Entries for this year's awards have officially closed, attracting more than 360 submissions. Those entries will now go before approximately 65 judges, the largest judging panel assembled for the PRISMS to date, with senior practitioners and industry leaders representing a broad cross-section of the profession.
With judging about to get underway, Chief Judge Thabisile Phumo says she expects some difficult decisions ahead.
"If the calibre of entries we have received is anything to go by, our judges have their work cut out for them this year. There is some exceptional work in the mix, with strong thinking, creativity and impact coming through across the entries. It is going to make for a highly competitive judging process, and an exciting PRISMS Awards come October," says Phumo.
However, the PRISMS aims to be more than an awards night. While the PRISMS Gala evening will aim to celebrate industry campaigns, teams and practitioners, the wider Summit will aim to look ahead to the forces reshaping the profession, says PRISA.
A line-up of speakers will lead conversations across the two-day programme, creating a space for practitioners to exchange ideas, challenge established thinking, inspire and consider what the next chapter of public relations and strategic communication should look like.
Central to the programme will be the "African Declaration", which aims to help to advance the conversation around the standards, principles and expectations that should underpin the communications profession across Africa.
Dr Caroline Azionya, President of PRISA says this combination of recognition and industry dialogue is what makes the Summit particularly important.
"For 29 years, the PRISMS have given our profession a platform to recognise excellence. But excellence is not static. As our industry changes, we also have a responsibility to keep asking what good looks like, what standards should guide us and how African practitioners can help shape the future of the profession," says Azionya. "The Summit gives us the opportunity to celebrate how far we have come while having the conversations that will take us forward."
"We spend so much of our time focused on the next deadline, the next brief and the next challenge that we rarely get the opportunity to look up and take stock of our profession," adds Azionya. "There is something powerful about having the people doing the work, leading organisations, young talent and challenging convention in the same room."
"That is what we want PRISMS Summit to be this year, not simply an event people attend, but a place where ideas are exchanged, relationships are built and conversations continue long after," says Azionya.
With October approaching, PRISA says that bookings are now open for practitioners, agencies, organisations and industry partners wanting to be part of the Summit and Gala Evening.
This year also introduces a fully online ticketing experience, aimed at being a greener approach. Tickets can be purchased directly through the PRISA website.
For more information www.prisa.co.za. You can also follow PRISA on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X.
*Image courtesy of contributor