2026 Skyline Award Winners
2026 lEADERSHIP & IMPACT award recipients
Professional of the Year
Andrea Rodgers, APR
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
This award honors the accomplishments of one exceptional public relations professional. It recognizes the professional achievements and activities that have advanced the profession and the practice of public relations during the duration of their career.
Young Professional of the Year
Emily Miller
Laughlin Constable Public Relations
This award celebrates the accomplishments of a rising star in the public relations profession. It recognizes the spirit of the next generation of leaders and awards a young professional with six or fewer years of experience.
DEI Champion of the Year
David Rudd
Rudd Resources
This award recognizes one exceptional individual who is a role model and champion of diversity and inclusion through both their present actions, as well as throughout their career.
CHICAGO COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
American Academy of Pediatrics
Recognizes an organization or communications team that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to community service through pro bono work, sustained nonprofit support or corporate social responsibility efforts. This award honors purpose-driven leadership and meaningful contributions that positively impact the Chicago area community. It recognizes sustained service and overall community impact rather than a single campaign submission.
Organization of the year
Zeno Group
This award recognizes the organization that has demonstrated outstanding excellence across the Skyline Awards program, earning the greatest number of Skyline Awards and exemplifying creativity, strategy and measurable impact throughout the year.
“Building Awareness for Trauma-Informed Pediatric Care” by Public Communications Inc. in collaboration with The American Academy of Pediatrics
The Best of Skyline is an honor bestowed upon a campaign that has achieved a perfect score, as evaluated by our esteemed colleagues from the PRSA Cleveland chapter. In instances where there is a tie for this recognition, like this year, a team of Chicago area senior level judges with more than 20 years of public relations industry experience vote to break the tie to name the Best of Skyline award recipient.
Best of Skyline Finalists
“Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s Land of Smiles Program Tackles Childhood Tooth Decay” by Meyocks in collaboration with Land of Smiles
“Earned in the Shop: How NAPA Gave Trade Schools Spirit Moment” by Golin in collaboration with NAPA
“Freedom to Aspire: Reclaiming a West Side Landmark Through Joy, Purpose, and Possibility” by Rudd Resources in collaboration with Austin Coming Together
“Sharpie Rookie of the Year: Claiming an Unclaimed Ritual” by Zeno in collaboration with Sharpie
“Putting Loreto on the Global Stage with the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue” by Zapwater in collaboration with Visit Baja California Sur
ORGANIZATIONAL AWARD CATEGORIES
BEST AGENCY
BEST BOUTIQUE AGENCY
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Mekky Media Relations: Strategic Storytelling with Impactful Outcomes” by Mekky Media Relations
BEST SMALL AGENCY
SKYLINE
“FLOW BOLD: Leading Multicultural Communications Through Industry Change by Flowers Communications Group” by Flowers Communications Group
BEST COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT
SKYLINE
DePaul University College of Communication Public Relations and Advertising Program
Program Awards Categories
All agencies and organizations listed on the following pages are recipients of either the Skyline Award or the Award of Excellence in their respective categories.
CLIMATE ACTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
This honors excellence in energy efficiency, natural resources, programs and campaigns that limit greenhouse gas emissions, minimize waste and contamination, protect and restore ecosystems and contribute to the adaptation to climate change.
SKYLINE
"NewTrex Grassroots Movement" by L.C. Williams & Associates and Trex Company
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Advancing Climate Priorities Through Nation-Leading Clean Energy Policy” by Hawthorne Strategy Group in collaboration with Solar Powers Illinois
Community Relations
Includes programs that aim to improve relations with, or seek to win the support or cooperation of, people or organizations in communities in which the sponsoring organization has an interest, need or opportunity. “Community” in this category refers to a specific geographic location or locations.
Business
SKYLINE
"Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation's Land of Smiles Program Tackles Childhood Tooth Decay" by Meyocks in collaboration with Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Play with Purpose®: Redefining the Illinois Lottery Through Community Impact” by Flowers Communication Group in collaboration with Illinois Lottery
Content Marketing
Programs that effectively demonstrate a strategic program that includes creating and distributing valuable content to attract, acquire, and engage target audience(s).
Business-to-CONSUMER
SKYLINE
“Level Up Your Commute with Pace’s I-90 Express Route” by Gatesman in collaboration with Pace Suburban Bus
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Connected Detection: Launching the First Alert® Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm” by LCWA
“Owning the Corners of Smart Comfort: Launching Honeywell Home’s Smartest Thermostats Yet” by LCWA in collaboration with Resideo
“A Smarter Way to Waterproof: USG Launches Fiberock® AquaSmart™” by Gatesman in collaboration with USG
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
This celebrates campaigns and programs that ignite individuals, technology, and partnerships to create a positive impact on society at the local, national, or international level, including but not limited to areas such as poverty, hunger, housing, health and well-being, climate, equity, education, and human rights.
