2024 Excalibur Awards - Special Award Individual

Entries for the Individual Special Awards should be submitted in one (1) PDF document not to exceed seven (7) pages in length and should not use less than a 10-point font size. If you choose to include a video, upload the video to YouTube and provide a link in your PDF document. Award entry elements are detailed below for each category. Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by others.

SA-I1) Young Public Relations Professional of the Year
The Young Public Relations Professional of the Year Award recognizes a relative newcomer to public relations for demonstrating exceptional leadership and professional achievements during his/her initial years in the profession.

The Young PR Professional of the Year demonstrates the following characteristics:

• Shows emerging leadership and outstanding achievements in public relations
• Has a good grasp of PR strategy and tactics
• Makes specific contributions to the community, the PR profession and his/her employer(s)/clients
• Displays traits and qualities that distinguish the nominee and his/her accomplishments, such as business savvy or creativity

All PR professionals who have been in full-time practice for less than three years (began full-time practice January 1, 2021 or later) are eligible (this period excludes internships and part-time employment while working on a degree). Include the following in the entry:

• Bio of the nominee/brief résumé/education background
• Accomplishments achieved during the entry period
• Activities outside work, including charity work, industry associations, etc.
• 200-word statement from nominee on why he/she should be considered

If entry is submitted by the nominee, include one letter of recommendation written by a current manager, supervisor or client.

SA-I2) Public Relations Professional of the Year
The Public Relations Professional of the Year Award recognizes an established practitioner for exceptional leadership and professional accomplishments during 2023, as well as career achievements. All PR professionals who have been in full-time practice for more than three years (began full-time practice prior to January 1, 2021) are eligible.

The PR Professional of the Year demonstrates the following characteristics:

• Exceptional account/company leadership
• Outstanding achievement in public relations
• Knowledge of PR strategy, tactics and budgeting
• Makes specific contributions to the community, the PR profession and his/her employer(s)/clients
• Displays traits and qualities that distinguish the nominee and his/her accomplishments

Include the following in the entry:

• Bio of the nominee/brief résumé/education background
• Accomplishments achieved during entry period
• Activities outside work, including charity work, industry associations, etc.
• 200-word statement from nominee on why he/she should be considered

If entry is submitted by the nominee, include one letter of recommendation written by a current manager, supervisor or client.

SA-I3) CEO Communicator of the Year
The CEO Communicator of the Year Award honors the outstanding performance of Houston area chief executive officers in their roles as chief communicator. The role of the CEO has evolved. Not only do they encourage and adapt to changing business models, but frequently the CEO must take the lead in communicating with employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to achieve success for their organization.

To qualify, nominees should demonstrate effective communication as part of their leadership, whether in a crisis situation or in day-to-day operations. Supporting examples may include the CEO’s appearance in the media, before industry or community groups or through a leadership role in civic, religious or business organizations.

Nominees must be chief executive officers or hold equivalent positions in the Greater Houston Area. Nominators should provide details about the nominee and his/her qualifications with reference to the period between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023. Please also include:

• Bio of the nominee/brief résumé/education background
• Accomplishments achieved during entry period

SA-I4) Solo Practitioner of the Year
Open to any individual PR professional who has worked independently for at least 24 months and not employed by, or affiliated with, a corporate entity.

• Practice summary (must not exceed two pages, single-sided in length and should not use less than a 10-point font size)
• Key client roster for last two years
• Financials (two year's fees and profits, annual income including mark-up on disbursements as a separate line item)
• Achievements during the entry period
• Three client testimonials

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