48th Classics Awards Winners (2026)

The Minnesota PRSA Classics awards are presented annually to public relations practitioners who, in the judgment of their peers, have successfully addressed a communications challenge with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness.

On April 22, 2026, 25 awards were presented at the Securian Financial Club at CHS Field, to agencies, corporations, nonprofit organizations and associations for exemplary work over the past year. 

The winners for the 2026 Minnesota PRSA Classics Awards are: 

Best of Show

Sea-to-Table Restaurant Week 2025 (Padilla)

Elements Winners

Elements Awards recognize outstanding individual components or tactics.

Influencer Engagement to Expand Awareness:
Gut Health in Motion with IBgard® and Katie Austin (Carmichael Lynch Relate)

Media Relations:
Shining a Light on the Dream: Advancing Collective Dreaming Through Media Relations (MRPP & Associates Communications)

Viral & Social-First Activation:
When Black Friday Went Viral (Mall of America)

Executive Communications & Thought Leadership:
Shining a Light on the Dream: Advancing Collective Dreaming Through Thought Leadership (MRPP & Associates Communications)

Creative PR Tactics:
From Stores to Stories: Amplifying New Brands at MOA (Mall of America)

Programs Winners

Programs Awards honor the best overall public relations campaigns.

Community Relations:
Grand Avenue Open for Business Campaign (City of Saint Paul, Public Works Department)

Special Events (Budget > $50,000):
Sea-to-Table Restaurant Week 2025 (Padilla)

Special Events (Budget < $50,000):
Move Over Eras Tour — Meet the Grove Tour the Industry Can’t Stop Talking About (Curious Plot)

Social Impact & Public Good:
Processing Grief Through Art (Padilla)

Marketing Products (Consumer):
Red Robin Launches Bottomless Burger Pass (Carmichael Lynch Relate)

Brand Management:
Meet the Saint Paul Sustainability Squad: Rebranding the City’s Garbage Program
(City of Saint Paul, Public Works Department)

Internal Communications:
Top Things to Know: Editions from 2025 (Sunrise Banks)

Belonging & Inclusion:
Amplifying Youth-Led Journalism (Padilla)

Integrated Programs:
Fruit. Fame. Future. The Sun World PR Program That Made People Hungry for “What’s Next?”
(Curious Plot)