CELEBRATING THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN PR

ENTRY DEADLINE: JUNE 27, 2025
LATE DEADLINE: JULY 11, 2025

From Trailblazing Ideas to Bold Moves: Celebrating PR’s Brightest Minds.

PRNEWS’ People of the Year Awards spotlight the visionaries who push boundaries, drive change and are redefining the PR world with creativity, innovation, and strategic brilliance.

We’re looking to spotlight industry leaders and up-and-comers who have not only achieved success but have also shared their expertise to inspire and uplift the communications community.

Do you know someone who’s making a real impact? Nominate them today!

JOIN THE RANKS OF THESE PAST WINNERS

Past honorees include these communications superstars:

Categories

  • The Agency CEOs
    Innovative agency leaders who are driving indelible progress and growth for their firms—and the industry. 
  • The Agency Innovators
    Agency pros who have helped their firm grow in client base and/or revenue, expanded the scope of the agency's offerings, or spearheaded winning campaign(s) on behalf of a client.
  • The Brand Reputation Mavens
    Communicators who have worked around the clock to build, protect or restore an organization’s reputation.
  • The Chief Communicators
    Impressive in-house CCOs who not only advance their organization’s corporate reputation but also fight for their department’s seat at the table. 
  • The Crisis Managers
    Standout communicators who have led overall communications efforts during a crisis, have proven their ability to protect an organization's reputation and stay on message during a crisis.
  • The CSR & ESG Trailblazers

    Communicators who have worked tirelessly to make an impact in the communities they serve through CES, ESG, sustainability and related initiatives. 

  • The Data & Measurement Game-Changers
    The innovative minds going above and beyond to prove PR’s performance and its impact on business objectives.
  • The DEI Champions
    Professionals who have taken an active role in fostering a work environment of opportunity, equality, inclusivity and empowerment for all.
  • The Digital PR Disruptors
    The standout communicators who are innovating across multiple digital platforms to drive brand awareness, extend reach and increase their organization’s online presence.
  • The Educators
    PR specialists who have established themselves as highly sought-after trainers or teachers.
  • The Government Relations Mavens

    Recognizing communicators who excel in government relations, skillfully navigating policy landscapes and building strategic alliances. Their efforts ensure compliance and advance organizational goals, making significant contributions to public policy and fostering positive government relationships. 

  • The Media Relations Titans
    Communicators who have worked tirelessly to build strong relationships with journalists and influencers through all channels, including social networks, or succeeded at repositioning a brand through media outreach.
  • The Mentors
    Extraordinary leaders who guide and motivate those around them, and who had an outsized impact on the careers of their colleagues.
  • The New Entrepreneurs on the Block

    PR dynamos who have launched an agency within the last 24 months and continue to work tirelessly toward their success. 

  • The Nonprofit PR Innovators
    Communicators whose efforts led to increased donations or membership, or secured major media coverage, resulting in increased awareness, for a nonprofit organization, association, government entity, or university.
  • The Ones to Watch
    Superstars on the rise, making their mark on the industry, even at the early stages of their careers with fewer than 7 years in the industry.
  • The Public Affairs Leaders
    PR pros who work tirelessly to influence and educate the public about social, economic, governmental and other issues.

Eligibility & Fees

Deadlines

Entry Deadline: June 27, 2025
Late Deadline: July 11, 2025

Entry Fees

Entry Fee: $450
Late Fee: $199

The price of each nomination is $450. A late fee of $199 will be applied to nominations submitted between June 27 and July 11. Payment in full must accompany the entry. Entry fees are not refundable.

*All nominations must be submitted by July 11, 2025. Honorees will be announced in August 2025.

Entry Requirements

People of the Year nominations will require the following:

JUSTIFICATIONOutline the reason why the individual should be named an honoree.

ROLE IN ORGANIZATIONPlease provide some details of the individual's role in the organization.

SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTSPlease explain how your nominee has raised the bar on creativity, strategy and execution for the organization, or how they have gone above and beyond expectations.

SUPPORTING MATERIALSupporting Materials can include anything that best represents the success of your work. Examples include:

  • Websites
  • ROI Stats
  • Media Coverage
  • Press Materials
  • Testimonials
  • Research
  • Documents
  • Videos
  • Photos

The Gala

The People of the Year will be spotlighted at the biggest night in PR—the prestigious Platinum Awards Gala! Join hundreds of the industry’s most influential brands and agencies for an unforgettable night to celebrate the Campaigns of the Year, People of the Year and biggest agencies in communications.

When:
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
6:00 - 10:00pm (ET)

Where:
Pier Sixty
Pier 60, 60 Chelsea Piers
New York, NY 10011

platinum pr awards

FAQs

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Contact Us

Submission Questions

For questions regarding entry submissions, please contact:

Mary-Lou French
Manager, Subscriptions and Awards
[email protected]

Sponsorship

For sponsorship inquiries,
contact:

Jon McLoughlin
Sponsorship Sales, PRNEWS
[email protected]