If you missed the early deadline for the Arkansas Press Women Professional Communications Contest, there’s still time to enter.
Although the early deadline passed at noon Jan. 21, entries are still being accepted through noon on Feb. 18, 2026. Professional entries submitted after the early deadline include a one-time $25 processing fee, in addition to regular entry fees.
The APW Professional Communications Contest recognizes excellence across today’s communications landscape, with categories spanning writing and editing for print, broadcast, and digital platforms; photography; graphic design; advertising; and public relations. The contest also includes categories for college media work and college media advisers.
First-place winners in the Arkansas contest are eligible to advance to the national competition hosted by the National Federation of Press Women. Entrants do not need to be APW members to compete, though members receive discounted entry fees. To advance to the national level, entrants must be NFPW members by March 25, 2026. Those advancing will be asked to reimburse APW for the $20 national entry fee.
Arkansas contest winners will be recognized at an APW event in spring 2026, with results posted on the APW website. National winners will be notified in June 2026 and honored at the NFPW awards banquet in September 2026 in Maryland.
Complete contest details, categories, fees, and submission links are available on the Arkansas contest page of the NFPW website.
Questions?
Contact Arkansas professional contest director Kristin Netterstrom Higgins at zesty_krstn@yahoo.com for assistance.