For Excellence in Communications 2026

Welcome to the PRCA Spotlight Awards 2026!

This year’s PRCA Spotlight Awards continue to celebrate the outstanding impact PR professionals and agencies deliver for their clients, communities and the wider Irish economy.

With Crispin Manners returning as Awards Chair and a panel of 15 experienced and respected judges assessing entries across more than 20 categories, the Awards will showcase the creativity, strategic insight and professionalism that define excellence in PR and communications.

Whether you are entering for the first time or returning to build on previous success, the PRCA Spotlight Awards offer a valuable opportunity to benchmark your work against industry peers, gain recognition and contribute to raising standards across the profession in Ireland.

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2026 Award Timeline

Entries Open: Monday 2 March 2026

Early Bird Deadline: Tuesday 14 April

Submissions Close: Tuesday 21 April 2026

Shortlist Announcement: Tuesday 26 May 2026

Spotlight Awards Gala Ceremony: Thursday 25 June 6pm

2026 Award Categories

Best Consumer Campaign

Best Lifestyle Campaign

Best Health & Wellness Campaign

Best Technology Campaign

Best Social-First Campaign

Best Charity/Not-for-Profit Campaign

Best Integrated Campaign

Best Use of Sponsorship

Best PR Event Contribution

Best Public Information Campaign

Best Public Sector Campaign

Best Contribution to Societal Change

Best Corporate Campaign

Best ESG Campaign

Best Public Affairs Campaign

Best Earned Media – Short Term

Best Earned Media – Medium to Long Term

Best Ongoing Communications Strategy

Campaign of the Year

Rising Star Award

Outstanding PR Professional

Agency of the Year

Best Agency Service Innovation

Hall of Fame

The Awards are open to PR agencies, sole traders and in-house PR teams who have worked with a PR agency or sole trader to deliver impactful campaigns. Entries are open to both PRCA members and non-members, with entrants welcome to submit across multiple categories.

To support entrants, we have put together a Best Practice Briefing Document and recorded the briefing session. These resources outline the judging criteria and offer practical guidance on what judges look for, including how to present a clear campaign narrative, demonstrate strategic thinking, clearly articulate the agency’s contribution and evidence measurable impact.

Download Brief (PDF) →