Local FPRA Chapter Announces Call for Entries for the 2021 Image Awards

January 15, 2021 – Sarasota

The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA) is calling for entries for its annual “Image Awards” competition, which recognizes outstanding communications programs, presentations, and campaigns. Entries are open to marketers, communicators, graphic designers, advertising gurus, and public relations masterminds. Everyday projects that garnered success are encouraged and welcome.  

“The Image Awards are an opportunity for professionals and college students to showcase their most creative, successful communications, marketing, or public relations projects from the last year,” said Laitin Sterling, director of Image Awards for the CWC-FPRA. “The submission categories now include virtual events and expanded social media and video categories in addition to the existing project opportunities, reflecting the changes that the communications industry has seen in the last year.” 

The competition is open to businesses or residents in Sarasota and Manatee Counties regardless of membership affiliation with FPRA. The local FPRA chapter Image Awards competition is the precursor to FPRA’s Golden Image Awards where the entrants participate in a state-wide competition.

The competition includes four divisions, with multiple categories within each division:

1.     Division A – Public Relations Programs – A public relations program is defined as a broad-based communications endeavor using two or more public relations tools. *New this year is a Virtual Special Event category.

2. Division B – Printed Tools of Public Relations – A printed tool is any printed material used for a public relations purpose, either standing alone or as part of a public relations program. It includes written material and specialty items. In the case of regularly produced printed materials, such as newsletters or magazines, one to three issues should be included in the support material.

3. Division C – Digital Tools of Public Relations – This division includes any online, audio, or audio/visual presentation or program that serves a public relations objective. Audio, video, or electronic presentations should be submitted with a copy of the script or storyboard, if available. *Includes a new social media category.

4. Division D – Student Projects in Public Relations – This division is restricted to entries submitted by full- or part-time students enrolled at an accredited Florida university or college. Student projects in public relations include printed material and campaigns created for a public relations purpose, whether assigned for a course or completed outside the classroom. A photocopy of the entrant’s valid student ID must be attached to the entry form. *Includes new categories for social media and special events.

Entries can vary from a print brochure, commercial, website, and viral video to a full public relations campaign. Winners will also be evaluated based on evidence of sound research and planning as well as having met the highest standard of production, execution and evaluation of results and budget.

The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. on February 28, 2021; cost is $45/CWC-FPRA members, $60/non-members, $20/students. Central West Coast Chapter participants that submit an entry by January 31 will receive a $25 rebate to offset the submission cost. Visit www.fpraimage.org for more information, guidelines, and to submit entries. Please select “Central West Coast Chapter” to begin the online submission process. Winners will be announced at the CWC-FPRA Image Awards Happy Hour on April 13 at 5:30 p.m.  

The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association meets monthly for professional development luncheons and networking. Visit www.cwcfpra.com for more information.

About The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA)

The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is a network of more than 100 public relations, marketing and communications professionals from Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto counties who come together for professional development and to build a network of peers. As an active part of the oldest statewide public relations organization in our country, CWC-FPRA takes pride in its 50-plus year history of presenting stimulating programs and advancing the professional growth of its members. The mission of the Florida Public Relations Association is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. For more about CWC-FPRA, go to cwcfpra.com.