Categories exploring the breadth of the profession

Campaigns embody the essence of strategy in pushing a product, promoting a company or bringing a politician into prominence in the public consciousness. Presenting a core idea through various approaches and angles, the execution of a well thought-out campaign brings the message home and allows its audience to identify with its subject.

It has been said that one of the most important relationships in communications is that between a client and his or her agency. Gaining the trust of clients takes time for new agencies, but some have managed to close the gap quickly and effectively, earning the trust of clients everywhere.

Deriving from the Latin ‘agentia’, which means ‘doing’, agencies strive in just such a direction. Though there are many organisations in the world with just as many functions, there are some which are beyond compare. Whether it be through helping others or striving for the betterment of civilisation, these companies stand above the rest.

Not just about fast cars, the automotive industry has propelled itself into a position as an essential part of most individuals’ everyday lives. Efficient and reliable transport is, of course, a necessity for everyone, regardless of what form it takes. This category rewards the cream of communications from the automotive and transport industries.

Few sectors have seen as much debate and fluctuation as the energy sector in recent years. Climate change is on everybody’s agenda, and poses a significant challenge for the energy sector. How has the industry dealt with the fundamental changes in its PR activities? The greatest communications campaigns from the energy industry will be recognised in this category.

Technology courses through our lives at pace which will most likely only continue to accelerate. It has become an integral part of the framework of the society we live in today, appearing in all facets of it, from something as fundamental as teaching a child how to read, to the ambition of sending people to other planets. Without technology, the advancement of civilisation would be merely theoretical. The best campaigns initiated by technology and consumer electronics organisations will be rewarded in this category.

Practically symbiotic with the computer industry, the telecommunications industry never ceases to introduce new and indispensable communications tools into our lives, giving us all the opportunity to get connected in the new global village. The greatest communications campaigns from the telecommunications industry will be recognised in this category.

As the saying goes, money makes the world go round. However, in the light of the recent financial crisis, it is clear that communicators working in the finance industry have to tread increasingly carefully when developing their communications strategies. The greatest communications campaigns from the finance industry will be recognised in this category.

Whatever your circumstances may be, success is of little use without good health. When you do not have it, even the greatest things in life tend to appear merely mundane by comparison. The health industry is literally of vital importance, then, to society. The best campaigns initiated by health organisations will be rewarded in this category.

Though the inside is what counts, the outside is what everyone loves to look at. Millions of people tune in every day to find out the latest fashions coming off the line or the newest beauty tips. The world of fashion and beauty is an increasingly profitable business, one that puts a proverbial hand on your shoulder as you look in the mirror, saying that you look good! This category rewards the cream of communications from the fashion and beauty industry.

Sport and lifestyle choices are central to the human experience. The variety of sport and lifestyle defining activities available to us helps us to realise our potential and generally just keep life interesting. The greatest communications campaigns from the sport and lifestyle industry will be recognised in this category.

Not just there to chase away boredom, entertainment allows us to live out our fantasies as well as to relieve a little stress along the way. Through various aspects of entertainment, we can engage with the cultural practices of a variety of other nations, too. The best campaigns initiated by entertainment and culture organisations will be rewarded in this category.

Whether preparing us for life outside of academia, or informing us how the world around us works, the impact of education and the discoveries of science have a major impact on how we view, and relate to, the world. This category rewards the cream of communications from the science and education industries.

Communicating the value of geographical locations may be as simple as promoting the very best and most unique aspects of a culture, or as complex as trying to draw visitors back to a country with a tarnished reputation or landscape damaged by weather or political unrest. The greatest communications campaigns from the travel and tourism industry will be recognised in this category.

Necessities of life, both food and drink play an important role in our lives, as of course without one or the other, it would be impossible to survive. Though one of the most basic human needs, nourishment is also enjoyable in itself, and offers a wide variety for every consumer to choose from. The best campaigns initiated by food and beverage organisations will be rewarded in this category.

In our lifetime we will most likely see environmental concerns move from their current position as a concern, to an integral part of how we function on a daily basis – from the products we choose to use to the candidates we choose to vote for. This category rewards the cream of communications from the ecology and environmental industries.

Political institutions, ministries and parties are entrusted to carry out the will of the people and work towards the good of society as a whole. Their ability to be in tune with society’s needs and connect with the populace is what gets them in office in the first place – and keeps them there in the long run. The best campaigns initiated by political parties and governmental agencies will be rewarded in this category.

Associations have the challenging task of combining the interests of various stakeholders, and communicating them to their varied partners. With this award we recognise those associations that transcend the competition, efficiently and effectively communicating their messages to their members, political decision makers and the public. The greatest communications campaigns from associations will be recognised in this category.

Capitalising on their proximity to power, yet retaining their independence from governments, NGOs play a vital role in modern societies. They are in unique positions, and their communications strategies are affected by a unique set of restrictions and rules. This category rewards the cream of communications from non-governmental organisations.

Facing difficult challenges such as cultural, linguistic and religious barriers, international communication attempts to bridge the gaps which inhibit entities from communicating with each other effectively across national boundaries.

