Recognizing the most effective crisis- or issues-management work by an agency, corporate PR team, or a combination of both

Recognizing work that is primarily targeted at investors/stakeholders or other financial audiences.

Recognizing the most effective use of public affairs to change/enlist political and/or public opinion. Specific focus was placed on execution of research, media relations, grassroots community activity, and lobbying

Honoring the most outstanding use of PR in the launch of a new company, or in a corporate rebranding initiative. The chosen entries demonstrate effective recognition beyond mere brand-name recognition to show an appreciation and understanding of key message points among the target audience

Entries can relate to any market sector (crisis, healthcare, consumer, internal communications, etc.), but must be for work executed outside the US in two or more regions by a US-based office or department

This category is open to campaigns or components of campaigns that are specifically aimed at multicultural groups, particularly in terms of ethnic origin, or sexual or religious preference.

Recognizing outstanding achievement in local projects or ongoing local community programs in areas such as the environment, education, enterprise, health, the arts, law and order, and equal opportunity

Recognizing skill in communicating a merger or acquisition, change management, rebranding, restructuring, layoffs, or other issue/problem of an internal communications nature

Recognizing campaigns within a niche business sector or the business community at large

Recognizing the best tech campaign - which may include product launches or innovations, uses and applications of technology, or tech issues and advancements - in a category that is open to both business-to-business and consumer practice areas.