SKYLINE
"Earned in the Shop: How NAPA Gave Trade School Students Their Schools Spirit Moment" by Golin in collaboration with NAPA Auto Parts
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
"Corporate Citizenship in Healthcare: Starjemza Launch on Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs Promotes Equity and Access" by Cramer-Krasselt in collaboration with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs Company & Hikma Pharmaceuticals
"Ready for Learning: A Multi-Market Corporate Citizenship Campaign to Help Children Start School Prepared" by Public Communications Inc. in collaboration with Cradles to Crayons
Events and Observances
Includes programs or events, such as commemorations, observances, openings, yearlong anniversaries, celebrations, or other special activities.
ASSOCIATIONS/GOVERNMENT/NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
SKYLINE
“Freedom to Aspire: Reclaiming a West Side Landmark Through Joy, Purpose, and Possibility” by Rudd Resources
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“200 Millionth Visitor Campaign” by Griffing Museum of Science and Industry
“Navy Pier + Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Kick-Off the Holiday Giving Season with Winter WonderFest” by Navy Pier in collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
SKYLINE
“The Oscar Mayer Wienie 500” by Zeno Group in collaboration with Oscar Mayer
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“First-Ever Lacrosse Game on a River” by Whirlpool Corporation in collaboration with Premier Lacrosse League
MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS
SKYLINE
“KitchenAid Makes the Year’s Biggest Cultural Moment its Own” by MSL in collaboration with KitchenAid
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Casey’s Scores a Sales Touchdown as the “Official Pizza of Noon Kickoffs” by Zeno Group in collaboration with Casey’s
SEVEN OR FEWER DAYS – ASSOCIATIONS/GOVERNMENT/NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
SKYLINE
“Driving More Than Impressions: How the Presidents Cup Captains Visit Built Buzz, Credibility and Community Impact in Chicago” by Stretch PR
SEVEN OR FEWER DAYS – CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
SKYLINE
“Laffy Taffy Laff Line” by H5 in collaboration with Laffy Taffy
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Balloon Museum: Launching a Word-Class Immersive Art Experience in Chicago” by Zapwater in collaboration with Balloon Museum
INFLUENCER MARKETING
Macro-influencers: Celebrities, executives, bloggers and journalists who have 10,000–1M followers. They have the highest topical relevance on the spectrum, with category-specific influence – such as lifestyle, fashion or business. Micro-influencers: Everyday consumers or employees or industry experts who have 500–9,999 followers. They have the highest brand relevance and resonance on the spectrum of influencers, with influence driven by their personal experience and strength of relationship with their networks.
MACRO-INFLUENCERS
SKYLINE
“Driving ROI and Awareness Through Strategic Macro Influencer Partnerships” by Hawthorne Strategy Group in collaboration with Chicago Dental Society
“Purposebuilt Brands: Turning Cleaning into Cultural Conversation Through Influencer Marketing” by Zapwater Communications
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Truth vs Trends: How one Association Combats Trending Fear-Based Information” by CS Effect in collaboration with American Association of Endodontists
“KitchenAid Makes the Year’s Biggest Cultural Moment its Own” by MSL in collaboration with KitchenAid
MICRO-INFLUENCERS
SKYLINE
“Driving ROI and Awareness Through Authentic Micro-Influencer Partnerships” by Hawthorne Strategy Group in collaboration with Chicago Dental Society
Integrated Communications
Includes any program that demonstrates leadership of public relations strategies and tactics in a creative and effective integrated campaign, along with other marketing or communications. The program must demonstrate the clear leadership of public relations, along with its integration with other disciplines.
