Thank you for your interest in the fourth annual WisCOMsin Awards – a joint venture of the PRSA Madison and PRSA Northeast Wisconsin chapters – to recognize communications work from across Wisconsin.

The WisCOMsin Awards will honor work done principally in 2023, as well as the people who executed great work. You can participate by nominating projects, people or both! Nominations can be submitted by PRSA members and non-members. This entry form is for project awards.

JUDGING INFORMATION

Nominations for projects will be judged by members of another PRSA chapter using a rubric that assesses your project based on detail provided in the required sections.

PROJECT ENTRY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

You must include all the following information in your submission:

Entry name (title of project):

Your name, title & organization:

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

Organization for which the entry was implemented:

Name of assisting agency, if any:

Project Award Categories

CAMPAIGNS

Branding/Reputation Management: Programs aimed at building or restoring a distinct brand or reputation associated with a company, corporation, industry or organization. This could also include community relations.

Social Media Campaign (ongoing) – Use of social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, SnapChat, Instagram, etc.) as primary part of a public relations program designed to achieve specific public relations and/or business goals and reach targeted audiences. To support results, submissions may include URL links – as long as they can be viewed without a password – and images (e.g., screenshots, metrics). 

Public Affairs & Community Education – Programs that advance public understanding of a social issue, problem or concern; or are designed to influence public policy and/or affect legislation, regulations, political activities or candidates at the local, state or federal government levels. 

Crisis Communications – Programs to prepare for or deal with an event that has the potential for or had an extraordinary impact on the business. 

Integrated Marketing Campaign – Programs that exemplify creative and effective integration of public relations tactics with at least one other marketing communications tool such as advertising. Evidence of integration of strategies, budget and evaluation should be provided. Advertising costs should not exceed one-third of budget. 

Internal Communications – Programs targeted specifically to special public allied with an organization (members, employees, affiliated dealers or franchises).

Nonprofit Organization Campaigns – Programs designed to raise awareness, funds, membership engagement, volunteer participation, etc.

Events and Observances – Programs and events, including anniversaries, grand openings, commemorations, celebrations, and other special or historical events.

Multinational or Global Campaign – Campaigns planned and executed in any category for target audiences in at least one country that does not include the United States or its territories.

Multicultural Campaign – Campaigns planned and executed in any category for multicultural target audiences. Entry must reflect in-depth definition and understanding of the target audiences, as well as a clear explanation of how the planning (objectives and strategies) and execution (tactics) are adapted to, or unique to, those audiences.

Open Category – An open competition for campaigns and programs that don’t easily or clearly fit into other categories.

TACTICS

PR/Media Relations Tools – A singular public relations tactic, such as a news release, press conference (in-person or virtual), press kit, media pitch, infographic, event or resulting media placement, which helped to promote an issue, product or service. Files such as .jpg, .pdf or other can be included to demonstrate the contents. If it’s an online or electronic piece or kit, please provide a URL link.

Multimedia – Includes video, b-roll footage, audio or public service announcements directed at internal or external audiences. Submit a link in your entry to the uploaded video. Summary should include documented results.

Special Events – One-time event. May be commemorations, observances, openings, celebrations or special activities. To include virtual events.

Reports – Publications to report on an organization’s performance or commitment. Examples include financial reports (such as annual reports), and non-financial reports (including sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and community or industry issue reports),

Research – Research and data insights can include both primary and secondary research projects that helped refine or define target audiences; improve understanding of the marketplace or target audience awareness, attitudes, opinions or beliefs; identify new opportunities for markets or audience engagement; set goals or objective metrics; formulate strategies, or measure results. They also may include market and opinion research programs done to generate publicity (such as omnibus surveys), to build relationships (knowledge sharing with customers, clients, constituents or industry partners), or to foster industry or community awareness, understanding or practices on critical issues. 

Digital Tactic (Website, Digital Publications, Mobile or Webcast/Webinar)

• Website (internal or external) – External or internal website. Include screen grabs and / or a URL link to the live site to support your summary. Please note that traffic should be measured in unique visits.
• Social media communications/engagement –   Entries with online components should include the site’s complete URL link and/or screen shots for those elements that are not able to be viewed publicly. Entries should indicate results / metrics.
• E-News – Information designed, written and delivered via email periodically to provide information to target audiences while supporting an organization’s overall goals. Include visitors, open and click-through data if applicable.
• Mobile – Use of mobile technology to generate awareness, influence behavior, and allow individuals and groups to collaborate and share knowledge and experiences online.
• Webcast/Webinar – Use of the Web to communicate information via seminar, live press conference, etc.
• Smartphone or Tablet Application (App) –   Development and use of a unique, purposeful application, and/or use of an existing application, to accomplish specific stated and measurable objectives of a public relations program. Include instructions to download the application, along with information as to how target audiences will discover or find the opportunity to download the App. Entry should contain copy, screenshots of key pages and any other information to support the Summary.
• Other Digital Publication – Information designed, written and delivered periodically online to provide information to target audiences, while supporting an organization’s overall goals. Include unique-visitors, time on publication and total impressions if applicable. Minimum 15 pages to be considered a publication.