PRSA New York announced the shortlist for the 2026 Big Apple Awards, recognizing outstanding public relations campaigns and communications professionals from across the New York metropolitan area.

The shortlist reflects another fiercely competitive year for the awards program, with finalists representing agencies, corporations, nonprofits, and organizations of all sizes.

Winners will be honored at the 2026 Big Apple Awards Gala on Thursday, September 17 at Sony Hall in New York City.

Join Us for the 2026 Big Apple Awards

Sony Hall | September 17, 2026 | Where Stories Move Hearts, Minds and Markets

On September 17, New York’s communications community comes together at Sony Hall to celebrate the ideas, people and work moving our industry forward. The PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards are more than an awards ceremony. They’re a night to connect with colleagues, celebrate standout work, recognize the people shaping our profession and be part of one of New York communications’ signature gatherings.

In New York, the global capital of media and influence, storytelling is not a soft skill. It is a catalyst. Strategic communications move hearts and minds and ultimately move markets. This year’s theme, Where Stories Move Hearts, Minds and Markets, reflects the power of modern communications to inspire action, build trust, advance causes and influence decisions across industries and communities.

Why Be in the Room?

• Celebrate the best of New York communications.
  See this year’s most outstanding campaigns, organizations and communications professionals recognized on one stage.

• Support your colleagues - and your team.
  Come cheer on the agencies, brands, nonprofits and professionals named to this year’s competitive shortlist.

• Connect with the communications community.
  Join leaders and rising talent from agencies, brands, media and organizations across the New York communications landscape.

• Recognize the people shaping what’s next.
  The evening will honor accomplished industry leaders through the PRSA-NY Individual Awards and celebrate the 2026 PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Class.

• Enjoy a night built around great storytelling.
  A high-profile emcee will join the celebration, bringing their energy and storytelling expertise to the Big Apple Awards stage

Make a Night of It

Bring your colleagues. Invite your clients. Celebrate your team. Reconnect with industry friends - and meet the people you’ll want to know next.

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Sony Hall | New York City

Early-bird pricing ends August 31.

We look forward to seeing you!

Best regards,

Stephanie Jo Peksen & Marc Drechsler,
Co-Chairs for the 2026 Big Apple Awards

Sponsors and Chapter Champions

PRSA-NY is grateful for the support of its members and the broader PR community, including Big Apple Awards sponsors, Edelman, Hunter, Burson, MikeWorldWide, 360PR+, Truescope, Davis + Gilbert LLP, Baker Tilly x Anchin, The Museum of Public Relations, D S Simon Media, Coyne PR, Bospar, and Notified. 

Become a Sponsor

Join a community of organizations shaping the future of communications by supporting the PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards and the broader work of the Chapter.

Sponsorship offers the opportunity to align your brand with one of the industry’s most respected awards programs while engaging year-round with a highly influential network of communications leaders.

• Support the Big Apple Awards and gain visibility leading up to and during the Gala at Sony Hall.

• Extend your impact by becoming a PRSA-NY Chapter Champion, with recognition across programming, content, and community initiatives throughout the year.

• Engage directly with senior professionals across agencies, brands, nonprofits and media.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available at a variety of levels to join the Sponsor Honor Roll.

Contact fays@commpro.biz to learn more.

What Winners Say

“The PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards are the pinnacle showcase of the PR season. The credibility of PRSA-NY brings an added level of distinction. Knowing your work is being judged by your peers in the media capital of the world makes the recognition especially meaningful.”

- John Gogarty, President, Coyne Public Relations

“In today’s noisy and complex world, ideas need to break through not just creatively, but culturally. The Big Apple Awards are proof that the ideas our teams bring to the table show up in the world, get noticed and move brands forward.”

- Tracey Santilli, President, Carmichael Lynch and Carmichael Lynch Relate