The PRNEWS Top Women Awards honor bold communicators who are redefining how brands engage, innovate, and inspire. From rising stars to industry icons, these honorees represent the excellence, leadership, and ingenuity shaping the future of PR and communications.
As part of the broader Top Women Network, nominees join a growing community of leaders across marketing, media, and technology.
WHY ENTER / HONOREE BENEFITS
Honorees are recognized not only for their achievements, but for the lasting influence they bring to the communications profession. Winners gain visibility, access to a powerful peer community, and an invitation to join the broader Top Women Network.
Benefits include:
- National recognition and editorial spotlight
- Exclusive honoree features
- Access to invite-only Top Women Network experiences
- Digital badges and social assets
- In-person celebration and press opportunities
- Industry leadership positioning
THE TOP WOMEN EXPERIENCE
Categories
- Agency Account Accelerators
- Business Entrepreneurs
- Changemakers
- Industry Champions
- In-House Innovators
- Product & Program Launch Visionaries
- Revenue Growth Drivers
- Rising Stars
- Team Leadership Trailblazers
- The Motivators
Entry Guidelines
EARLY DEADLINE
February 20, 2026
EXTENDED DEADLINE
February 27, 2026
Finalists will be notified in April, 2026.
Who's Eligible?
PRNEWS' Top Women Awards are open to all agency, corporation, nonprofit/association, and government organizations. Self-nominations are accepted and past Top Women honorees are eligible to participate again.
Entry Fees
The price of each primary entry is $450. A late fee of $199 will be applied to entries submitted after February 20, 2026. Payment in full must accompany the entry. Entry fees are not refundable.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Quick timeline of events snapshot:
January 5, 2026
Call for entries opens.
February 20, 2026
Nomination Deadline.
February 27, 2026
Final Deadline
March, 2026
Judging period.
April, 2026
Honorees announced.
Awards gala: June 4, 2026
Current, Pier 59 Chelsea Piers NYC
ENTRY FAQs
- Q. Can a previous Top Women in PR honoree be nominated again?
A. Yes! Nominees may be nominated (and win) more than once. Each year's entries are judged discreetly.
- Q. Can I submit a nominee into more than one category?
A. Yes! Nominees are encouraged to submit their applications in multiple categories. Each category is judged discreetly and discounted pricing applies to your 2nd category and beyond.
- Q. Can I nominate myself?
A. Absolutely! Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. No one knows how hard you work better than YOU.
- Q. When are the honorees notified?
A. PRNEWS will announce the 2026 Top Women in PR Honorees in April 2026. Specific timing will be announced to all nominees as judging wraps up.
- Q. How do I know if my nominee is eligible?
A. The PRNEWS Top Women awards are open to all women at agencies, corporations, nonprofit/associations, and government organizations.
- Q. How do I increase my chances of becoming an honoree?
A. Emphasize the accomplishments of the nominee and how they are a respected leader in the industry. Provide as many concrete and specific examples of success as possible.
- Q. Who has previously won?
A. Honorees include women from Republic Records, Major League Soccer, McDonald's, The Sway Effect, Coyne PR, TIME, Comcast, Highwire PR, Sachs Media, Ruder Finn, EvolveMKD, APCO, Giphy and more.
GALA FAQs
- Q. When will the 2026 Top Women in PR honorees be celebrated?
A. The Top Women in PR Awards celebration will take place on June 4, 2026 in NYC.
- Q. If I win, do I need to be present to accept my award?
A. It’s highly encouraged for honorees to attend the Top Women Awards celebration, but not required. We understand that everyone’s schedule or location does not allow for it.
- Q. Will I accept my award on stage?
A. Yes, all honorees in attendance are called to the stage to accept their award. Once you have your award, you will be led to our Winner’s Circle to celebrate with your whole crew.
THE TOP WOMEN GALA
A defining moment in your professional journey—and the kickoff to long-term connection via the Top Women Network.
When:
The Top Women Awards Celebration
Thursday, June 4
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET
Where:
Current
Pier 59 Chelsea Piers
New York, NY 10011

This sophisticated event venue is located within New York’s iconic Chelsea Piers.
INTRODUCING THE TOP WOMEN NETWORK
The PRNEWS Top Women Awards are part of the newly launched Top Women Network—a year-round, cross-industry community uniting leaders across PR, marketing, media, and ad tech. Honorees gain exclusive access to curated events, thought leadership, and opportunities to rise together.
SPONSORSHIPS
PR PARNTER

TITLE SPONSORS


Interested in aligning your brand with influential women shaping the future of PR and communications?
Sponsorship opportunities are available across the PRNEWS Top Women Awards and the broader Top Women Network, offering visibility and engagement before, during, and after the awards celebration.
Contact Vernesa Merdanovic at vmerdanovic@accessintel.com for more information.
Submission Questions
For questions regarding entry submissions, please contact:
Mary-Lou French
mfrench@accessintel.com
Sponsorship
For sponsorship inquiries, contact:
Vernesa Merdanovic
vmerdanovic@accessintel.com






