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Classics Awards Categories
Elements Categories | Programs Categories
AI Use Disclosure:
If generative AI tools were used in any part of preparing your entry (e.g., research, ideation, writing or editing), you must include a disclosure statement in your entry summary. This ensures transparency and ethical alignment in the judging process. All AI-assisted content must be reviewed and finalized by a human for accuracy and integrity.
Elements |
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| Category Title | Category Description |
| 1. Multimedia | Video programs should be produced to inform and/or promote and should be intended for specific target audiences other than the media. Submit no more than 10 minutes of such programs as a reasonable representation. Video PSAs should be one minute or less. Audio programs should be produced to inform and/or promote and should be intended for specific target audiences other than the media. Submit no more than 10 minutes of such programs as a reasonable representation. Upload a version of the video (less than 50 MB) as a supporting material. Or, add submit a link to the video on YouTube or Vimeo. The summary should include documentation of results. |
| 2. Influencer Engagement to Expand Awareness | Efforts directed at reaching brand influencers (traditional/social media influencers, bloggers and/or celebrities) to showcase an organization, product or campaign launch and encourage them to share with their networks. Outreach may include, but is not limited to, a creative mailer, a news release, relevant background information, product and a unique call-to-action. Submit at least one photo of the influencer kit as a supporting material. |
| 3. Owned Publications | Owned publications such as newsletters, magazines, and special-issue reports designed to inform and engage target audiences. |
| 4. Media Relations |
a) Budget greater than $20,000 b) Budget less than $20,000 Efforts directed at generating news, feature and editorial coverage on a specific topic with identified key messages. Includes media tours and press conferences targeting any type of editorial medium. |
| 5. Executive Communications and Thought Leadership | Pieces written, published or broadcast with the intent of promoting a product or service, or educating a target audience. Speech writing will include the development and scripting of a document for use in presentation format. Submit text of feature article, speech, or strategic writing piece as well as documentation of publication. |
| 6. Digital Execution | This category represents innovative work performed on websites, microsites and other digital executions. Include the Web URL and provide any necessary passwords to access the site. Entries should describe results or metrics. |
| 7. Research, Insights & Analytics | Research focused on successfully assisting with the creation, development and ongoing management of brands and insights pertaining to yielding new information, strategies, and brand communication techniques directed at changing the mindset of the consumer. |
| 8. Viral & Social-First Activation | Campaigns that generated significant organic reach and engagement through unexpected or highly shareable content, trends, or cultural moments. Entries should demonstrate how the program leveraged social platforms and/or earned media to amplify impact. Examples include trend-driven content, influencer collaborations, newsjacking, and activations that sparked conversation across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and beyond. |
| 9. Social Content Series | Content series designed to engage audiences through social media channels. Entries with online components should include the site’s complete Web URL. Entries should indicate results/metrics. |
| 10. Creative PR Tactics | Budget less than $20,000 Budget greater than $20,000 Unconventional, creative tactics used as part of a public relations campaign. The summary should include documentation of how the tactic contributed to the results of the campaign. This entry should include program elements that have not been submitted in other Classics Elements categories. |
| 11. Generative AI | Entries should demonstrate how generative AI was strategically applied to elevate public relations efforts. This includes creating compelling content, enhancing storytelling, personalizing audience engagement, or streamlining campaign execution. Examples may include AI-driven media materials, social content generation, real-time trend adaptation, or innovative tools that strengthened brand reputation and amplified earned media opportunities. |
Programs |
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| Category Title | Category Description |
| 12. Community Relations | Programs that seek to win support or cooperation of—or that aim to improve relations with—people or organizations in communities in which the sponsoring organization has an interest, need or opportunity. |
| 13. Special Events | Budget greater than $50,000 Budget less than $50,000 Entries should showcase in-person events designed to create memorable brand experiences and drive audience engagement. Examples can include product launches, pop-up activations, sponsorship events, immersive experiences, and large-scale gatherings that successfully connect with attendees and amplify brand storytelling. |
| 14. Social Impact & Public Good | Programs that advance public understanding of a social issue, problem or concern, or that promote public good. The sponsoring organization’s principal motivation must be altruistic or philanthropic. |
| 15. Marketing Products |
a) B2B b) Consumer Programs designed to introduce new or promote existing products. A company that derives half or more of its revenues by manufacturing products should enter under “Products.” |
16. Reputation Management
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Programs designed to enhance, protect, or improve an organization’s reputation with key audiences—either proactively or in response to an issue, event, or market occurrence. |
| 17. Brand Management | Programs focused on strengthening, evolving, or repositioning a brand through integrated marketing and communications strategies. These efforts may include campaigns that build awareness, loyalty, and positive perception across multiple channels. |
| 18. Internal Communications | Programs directed to internal audiences, such as employees, members, affiliated dealers or franchisees. |
| 19. Belonging & Inclusion | Any type of program (i.e. institutional, marketing, community relations) that seeks to ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity and fairness in access to information and resources for all. The program also seeks to demonstrate a culture of belonging by actively inviting the contribution and participation of all people. The program can be external and/or internal communications. |
| 20. Integrated Programs | a) Consumer Products & Services b) Technology, Science & Innovation c) B2B Products d) Health Care e) Government/Nonprofit |
21. Digital Platform Launch |
Launch of a new website, app, or platform with a communications-led strategy. |