The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Northern Ireland has officially launched the CIPR Northern Ireland PR Awards 2026, inviting agencies, in-house teams, independent practitioners and communications professionals from across the region to showcase their best work and compete for one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades.
Widely regarded as one of the highest recognitions of excellence in public relations and communications in Northern Ireland, the awards celebrate the campaigns, teams and individuals delivering outstanding work across the region’s communications sector.
Recognised as a benchmark for excellence in public relations and strategic communications, the awards celebrate the campaigns, individuals and organisations that are shaping conversations, building reputations and delivering measurable impact across Northern Ireland, Ireland, the UK and beyond.
The awards honour outstanding achievement across a broad range of disciplines, from media relations, digital communications and public affairs to consumer PR, corporate communications, healthcare, tourism, events, content creation and integrated communications.
This year’s programme also introduces three new categories designed to reflect the evolving nature of the profession and celebrate the breadth of talent within Northern Ireland’s communications industry.
The new Long-term Client Care Award will recognise exceptional client relationships built on trust, strategic counsel and sustained results over time. The Best Campaign (Outside Northern Ireland) category will celebrate the outstanding work delivered by Northern Ireland practitioners beyond the region, reflecting the growing national and international influence of the local communications sector. Meanwhile, the new Lifetime Contribution Award will honour an individual whose career has made a significant and lasting impact on the public relations profession in Northern Ireland.
Paula McNulty FCIPR Chart.PR, Chair of CIPR Northern Ireland, said: “The CIPR Northern Ireland PR Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, strategic thinking and professionalism that exists across our communications industry.
“Every year we see work that not only delivers outstanding results for clients and organisations but also demonstrates the vital role that public relations and communications play in society, business and public life.
“The introduction of new categories reflects the continued evolution of our profession. We want to recognise those who have built enduring client relationships, those whose work is making an impact internationally, and those individuals whose contribution to the industry deserves lasting recognition.
“Northern Ireland’s communications professionals continue to deliver world-class work across local, national and international markets. These awards provide an important opportunity to showcase that excellence, celebrate success and recognise the individuals and teams who are helping to shape the future of our profession.
“I would encourage agencies, in-house teams, independent practitioners and organisations of all sizes to enter and share the outstanding work being delivered across the communications sector.”
The awards attract entries from across the communications industry, including consultancies, in-house teams, independent practitioners, public sector organisations, charities and not-for-profit bodies.
Categories for 2026 include:
- Arts, Culture, Sport or Entertainment Campaign
- STEM Campaign
- Best Event or Launch
- Best Use of Content
- Best Use of Digital and Social Media
- Best Use of Media Relations
- Consumer Relations Campaign
- Corporate and Business Communications Campaign
- Healthcare and/or Wellbeing Campaign
- CSR Campaign
- Integrated Campaign
- Internal Communications Campaign
- Low Budget Campaign
- Not-for-Profit Campaign
- Public Affairs Campaign
- Public Sector Campaign
- Best Campaign (Outside Northern Ireland)
- Travel, Leisure or Tourism Campaign
- Long-term Client Care
- Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year
- Independent PR Practitioner of the Year
- In-House PR Team of the Year
- Small PR Consultancy of the Year
- PR Consultancy of the Year
- Lifetime Contribution Award
The awards are open to organisations and practitioners working across all sectors and disciplines, providing an opportunity to benchmark work against the highest professional standards while gaining recognition from peers and industry leaders.
Winners will be announced at the CIPR Northern Ireland PR Awards 2026 ceremony on Thursday 5November in the Titanic Hotel, Belfast, bringing together the region’s leading communications professionals for a celebration of excellence, innovation and achievement.
Visit www.ciprniawards.com for more information and to enter.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available please contact Paula McNulty, Chair of CIPR Northern Ireland, at paula@lkcommunications.co.uk for more information.