Professional Contest

The NPW Professional Communications Contest is open to all members who have paid state membership dues by Dec. 31 for the coming year.

Entries are now being accepted for the 2026 contest. All entries must have been published, printed or broadcast between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025.

The early deadline to enter is noon on Jan. 21, 2026. A $25 late fee will be charged after that time and until the final deadline of Feb. 18, 2026.

NPW entry fees are $20 for the first entry and $12 for each additional entry. NPW allows its members to enter up to two entries in each category or subcategory.

Awards are announced at NPW’s spring conference. First, second, third and honorable mention awards are given in each category unless a judge decides that no entry merits a first place (or another) award.

All first-place entries are forwarded to the NFPW Professional Communications Contest if those entrants are NFPW members. If they are not, they can join NFPW at that time. Winners in the national contest are announced at the NFPW annual conference.

Categories include:

• Advertising
• Communications Programs and Campaigns
• Public Relations Materials
• Information for the Media
• Speeches
• Collegiate/Education

For a complete list of categories and entry guidelines visit the Categories and Requirements page on the NFPW contest site.

See the Contest Rules page for more details. Find out more at nfpw.org/professional contest.

Questions? Contact NPW contest chair Mary Jane Skala or call her at 308-293-0982.