Award Categories
Entries for the PACE Awards can be submitted in either as campaigns or tactics but keep in mind that the categories have changed in the past years so read over the descriptions carefully to be sure your entry is submitted in the best possible category.
Campaigns
Community Relations
Programs that seek to win the support or cooperation of, or that aim to improve relations with, people or organizations in communities in which the sponsoring organization has an interest, need or opportunity. “Community” in this category refers to a specific geographic location or locations.
Crisis Communications
Actions or steps undertaken to deal with a sudden event that has had or may have an extraordinary impact.
Integrated Communications
A program that employs the creative and effective integration and leadership of public relations strategies and tactics with other promotional marketing communications. It should demonstrate the integration of strategies, budget and measurement of return on investment of the communications to any stakeholder group, including employees, consumers and shareholders.
Marketing Consumer Products and Services
Programs designed to introduce new or promote existing products or services to a consumer audience.
Organizational Relations
Programs affecting an organization’s stature, reputation or relations with its internal or external publics including employees, members, affiliated dealers, franchisees, customers, clients, or the like.
Public Affairs
Programs specifically designed to influence public policy and/or affect legislation, regulations, political activities or candidacies—at local, state or federal government levels—so that the entity funding the program benefits.
Public Service
Programs that advance public understanding of a societal issue, problem or concern. (Similar programs conducted principally to enhance an organization’s standing or to otherwise serve its interests directly will ordinarily fall under Organizational Relations.)
Shoestring Budget
Programs or projects which could fall into any of the other campaigns categories which were completed with a budget of $0-$5000, or pro bono.
Social Marketing
Events, actions, or programs built solely around the use of social media, social e-marketing, and online relations.
Special Events
Programs or events, including commemorations, observances, openings, celebrations, yearlong anniversaries or other special events.
Tactics
Annual Reports
Publications that report on an organization’s annual performance: Submit one copy of the publication along with one-page summary.
Brochures
Pamphlets, booklets or other small publications designed to inform a target audience about an organization, product, service or issue. Submit one copy of the publication along with one-page summary.
Magazines
Publications designed to provide in-depth information about an organization or topic on a regular basis. The number of pages and length of articles typically differentiate magazines from newsletters. Submit three consecutive issues along with one-page summary.
Media/Press Kits
News releases, photographs and other background information compiled together on an organization, product or issue. Submit one copy of the press kit along with one-page summary.
Newsletters
Publications designed, written and published periodically to provide brief and timely information to target audiences while supporting an organization’s overall objectives. Submit three consecutive issues along with one-page summary.
Radio PSAs
Audio productions of one minute or less distributed to radio stations as non-paid Public Service Announcements. Single productions or a series addressing the same issue may be submitted on a CD along with the script. The one-page summary should include documentation of results.
Special Purpose Publications
Pieces designed for a special purpose to increase awareness, solicit a response, or otherwise inform an audience. Books, direct mail and other publications not eligible for consideration in other categories should be entered here. Submit one copy of the piece along with a one-page summary.
Television PSAs
Video productions of one minute or less distributed to television stations as non-paid Public Service Announcements. Single productions or a series addressing the same issue may be submitted on a DVD or VCD, along with the script. The one-page summary should include documentation of results.
Video Programs
Video programs targeted toward internal or external audiences. Entries must have been paid for solely by the organization, rather than supporting corporate sponsors. The entry should include a copy of the program on a single VHS cassette, DVD or VCD. The one-page summary should include documentation of results.
Websites
Websites or web pages must be submitted on a CD or using screen captures, along with a one-page summary.
NOTE: The following category entries must be written in its entirety or substantively by the entrant and not merely “pitched.”
Editorials/OP-ED Columns
Opinion articles written as an editorial, a guest column, or a letter to the editor. Submit text of the article and documentation of publication. The one-page summary should outline objectives, audience, results and budget.
Feature Stories
Submit text of the feature article as well as documentation of publication. The one-page summary should include target audience, objectives and any documented results.
Research
Research that provides a meaningful contribution to an organization’s public relations program. Sample of the research methodology and results should be included in the entry, along with a one-page summary.
Social Mediums
This category includes interactive CD-ROMS, DVDs, social media, mobile applications, games, or other new media engagement. Submit one copy of the piece along with a one-page summary.
Speeches
Submit text of the speech along with one-page summary. Summary should include information on audience, purpose of speech and any documented results.
Innovative Tactics
New or innovative tactic or approach used as part of a public relations program. Documentation of how the tactic contributed to the results should be included in the one-page summary.