Associations/Nonprofit Organizations
SKYINE
“Indiana's Coldest Night Leader” by South Shore Public Relations
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“American Academy of Pediatrics RSV Awareness Campaign” by American Academy of Pediatrics
“AAE’s Worth Saving Campaign in 2025: An Evidence-Based Integrated Campaign Elevating the Value of Saving Natural Teeth” by American Association of Endodontists
GOVERNMENT
SKYINE
“American Egg Board Bird Flu Response: Rebuilding B2B Confidence in Real Eggs” by SCC in collaboration with American Egg Board
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Get Covered Illinois Open Enrollment 2026” by Rudd Resources in collaboration with Get Covered Illinois
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
SKYLINE
“A Crazy Good Campaign: How Integrated Communications Elevated A Pop-Tarts Partnership” by SCC in collaboration with both Poptarts and Kellanova
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“2025's PSA on PSA Campaign” by CGlife in collaboration with ClevelandDx
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
SKYLINE
“KitchenAid Makes the Year’s Biggest Cultural Moment its Own” by MSL in collaboration with KitchenAid
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“30 Seconds Makes Outdoor Cleaning Mainstream” by Zapwater in collaboration with 30 Seconds
“Pass the Tongs | Kingsford Charcoal” by Flowers Communications Group in collaboration with Kingsford
“Celebrating 30 Years of Wave Gardening Through the Lens of Anne Geddes” by Zapwater in collaboration with Wave
“The Oscar Mayer Wienie 500” by Zeno in collaboration with Oscar Mayer
“Follow Your Ears” by MSL in collaboration with Fruit Loops
“Hestan Culinary: Turning up the Temperature on Innovative Cookware” by Zapwater in collaboration with Hestan
CONSUMER SERVICES
SKYLINE
"Hollywood Casino Joliet Transforms Experience" by Laughlin Constable Public Relations in collaboration with PENN Entertainment/Hollywood Casino Joliet
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Nicor Gas - Winter Storm Fern” by Nicor Gas
“Skydeck Chicago: Turning Moments into Momentum” by Zapwater Communications in collaboration with Skydeck the Ledge
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Includes programs targeted specifically to special publics directly allied with an organization, such as employees, members, affiliated dealers and franchisees.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
"AAP OnCall member newsletter" by American Academy of Pediatrics
MARKETING
Includes programs designed to introduce new products/services or promote existing products/services to a particular audience.
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
"Contractor-First Innovation: Launching Honeywell Home’s Next Generation of HVAC Growth Tools" by L.C. Williams & Associates and Resideo
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
SKYLINE
"Lowe's Holiday Under Wraps Boxes" by Zeno and Lowe's
"Sharpie Rookie of the Year: Claiming an Unclaimed Ritual" by Zeno and Sharpie
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
"Brach’s Introduces First-Ever Egg Hiding Experience" by Agency H5 and Brach's
"Follow Your Ears" by MSL and Froot Loops (WK Kellogg Co)
"Punxsutawney Phil Predicts: Ace YardRx Is Coming" by Zapwater Communications and Ace YardRx
MOST EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGN ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET ($5,000 OR LESS)
Successful campaign despite constraints of a small budget. This does not include staff time and overhead.
SKYLINE
"200 Millionth Visitor Campaign” by Griffing Museum of Science and Industry
MULTICULTURAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
For any type of program, such as institutional, marketing and community relations, specifically targeted to a cultural group.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
"Pass the Tongs | Kingsford Charcoal" by Flowers Communications Group and Kingsford Charcoal
Public Affairs
Includes programs specifically designed to influence public policy and/or affect legislation, regulations, political activities, or candidacies — at the local, state, or federal government levels — so that the entity funding the program benefits.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Protecting Older Adults in Illinois: A Two-Part Public Affairs Campaign” by Mekky Media Relations in collaboration with both Age Options and Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Public Service
Includes programs that advance public understanding of societal issues, problems, or concerns.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Combating Root Canal Misinformation Through Evidence-Based Public Education” by American Association of Endodontists
tactical PROJECT AWARDS CATEGORIES
All agencies and organizations listed on the following pages are recipients of either the Skyline Award or Award of Excellence in their respective categories.
PAID PROMOTIONS
Use of sponsorships, paid placements or other marketing communications tactics that complement a broader public relations strategy or approach and generate exceptional ROI. These efforts should be targeted and strategic, and ultimately demonstrate a distinct purpose that aligns with the goals of an overview campaign or specific desired outcome.
SKYLINE
“Putting Loreto on the Global Stage with the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue” by Zapwater in collaboration with Visit Baja California Sur
“Building Awareness for Trauma-Informed Pediatric Care” by Public Communications Inc In collaboration with The American Academy of Pediatrics
MEDIA RELATIONS
Tactics, programs and events driven entirely by media relations. Submit press releases, media advisories, pitch letters, requests for coverage, etc., along with a one-page summary that includes measurable objectives and results, including media impact. Upload or provide YouTube/Vimeo links to any television or radio coverage.
ASSOCIATIONS/NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
SKYLINE
“AASM's Record-Breaking Media Campaign That Turned Sleep Into a National Conversation” by AASM in collaboration with LCWA
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Passing Landmark Clean Energy Legislation in Illinois” by Hawthorne Strategy in collaboration with Solar Powers Illinois
“Strengthening Illinois’ Teacher Pipeline: The 2025 Golden Apple Awards Campaign” by Harbinger Group in caollaboration with Golden Apple
GOVERNMENT
SKYLINE
“’Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains’ Media Relations Campaign” by Lake County Forest Preserves
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Help Stop Hate | Illinois Department of Human Rights” by Flowers Communications Group in collaboration with Illinois Department of Human Rights
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
SKYLINE
“Competing at Scale: An AI-Powered Newsroom Driving B2B Media Impact” by Golin in collaboration with West Monroe
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“A Media Blitz to Position Consilio as the Leading Voice in eDiscovery” by APCO in collaboration with Consilio
“Cutting Through the Clutter with a Year-Round Media Drumbeat” by LCWA in collaboration with Diamond Movers
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
SKYLINE
“HEINZ Tomato Ketchup Smoothie” by Zeno in collaboration with Heinz
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“PurposeBuilt Brands: Turning Seasonal Moments into Sustained Leadership” by Zapwater Communications and PurposeBuilt Brands
“Relaunching a Category Challenger: How ZeroWater ‘Zeroed’ Out Brita's Dominance” by Zeno in collaboration with Culligan
“More Than a New Look: How ALDI Turned a High-Stakes Packaging Refresh into a Reputation Win” by Zeno in collaboration with Aldi
SOCIAL MEDIA
How did you use social media to tell a story or connect with an audience? Share screenshots of links to your work and provide detailed results focusing on engagement and conversions, where applicable.
