2026 PRSA Emerging Professionals Program and Awards
Orlando, Fla.
Oct. 18
Awards Summary
2026 PRSA Emerging Professionals Program and Awards
Award Entries Open
Early-Bird Deadline: July 20 at 11:59 p.m. EDT
Early-Bird Fee: $399
Final Deadline: July 27 at 11:59 p.m. EDT
Regular Fee: $499
The Next Starts Now.
The PRSA Emerging Professionals Awards recognize communications professionals with two to seven years of experience who are already making a meaningful impact on their organizations, communities and the profession.
Unlike traditional age-based recognition programs, the Emerging Professionals Awards focus on career experience and contribution, celebrating individuals whose work demonstrates innovation, creativity, critical thinking, ethical practice and measurable impact.
These awards recognize professionals who are helping shape the future of communications through fresh ideas, new perspectives and a commitment to excellence. Whether working in an agency, corporation, nonprofit organization, government agency, healthcare institution or another communications-focused role, honorees represent the talent, influence and momentum driving the profession forward.
The Emerging Professionals Awards are designed to celebrate those who are not simply preparing to lead someday, but who are already making a difference today.
Who to Nominate
Who to Nominate
This award is open to public relations and communications professionals with at least two years and no more than seven years of professional communications experience.
Eligible nominees may work in:
- Public relations agencies
- Corporations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Government agencies
- Healthcare institutions
- Educational institutions
- Independent consultancies
- Other communications-related organizations
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Innovation and creativity
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Ethical practice
- Professional achievement
- Meaningful impact on their organization, clients, communities or the communications profession
The Emerging Professionals Awards are not based on age, title or management responsibility. They recognize professionals whose contributions, ideas and accomplishments are helping move the profession forward.
How to Nominate
How to Nominate
Candidates may be nominated by:
- An immediate supervisor
- A senior leader within their organization
- A communications professional familiar with their work through mentoring, previous employment or another professional relationship
- Themselves through self-nomination
Submissions should highlight the nominee's professional achievements, career progression, industry contributions and overall impact.
Registration
Program Registration
| Emerging Professionals Program and Awards Ceremony | ||
|---|---|---|
| Member Type | Saver Rate By 7/31/2026 | Standard Rate After 7/31/2026 |
| PRSA Member | $400 | $400 |
| Nonmember | $500 | $500 |
| Emerging Professionals Program and Awards Ceremony + ICON | ||
| Member Type | Saver Rate By 7/31/2026 | Standard Rate After 7/31/2026 |
| PRSA Member | $1,940 | $2,165 |
| Nonmember | $2,390 | $2,615 |
Agenda
Program Agenda
| 8–8:30 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:30–9:45 a.m. | Welcome Remarks & Awards Ceremony |
| 9:45–10:30 a.m. | General Session: Teamwork Makes the PR Work: 5 Secrets to Getting People to Be Good Teammates Today’s PR and Communications leaders are under constant pressure—managing a multigenerational workforce, rapid change, and relentless demands for higher productivity. What if your people showed up every day performing like Employees of the Month? No complainers. No energy drainers. Just engaged, accountable teammates who elevate one another through meaningful collaboration. Imagine what that would do for you as a leader and for your organization’s culture. Teamwork starts with getting people to be good teammates. In this interactive, high-energy session, Lance Loya shares insights from two years of research revealing what truly separates good teammates from the rest. Attendees will explore how an innovative approach to strengthening teamwork unlocks peak performance, boosts productivity, and builds a culture where employees move from merely “interested” to fully “invested.” |
| 10:30–10:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:45–11:30 a.m. | General Session: Proactive PR: Pitch, Film, and Package Stories Like an Emmy Award-Winning TV Reporter In today’s media environment, the most successful communicators don’t wait - they create. Bygone are the days when public relations professionals wait for reporters to call back, wait for news crews to arrive, wait for coverage to happen. This is all about how to set yourself up for success to move the needle. With a background as an Emmy Award-winning television journalist, PR agency CEO Christine Whisler teaches communicators how to use simple video storytelling techniques to dramatically increase media coverage and campaign visibility. In this highly practical session, attendees will learn how to film professional-quality content using simple tools like smartphones, structure compelling story packages, and distribute them strategically across Earned, Paid, and Owned channels. Stop waiting. Start creating. |
| 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | General Session: The Modern Communicator’s AI Playbook How can communicators break through the clutter of new trends and information to stay focused on an AI strategy that actually makes an impact? Join this session to learn the most effective AI optimization strategies for PR including AI-ready press release formats, PESO storytelling and more while hearing cutting-edge insights from PRSA’s 2026 member survey on AI in our industry. |
| 12:15–12:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks |
Awards Timeline
Awards Timeline
| June 24 | Announce Emerging Professionals Award Application |
| July 20 | Early-Bird Deadline |
| July 27 | Final Deadline |
| Aug. 10 | Judging Complete |
| Aug. 17 | Announce Finalists |
| Oct. 18 | Program and Awards at ICON (Orlando, Florida) |
Hotel & Travel
Hotel Info
Orlando World Center Marriott
8701 World Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
Hotel reservations now open at special conference rates!
Standard Room Rate: $269/night + taxes and fees
Please note that the hotel room block deadline is September 15, 2026. Rooms must be booked on or before this date—or before they sell out. Availability is limited, so we encourage you to reserve your room soon to ensure you don’t miss out on the block.
Make the Most of Your Stay: Save
on Disney Parks
Take advantage of exclusive Disney Events discounts and save up to 20% on Walt Disney World® theme park tickets during your visit. Learn more here and purchase discounted tickets through the Disney Meeting & Convention Ticket site.
Stay Where the Fun Begins!
Your conference hotel, the Orlando World Center Marriot, is one of Orlando’s premier resort destinations, featuring:
- Seven thrilling water slides.
- A 575-foot lazy river.
- Lagoon-style pools and poolside cabanas.
- A dedicated kids’ splash zone with shallow play areas and slides.
- Championship golf course.
- Full-service resort spa.
- Complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World® Resort and Disney Springs®.
Don’t Miss the Nightly Laser Light Show
Each evening, enjoy the resort’s signature 10-minute laser light show, featuring synchronized music and dazzling effects. Watch poolside or from the comfort of a Laser Show View guest room.
Exceptional Dining Without Leaving the Resort
With 10 unique restaurants and lounges, the resort offers something for every taste without ever leaving the property. Explore dining here.
Questions About Emerging Professionals?
awards@prsa.org
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact awards@prsa.org for more details.