Every year, the Arkansas Press Women Professional Communications Contest showcases some of the best work by communicators across the state, and every year, a few small mistakes can trip up even the strongest entries.
Contest Director Kristin Netterstrom Higgins has seen it all. The good news? Most issues are easy to avoid with a little extra attention before submitting.
If you’re planning to enter the 2026 APW Professional Communications Contest, here’s what you need to know to put your best work forward.
First, check the calendar. The early deadline is noon on Jan. 21, 2026, and entries must include work published, posted, or broadcast during 2025. If you miss the early deadline, you can still enter. Just note that entries submitted afterward include a one-time $25 processing fee.
Before uploading anything, take time to read the category requirements carefully. Many problems stem from entries that don’t fully answer required questions, include too many (or too few) work samples, or are submitted in formats judges can’t open.
A few other tips can make a big difference:
- Use your preferred name on entry forms. That’s what appears on certificates and in news releases.
- Double-check email addresses and mailing information.
- Make sure scanned documents and photos are clear and easy to view.
- If your entry is online and behind a paywall, include instructions so judges can access it.
Final deadlines are coming up fast. Books are due by noon on Feb. 4, 2026, and all other entries are due by noon on Feb. 18, 2026.
You don’t have to be an APW member to enter, but members do receive reduced entry fees. First-place Arkansas winners may advance to the national contest, hosted by the National Federation of Press Women. To advance, entrants must be NFPW members by March 25, 2026.
State winners will be recognized at an APW event in spring 2026, and national winners will be honored at the NFPW Conference in September 2026 in Maryland.
Have questions or need help along the way? Just email Netterstrom Higgins at zesty_krstn@yahoo.com.
A little preparation now can make a big difference later, and might just earn your work the recognition it deserves!