The PRWeek Purpose Awards are back and the topic of purpose couldn’t be more relevant.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has many searching for meaning. With so many either out of work or working in new limited capacities, it’s not surprising that individuals and companies have been reassessing their core values, which, during times like these, comes to light instantly. Some scramble to change behavior to match evolving consumer and stakeholder expectations. For others, the transition to a more purposeful world may come a bit easier simply because they are remaining true to themselves and how they engage their customers and employees.

The Purpose Awards recognizes activations that use creative ideas to further positive causes and also to acknowledge the organizations and individuals behind them. As consumers and potential staffers increasingly insist on brands they engage with and organizations they work for communicating what they believe in and standing up publicly for those values, winning a Purpose Award is the perfect way to demonstrate your organization’s authenticity in this crucial area.

Join us in-person in NYC on October 13, 2021!

Location:

SECOND - 849 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001 

Time:

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The event will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:00 PM, followed by a sit-down dinner and the awards ceremony. 

The PRWeek team is deeply committed to ensuring the safety of all our speakers, staff and guests at our upcoming in-person events. Per New York City’s health mandate, effective August 16, 2021, anyone who plans to join us for an in-person event must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. As of now, indoor mask use is suggested but not required for those who are fully vaccinated. We are working in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines, and will continue to update our policies and procedures to reflect the most up-to-date safety protocols.

In the event that infection levels require us to cancel the event, all ticket holders will be issued a full refund.

NOTICE FROM OUR EVENT VENUE - SECOND.

SECOND remains committed to full compliance with all New York State Department of Health guidelines pertaining to a safe environment for in-person gatherings. This includes enhanced cleaning such as sanitation of surfaces and handles throughout the event and air filtration such as a newly installed HVAC Ultraviolet-C technology used to kill microorganisms that cause viruses. In SECOND, the technology used is Genesis Air’s photocatalytic oxidation process, which captures and destroys airborne particles responsible for poor air quality. We also keep windows open for natural airflow. SECOND employees are fully vaccinated and continue to wear protective masks. 

- Motivate your team -

- Prove that you are the best in the industry -

- Win new business and impress your clients -

- Recruit shining new talent and retain your hidden gems -

- Showcase your work in front of top professionals in the industry -

- Get recognized for your outstanding work through exposure PRWeek gives your projects -

OUR WINNERS MATTER

Winning a Purpose Award doesn't end when the day is over! Past winners are invited back as judges, giving them further insight into the Awards. Winners have also gone on to be featured in awards marketing, making sure everyone knows of our esteemed winners. Outside of the Awards, winners have also been selected to speak at several of our PRWeek events and have been featured in both online and print as examples of best practices. We will publicize you to the PRWeek world both online and offline, showcasing your organization and outstanding work as the best in the sector.

The PRWeek Purpose Awards are back and the topic of purpose couldn’t be more relevant.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has many searching for meaning. With so many either out of work or working in new limited capacities, it’s not surprising that individuals and companies have been reassessing their core values, which, during times like these, comes to light instantly. Some scramble to change behavior to match evolving consumer and stakeholder expectations. For others, the transition to a more purposeful world may come a bit easier simply because they are remaining true to themselves and how they engage their customers and employees.

Set against this backdrop, The Purpose Awards were launched to recognize the ongoing journey of companies shifting to more purposeful values. Following 2019’s PRDecoded conference and inaugural awards, our jury chair published key takeaways in Carol Cone’s 10 Purpose Principles, which also offers some best practices based on her 30 years of experience shaping the field of social impact and purpose.  Still, even if you’re already doing things right, that may not always translate into an award-winning entry form. So, we’re here to tackle that first (and only) question to the Purpose Awards’ Company and Personality categories: the Statement of Purpose.

The winning company/person will have demonstrated a positive purpose and shown that cause is crucial to everything it does/they do. The winning entrant will be expected to provide data to support its claims, where appropriate.

It’s very easy to get lost with an open-ended question like this, so here’s a roadmap for you to frame your answer and ensure you’re providing what the judges will be expecting.

Situation Analysis
A statement of purpose would organically arise from an analysis of internal and external environments and evaluating core or guiding principles. Judges will evaluate how the nominee’s statement of purpose aligns with the company or her/his own values.

Business Peformance / Originality
Business performance is often defined by bottom-line financial factors but has recent work been indicative of the company’s efforts to demonstrate positive purpose within the eligibility period. Has the brand or agency made significant progress in either creating or sustaining a position of purpose? Has the individual nominee made innovative or groundbreaking steps on behalf of her/himself or the company, or simply joined a movement as the latest participant?

Data
Consider the use of data and results both as indicative of performance and impact. How effective was the company using data and analytics throughout its initiative? Did it effectively show results indicative of success or provide key insights to fold into its strategy for improvement or evolution?

Real results are not simply numbers to measure success but enact changes in the behavior of either the work of the nominee or the audiences it targets.

Leadership
Leadership can be demonstrated within the PR industry, in terms of involvement in professional organizations and thought leadership, or in the broader community via charitable/community efforts the company is involved in or leads. Noteworthy developments in company culture or innovative steps forward are relevant here.

For individuals, positive purpose and social responsibility will be crucial in everything she/he does and will have been imbued throughout his/her organization as well as leadership within the industry at large or activities conducted outside of work.

For CEOs at a corporation or multiple-brand-owning company, winners will have shown leadership and the ability to convey effective messaging to internal and external audiences.

For Most Purposeful Person Under the Age of 30, consider how the nominee truly stands out from other entrants in terms of how much she or he has accomplished in pursuit of purpose during a short career.

Authenticity
What steps is the company or agency taking to ensure it is genuinely adhering to its purpose? Has it established a system of checks and internal auditing to prevent “purpose-washing” and ensure its mission is embedded deeply within the organization, brand, or agency?

Now knowing how you can effectively shine the best light on yourselves or your nominated colleagues, you can look forward to due recognition and showing others the best way forward.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EVENT

Contact Maggie Keller

Events Director

maggie.keller@haymarketmedia.com

QUESTIONS ABOUT  SPONSORSHIP

Contact Craig Roth

VP, Group Publisher

craig.roth@haymarketmedia.com