PRISA PRISM Awards 2008 entries now open

“Public Relations (PR) is full of talented, creative and highly specialised people who deserve to be recognised and rewarded for their exceptional skills,” says Bridget von Holdt, chairperson of the Public Relations Consultants Chapter (PRCC) of the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA). For the first time in its decade-long history, the PRISA Prism Awards has introduced four new awards categories acknowledging the efforts of individuals.

The new awards categories are:

Best Creative PR Professional

Best Media Liaison PR Professional

Best PR Educator

Best Strategic PR Professional

Best Up-and-Coming PR Professional

In addition to the new categories for individuals, the achievements of smaller PR consultancies operating in South Africa will also be recognised through the addition of the “Best Small PR Consultancy” category (less than five employees) to the awards line-up.

“Size doesn't matter”, stressed Von Holt. “PR skill comes in all shapes and sizes and some of this year's most promising entries have come from the smaller PR operations”. She goes onto say that smaller companies face different challenges to their corporate counterparts but this in no way limits their creative capabilities and communication initiative.

The PRISA PRISM Awards celebrate the successes and achievements of the public relations and communication industries. Awards are aimed at public relations and communication professionals who have successfully incorporated strategy, creativity and professionalism into public relations and communication programmes and strategies. This year's awards ceremony is being held at Vodaworld on 26 March 2008.

“The PRISA Prism Awards are growing in prestige, credibility and popularity”, adds Von Holt. “Last year the PRISM finalists included an entrant from Namibia. This year we're going global and have had interest from as far afield as Spain.”

The Award is open to PR consultancies and corporate PR departments to enter and participants don't need to be members of PRISA to enter their award-winning campaign. “The proof is in the PR pudding. PRISA is honoured to recognise the professionals of this dynamic industry but cannot do so if your entry doesn't reach us in time – so get cracking!” Von Holt urged. The deadline for entries is the 25 January.

For queries or additional information about entries please visit the PRISA website, www.prisa.co.za or contact Margie Moscardi on +27 11 326-1262 or email: .