MULTICHANNEL USE
SKYLINE
“Making Cents of Caregiving” by Public Communications Inc In collaboration with AARP
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Worth Saving: Reaching Digital-First Audiences Through Integrated Social Media Education” by CS Effects in collaboration of Endodontists
SINGLE CHANNEL USE
SKYLINE
“IQMP LinkedIn” by C-Strategies in collaboration with Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park
INFLUENCER MARKETING
Tactic that focuses on using paid spokespeople and key leaders to increase awareness and drive your brand's message to the larger market. Include details of achievements/benchmarks on how the spokesperson met/exceeded campaign goals.
SKYLINE
"Sharpie Rookie of the Year: Claiming an Unclaimed Ritual" by Zeno and Sharpie
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
"Ali Stroker Launches Whirlpool Spin&Load" by Ketchum and Whirlpool brand
"From Content to Conversions: Performance-Driven Influencer Partnerships" by Hawthorne Strategy Group and Chicago Dental Society
NON-TRADITIONAL TACTICS
Innovative, unconventional, creative tactics or approaches used as part of a public relations program. Documentation of how the tactic specifically contributed to the measurable results of the campaign should be included in the one-page summary. (Photographic and/or video representation of any physical objects should be uploaded to be fully considered in this category.)
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Lowe's Holiday Under Wraps Boxes” by Zeno in collaborations with Lowe’s
“ALDI Big Bag: The Supersized Symbol of Savings” by Zeno in collaboration with ALDI
“From Brunch to Booth: Turning IPW Into an Immersive Media Engagement Experience” by Public Communications Inc In collaboration with First Lady
ANNUAL REPORTS
Publications that report on an organization’s annual performance. Upload a sample copy of the publication, along with a one-page summary.
SKYLINE
“The SMILE Report: Delta Dental of Illinois’ Corporate Social Responsibility Report” by Meyocks in collaboration with Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“2024 Preservation Foundation Annual Report” by Lake County Forest Preserves
BLOGS/VLOGS
Web-based journals (blogs) or video-based journals (blogs) that communicated to a target audience. The one-page summary should include rationale for blogging/vlogging strategy, target audiences and statistics or other means of quantifiable measurement to support stated objectives. Screen downloads of the blog/vlog being entered, as well as the actual site URL, must be submitted as part of the story.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“Quantum State Stories Blog” by C-Strategies in collaboration with Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park
NEWSLETTERS
Publications — digital or print — designed, written and published/distributed periodically to provide brief and timely information to target audiences while supporting an organization’s overall objectives. Upload samples of three consecutive issues, along with a one-page summary including goals and results.
SKYLINE
“Educating Lawmakers on Clean Energy Solutions to the Affordability Crisis” by Hawthorne Strategy Group in collaboration with Solar Powers Illinois
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“AVMA Vitals: Supporting Veterinary Medicine Around the World” by AVMA
MAGAZINES
Publications designed to provide in-depth information about an organization or topic on a regular basis (Print, digital only and both will be considered). Magazines typically differentiate from newsletters by the number of pages and length of articles. Upload samples of three consecutive issues along with a one-page summary including goals and results.
SKYLINE
“Horizons Quarterly Magazine” by Lake County Forest Preserves
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“’Grin! for Kids’ by Delta Dental” by Meyocks in collaboration with Delta Dental
VIDEO
Produced videos to inform target audiences of an event, brand, product, service, issue or organization. The one-page summary should include usage statistics or other means of quantified measurement to support stated objectives.
SKYLINE
“Nicor Gas - Safe & Reliable Energy No Matter the Weather” by Nicor Gas
PODCASTS
How did you tell your story — was the purpose to teach or share? Was it intended for internal or external audiences and was there engagement on multiple platforms? Provide goals, results and listener feedback.
SKYLINE
“Pediatrics On Call Podcast” by The American Academy of Pediatrics in collaboration with Pediatrics On Call
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
“City Insider Podcast - St Charles, Illinois” by a5 Branding & Digital
