How to enter the CIPR Midlands Awards
As well as refreshing our categories, we’ve streamlined our entry process to make it as smooth and easy to manage as possible. If you need help at any point, just get in touch using the details below. Until then, follow these simple steps:
1
Prepare your entry
Maximum length: 1,000 words
What to include (tailored per category – you are advised to use the subheadings below which will help with judging).
Campaign and tactical/channel-specific categories:
- Award category you’re entering
- Brief, objectives, and budget
- Research, idea, and planning
- Strategy, creativity, and innovation
- Delivery/implementation of tactics
- Measurement, evaluation, and impact.
People and team categories:
Best Student/Apprentice
- Name of nominated individual
- Evidence of engagement in practice and professionalism, application of skills/experience, evidence of research/insight (could be through project work, dissertation, blogging/social activity, etc)
Rising star
- Name of nominated individual
- What difference they have made to their organisation/client(s)
- How they have gone over and above for their profession
Independent Practitioner of the Year
- Name of nominated individual
- Evidence of your commitment to CPD
- Details of your business/financial achievements between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026
- An example of identifying and solving a challenge between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026
- Best work between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026.
If you are entering the Best In-House Team or the Agency of the Year categories, please ensure that you include:
- Evidence of your commitment to CPD
- Evidence of how EDI, ethics and ESG have been embedded into the organisation
- A summary of outstanding achievements
- An overview of business performance against budget and business objectives
- An overview of your culture and leadership.
Please note: As with all CIPR award schemes, the inclusion of AVEs will result in a zero score for measurement. And this year, you are only able to submit any single campaign in up to three categories. If it’s submitted in more than three categories, the extra ones will be considered void.
2
Payment
Please arrange payment before submitting your entries (you will need a reference number to complete your entries). Payments for the awards this year will be through the CIPR website and their dedicated Regional Awards Shop.
You can pay via:
- Credit card
- Invoice
(Invoice only available for entries submitted more than 14 days prior to the standard deadline. Credit card payments after this time.)
If you are a member, you just need to sign in and follow the steps. Non-members will need to register an account (if you don't already have one) and then follow the steps.
Entries will not be judged without payment, including invoiced entries.
3
Upload your entry
Once your entry is ready, just click the Enter now button on this page to access our secure entry portal, where you will be guided through the following steps:
- Fill out your contact details – your name, organisation, number and title of the category, word count, order number and email address.
- Upload your main entry (up to 1,000 words) via the text box or file upload function on two pages of A4. This can include design/visual elements.
- Upload up to four pages of supporting material (e.g. visuals, press excerpts) as a single PDF.
- Submit a supporting photograph, to appear onscreen on the night if you are shortlisted, and a company logo.
4
Fees
Early bird entry fee: £129 + VAT for members and non-members
Standard fee: £180 + VAT for members and non-members
For not for profit, best independent practitioner and independent practitioner awards student only:
- Early bird entry fee: £52 + VAT for members and non-members;
- Standard fee: £77 + VAT for members and non-members.
- Best Student: Free to enter
5
Key dates and deadlines
Early bird entry deadline: Friday 15 January 2027
Standard entry deadline: Friday 29 January 2027
Shortlist announcement: Friday 26 February 2027
Deadline for booking tickets: Thursday 25 March 2027
The big night: Thursday 29 April 2027
6
Shortlisting and judging
Once the entry window closes, all submissions will be forwarded to our judging panel; a select group of senior PR professionals based outside the Midlands and in good standing with the CIPR, who have volunteered their time.
Should any conflicts of interest arise during judging, the judges are required to recluse themselves.
We’ll then announce the shortlist via social media and our website, so follow us for more updates and stay tuned!
The winners will be revealed on the night at our upcoming awards ceremony.
Attendance is not required to win but is essential if you want to have fun!
7
Need a hand with anything?
If you have any questions about the categories, the entry portal, supporting documents, or payment options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on email at MidlandsAwards@cipr.co.uk.
Entry process at a glance
- Draft a concise 1,000 word entry covering key criteria
- Pay online or request an invoice
- Click ‘Enter now’ to access and upload your entry + supporting PDF
- Meet the early bird deadline by 5pm on 15 January or apply by the standard deadline of 5pm on 29 January 2027
- Watch for shortlisting announcements and join us at the awards!