For better or worse, change is all around us – it is inevitable. Change communication helps to make the transition easier by using effective employee communication and sending a solid message to stakeholders, in order to ensure that the change runs as smoothly as possible.

Communicating within your organisation is as important, if not more so, than communicating externally. Keeping a workforce informed and motivated is essential in all organisations that wish to surpass their goals.

Things don’t always go as planned, and when they go wrong, crisis communications step in and help to guide the company or organisation through rough waters to a safe and secure position.

Money and what to do with it are some of the most talked about subjects in the world. Correspondence between stakeholders and organisations is held together by the interconnectivity financial communication provides.

When two organisations join forces, there is much to be gained on both sides. The company or organisation’s size increases, and there is the great opportunity provided by a larger client base. Whether great or small, a merger or acquisition can be an asset to any company or organisation.

When emerging with a new commodity, every company hopes that their product will be well received, and surpass expectations. A smooth and targeted product launch is critical to its success, but creating such a scenario requires not only a great product, but great minds behind its introduction to the market.

What’s old is new again! Sometimes products that have faded in the public consciousness have the opportunity to spring back into life, finding a new audience. The relaunch campaign drives the product to new heights, rejuvenating it for a newly receptive marketplace.

Employees are the most valuable part of any organisation. If a company is a clock, then they are the gears that keep the whole structure running properly. Employer Branding is essential to ensure that the gears that make your organisation ‘tick’ are of the highest quality, both by targeting the most promising employees, and by retaining them.

Whether we like them or not, rules are a part of life, and this is as true for corporations as for any individual. The code of ethics and standards corporations undertake to better themselves raises the bar not only for the benefit of the organisation, but also for the betterment of the community.

Pulling off a successful event allows the reputation of an organisation to live up to its hype, or to gain further esteem. Connecting the dots to make this happen requires the utmost in planning and quality decision-making skills.

Successfully reaching out and appealing to the appropriate individuals for the good of your organisation and its interests is a delicate process. Lobbying requires tact, patience, perseverance and a clever approach, especially when economics and politics are so intertwined.

Making sure that the organisation is on target with where it needs to be in terms of its public image is a never-ending challenge. Remaining aware, sensitive and responsive to issues which might affect your organisation’s reputation is a vital part of this practice.

Careful analysis and measurement of what the communications function of your organisation is accomplishing is an incredibly complex task, but to ensure a bright future, it is an absolutely necessity.

Creating the right blend of creativity, honesty and optimism is the key to communicating information in any corporation’s annual report. Such a balance requires the ability to keep a level head during both the good and bad phases of an organisation’s life-cycle.

This award will honour special and innovative approaches to the regular CSR Report. It is not concerned with the actual measures undertaken, but with having a credible, comprehensive and innovative communications approach which places a clear emphasis on stakeholder and target group communication and identifies appropriate evaluation measures.

A representative and concise overview of an organisation’s philosophy, goals, accomplishments and uniqueness should be fine-tuned and summarised in a company brochure or special publication, providing the best possible boost to an organisation’s image.

One of the most important vehicles for promoting a firm is advertising. Getting the message, angle and appeal just right is essential to uphold both the corporate image and culture.

Translating the values and goals of the company onto film is the challenge when creating a video which will accurately and successfully represent the company to stakeholders and interested parties, as well as attracting the best employees.
Please note: this category excludes paid advertising in external sources.

The winner in the Online Video Channel category will be the company that engages their audience with high quality content, characterised by popularity in terms of subscribers and views, unique design and interaction with viewers via online comments.

Capturing the essence of an organisation and why it is a great place to work is more difficult than it sounds. The employee publication must bring the reality of all the organisation’s best aspects to the printed page on a regular basis.

Producing concise, accurate and tactful information regularly, whether it be from business to business, or business to client, is at the very core of external publications.

Having a healthy communications and information resource in the form of a highly efficient intranet is important regardless of the size of an organisation. The Intranet connects the organisation to itself and to its client and partner base, providing a multi-directional information sharing platform.
Please note: When applying for this project, we would ask that you provide login details for the site, so that the jury can access it, or a functioning version of the intranet online that the jury can use.

Whether it is an employee or a CEO blogging, a constantly-updated and information-rich blog can be a definite communications asset both internally and externally. The blogging boom may be levelling-off but through their unique voice, a few blogs stand out in the crowd for their value and insight into business and strategy.

There are millions of designs and user-interfaces for websites, but some are notably more effective than others. Through aesthetic originality, functionality, and user-friendliness, a successful website can often be key to boosting the success of a company or organisation.

Social media is becoming an increasingly important weapon in the communicator’s arsenal, and while there are numerous risks associated with social media usage, a well-defined strategy can reach new audiences and improve the perceptions of an organisation.

Despite globalisation, most countries still run more or less according to their local customs and standards. Whether it is making chocolate or building cars, each country also has its speciality. Then there are the companies and agencies which strive to take a good thing and make it that much better. It is they that have represented excellence in their respective nations.

United Kingdom, Ireland
France
Spain
Portugal
Italy, Malta
Germany
Switzerland, Austria
Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg
Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland
Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia
Poland, Russia, Ukraine
Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia
Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece, Cyprus
Turkey