PRSA-NY Redefines Excellence with 2026 Big Apple Awards

NEW YORK, NY – March 24, 2026 – The New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA-NY) has officially opened submissions for its 39th Annual Big Apple Awards, setting the stage for the region's most prestigious celebration of communications excellence. With a theme of "Where Stories Move Hearts, Minds and Markets," this year's program aims to honor the powerful narratives that shape industries, inspire action, and drive meaningful change from the media capital of the world.

The call for entries invites public relations professionals, agencies, and in-house teams serving the New York metro area to submit their most impactful and innovative campaigns from the past year. The awards program will culminate in a gala on the evening of Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the iconic Sony Hall in Manhattan.

A Barometer for an Evolving Industry

In a move that signals a keen awareness of the shifting communications landscape, PRSA-NY has significantly refreshed its award categories for 2026. The updated program is designed to reflect the most dynamic and challenging frontiers of modern public relations, particularly within the hyper-competitive New York market.

New and expanded categories now recognize excellence in high-growth and high-stakes sectors such as financial communications and fintech. As New York solidifies its status as a global fintech hub, the ability to build narrative authority and establish trust through sophisticated PR has become paramount for companies navigating complex regulatory environments and investor scrutiny. The awards will now specifically honor campaigns that excel in this demanding arena.

Another critical addition is a category for AI Innovation. The rapid integration of artificial intelligence is transforming the PR toolkit, from predictive analytics and content generation to crisis management. This new category acknowledges the strategic and ethical challenges practitioners face and celebrates those who are effectively harnessing AI to deliver superior results.

Reflecting a broader societal and corporate shift, the awards also place a renewed emphasis on sustainability and purpose-driven campaigns. In an era where consumers and stakeholders demand authenticity, the program seeks to highlight work that moves beyond "greenwashing" to communicate genuine environmental and social impact with data-backed, transparent storytelling.

“This year’s program was designed to bring the focus back to the unique role public relations plays in New York City,” said Stephanie Jo Peksen, Co-Chair of the 2026 PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards. “New York is where the world’s most influential stories are told, and we wanted this year’s Big Apple Awards to reflect what it truly means to practice PR here."

Perhaps most notably, the chapter has relaunched the Ally Award, dedicated to honoring communications that advance equity, inclusion, and meaningful social change. This move underscores the organization's commitment to promoting diversity within the profession and recognizing PR's power to champion a more just and equitable society.

The Gold Standard of Recognition

For nearly four decades, the Big Apple Awards have been regarded as the pinnacle of achievement for PR practitioners in the New York metropolitan area. In a city that is home to a dense concentration of the world's leading agencies, influential media outlets, and Fortune 500 headquarters, earning a Big Apple Award is a significant differentiator.

The prestige of the award is rooted in its rigorous, peer-reviewed judging process. Entries are meticulously scored by panels of senior-level professionals with deep industry experience, ensuring that winning campaigns represent the highest standard of strategic thinking, creative execution, and measurable success.

John Gogarty, President of Coyne PR, articulated the award's unique value, stating, “The PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards are the pinnacle showcase of the PR season. The credibility of PRSA‑NY brings an added level of distinction - knowing your work is being judged by your professional peers in the media capital of the world makes the recognition especially meaningful.”

Winning this coveted honor provides agencies with powerful validation that enhances credibility, attracts top-tier clients, and helps recruit and retain the industry's best talent. For individual practitioners, it serves as a career-defining milestone, a testament to their skill and impact in one of the world's most demanding markets.

Celebrating Stories with Purpose and Impact

This year's theme, "Where Stories Move Hearts, Minds and Markets," goes to the core of modern public relations, emphasizing its function beyond driving revenue or shaping perceptions. It champions the idea that the most powerful communications build trust, advance critical causes, and influence decisions that resonate across communities and institutions.

"New York is the global capital of media and influence, and the Big Apple Awards recognize the communicators and organizations who are setting the standard here," said Paul Cohen, President of PRSA-NY. "We're proud to celebrate work that builds credibility, advances causes, and delivers real impact across industries and communities."

This focus on purpose-driven work is woven throughout the 2026 program. It reflects a growing understanding that effective communication must be grounded in authenticity and a genuine commitment to creating value for society. By celebrating these campaigns, PRSA-NY not only honors best practices but also encourages the industry to embrace its role as a force for positive change. The chapter's efforts are supported by a formidable list of sponsors, including industry leaders like Edelman, Hunter, Burson, 360PR+, and others who are invested in celebrating excellence.

Competing for the Coveted Apple

PRSA-NY encourages communications teams across the New York metro area to submit their best work. Campaigns are eligible for consideration if any portion of the work was executed by practitioners based in the region, regardless of whether the campaign's scope was local, national, or global.

To encourage early submissions, a 15% discount is available for entries submitted by Friday, April 24, 2026, using the code EARLYBIRD26. The final deadline for all submissions is Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Entrants can submit their work in up to three categories, with tiered pricing available for multiple entries.

In addition to the main awards, nominations for the 2026 PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Awards will open later in the spring. This distinct program is designed to recognize the most inspirational and ambitious young talent making their mark on the New York communications scene.

The organization is also actively recruiting senior-level PR professionals with at least five years of experience to serve as judges, ensuring a diverse and knowledgeable panel to review the year's top campaigns.