We are proud to announce that the 40 Under 40 Awards 2026 is now open for nominations! This prestigious awards program celebrates the most exceptional young professionals under 40 who are shaping the future of public relations, corporate communications, media relations, and strategic communication management across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

At IPRC, we believe in recognizing innovation, leadership, and ethical excellence. The 40 Under 40 Awards align perfectly with our mission to elevate professional standards and inspire the next generation of communication leaders.

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Why This Matters

The communications industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Young practitioners today are not just telling stories—they are driving bold impact, building trust, and shaping communities. This awards platform shines a spotlight on those rising stars who are setting benchmarks and redefining what great communication looks like.

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Award Objectives

• Recognize outstanding PR and communications professionals under 40

• Showcase innovative campaigns and strategies with measurable impact

• Inspire leadership, creativity, and ethical excellence

• Promote mentorship, collaboration, and networking between emerging and established PR leaders

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Eligibility Criteria

Nominees must:

• Be under 40 years old at the time of nomination

• Be currently active in public relations, corporate communications, media relations, or a related field

• Be self-nominated or nominated by peers, supervisors, or industry colleagues

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Nomination Criteria

Nominees should demonstrate achievements in at least one of the following areas:

1. Leadership & Influence – Leading teams, mentoring, or guiding organizational communications

2. Innovation & Creativity – Unique campaigns, projects, or ideas with measurable outcomes

3. Impact & Results – Demonstrable effects on brand reputation, audience engagement, or community initiatives

4. Professional Excellence – Upholding ethical standards, integrity, and consistent high performance

5. Thought Leadership – Contributions to industry knowledge, speaking engagements, publications, or research

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How to Nominate (or Self-Nominate)

Submit a completed nomination form including:

• Personal & professional profile (CV or biography)

• Key achievements and campaigns

• Evidence of impact (metrics, awards, media coverage, testimonials)

• References (optional but recommended)

All nominations are reviewed by an independent panel of senior PR and communications professionals.

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What Winners Receive

• Trophy and certificate

• Media exposure in industry publications, partner media, and social channels

• Networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities

• Access to exclusive workshops, masterclasses, and thought leadership events

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Ready to Nominate?

If you or someone in your network is a young communications changemaker making a real difference, don’t miss this opportunity to gain well-deserved recognition.