agency that demonstrates exceptional achievement in providing public relations, marketing and communications services in Florida or for Florida-based clients.

Government Team of the Year

A local or state government agency, department or office in Florida that demonstrates exceptional use of public relations, marketing and communications to fulfill its mission and better serve its constituents.

Young Professional of the Year

A public relations or communications professional under the age of 40 who demonstrates exceptional leadership and innovation in the industry.

Mentor of the Year

An experienced public relations or communications professional who has made a lasting impact through leadership, mentorship and a commitment to advancing others in the field.

Nonprofit Team of the Year

A Florida-based 501(c)(3) organization that demonstrates exceptional use of public relations, marketing and communications to advance its mission.

Corporate Team of the Year

A business or corporation operating in Florida that demonstrates exceptional use of public relations, marketing and communications to support its business goals or benefit its community and stakeholders.

Awards Presented

The Pinnacle Awards honor the individuals and teams whose leadership, creativity and contributions help shape the public relations and communications profession.

Communicator of the Year

Young Professional of the Year

A public relations or communications professional under the age of 40 who demonstrates exceptional leadership and innovation in the industry.

Mentor of the Year

An experienced public relations or communications professional who has made a lasting impact through leadership, mentorship and a commitment to advancing others in the field.

Agency of the Year

An agency that demonstrates exceptional achievement in providing public relations, marketing and communications services in Florida or for Florida-based clients.

Nonprofit Team of the Year

A Florida-based 501(c)(3) organization that demonstrates exceptional use of public relations, marketing and communications to advance its mission.

Corporate Team of the Year

Government Team of the Year

2026 ENTRY FEES

Communicator of the Year, Young Professional of the Year & Mentor of the Year
$150 for FPRA members
$200 for non-members

Nonprofit Team of the Year & Government Team of the Year
$200 for FPRA members
$250 for non-members

Agency of the Year & Corporate Team of the Year
$300 for FPRA members
$350 for non-members

SELECTED BY PINNACLE PR LEADERS

Since 1938, FPRA — the nation’s oldest public relations association — has been led by some of the profession’s most respected and influential communications leaders. Today, the Pinnacle Awards are judged by FPRA Past Presidents whose leadership, expertise and contributions have helped shape the industry for decades. Being recognized by this distinguished panel is a meaningful honor and a testament to professional excellence. All judges decisions are final.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU REACH THE PINNACLE?

Pinnacle Awards winners will receive:

Awards given onstage during the Golden Image Gala at FPRA’s PR & Comms Summit – This elegant black-tie-optional awards event will take place August 11, 2026, at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate

Winners’ names listed on the Pinnacle Awards website

Downloadable badges that can be added to your website,
email signature and other digital or print materials showing that you are
an award-winning PR practitioner in your category

A digital Winner’s Kit, including a press release template and social media graphics

If you are attending the PR & Comms Summit, August 9-12, 2026, at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate, your ticket to the Golden Image Gala is included with full conference registration. Individual tickets are also available for the Gala, as well as Table Sponsorships.

Past Winners