Got Great PR Work? Submit It to the 2026 Big Apple Awards in NYC

If you’ve been thinking about which work really stood out this year, this is the moment to take a closer look.

Entries are now open for the 39th Annual Big Apple Awards from the Public Relations Society of America New York Chapter, recognizing standout work in public relations and integrated communications across the New York metro area.

This year’s theme, Where Stories Move Hearts, Minds and Markets, feels especially true right now. The work is bigger than impressions or coverage. It is about trust, influence and real impact.

The call for entries is open to agencies, in-house teams, nonprofits and media organizations with ties to New York. If any part of your campaign was executed here, it qualifies, whether the reach was local, national or global.

There is also a noticeable shift in this year’s program. Categories have expanded to reflect how the work is changing, with new areas including financial communications, fintech, AI innovation, sustainability and purpose-driven campaigns. The Ally Award is also returning, recognizing communications that advance equity and meaningful change.

“Participating in the 2026 PRSA New York Big Apple Awards is important because it’s time for New York PR practitioners to have their own moment in the spotlight after spending all year creating attention for clients or company executives. Agencies and in-house teams pour their creativity, strategy, and energy into elevating others – so the awards contest is the best opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments, together with the most vibrant PR community in the country. ” said Stephanie Jo Peksen, Co-Chair of the 2026 awards.

If you are planning to submit, it pays to get ahead of it. A 15 percent early bird discount, using code EARLYBIRD26, is available through April 24, 2026. Final entries are due May 17 at 11:59 PM EDT.

You can submit work in up to three categories, with bundled pricing available. Entries are reviewed by senior-level professionals across the industry, which is part of what gives the program its credibility year after year.

The program is supported by a strong group of industry partners, including Edelman, Hunter, Burson, 360PR+, Truescope, Davis + Gilbert LLP, Anchin, The Museum of Public Relations and Notified, reflecting broad support from across the communications ecosystem.

At its core, the Big Apple Awards are about recognizing the work that defines this market. The ideas that cut through. The campaigns that move people. The programs that actually deliver results.

Winners will be celebrated on September 17, 2026 at Sony Hall in Manhattan.

Entries are open now.