• Use RPIE to Structure Your Entry
  • Organize your submission using the four judging areas: Research/Situational Analysis, Planning, Execution and Results/Evaluation. This mirrors the gold-standard PRSA RPIE model. (PS - you can learn even more about RPIE but starting your Accreditation in Public Relations journey!)
• Tell a Clear Story
  • Tie each section together like a narrative: what challenge you faced, how you planned to address it, what you did, and what changed as a result
• Start with the Judging Criteria
  • Study the criteria point-by-point. Draft your entry to those prompts. This ensures your content directly aligns with what judges are scoring.
    
    

• Start Early and Set a Budget
  • Even the most organized pros need lead time. An entry can take 8 to 25 hours to complete depending on its complexity, collaboration needs, and materials required.
• Build an Awards Calendar
  • Track deadlines and timeframes across the Copper Anvils, 3CMA, AMAs, and other organizations, as award windows often overlap orgs as often these awards windows fall during the same time. Don’t scramble. Start planning in advance.
• Involve Other Departments Early
  • You may need help from legal, finance, project managers, or clients. Give them lead time too.
    
    

Research/Situational Analysis

• Use Both Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
  • Blend community surveys, analytics, focus groups, benchmarking, and stakeholder interviews. Clearly identify whether each method was formal or informal and explain why it was used. 
• Say What the Research Told You
  • Don’t just list methods. Explain what each revealed and how it informed your campaign.
    
    

Planning

• Write SMART Objectives
  • Ensure every objective is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Realistic, and Time-bound. Tie each one to a strategy and tactic.
  • Define Each Level of Strategy
    • Goal = Broad ambition (ex: Increase public trust)
    • Objective = Measurable target that supports the goal (ex: Increase customer satisfaction from 80% to 95% by May 31, 2026) using S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable Realistic, and Time-bound) objectives.
    • Strategy = Approach (ex: Focus on bilingual community engagement)
    • Tactic = Action item (ex: Distribute bilingual mailers, host a community forum)
      
      

Execution

• Be Specific with Tactics
  • List out what you did, when, where, and how. Explain why each approach was used and include challenges, adjustments, and budget details. Include partnerships and note creative pivots.
• Call Out Collaboration
  • Show how internal teams, consultants, or partner agencies worked together.
    
    

Results/Evaluation

• Tie Outcomes Directly to Objectives
  • Reiterate the objective, then show the data that proves success. (ex: “Objective: 500 attendees. Result: 780 attendees.”)
• Use Data and Anecdotes
  • Pair hard metrics with qualitative feedback like quotes, testimonials, or sentiment screenshots.
    
    

Submission/Entry

• Follow the Entry Format
  • Campaign and tactic entries should begin with a 50-word synopsis and include a summary of no more than two pages. Use at least 10-point font and one-inch margin. We suggest completing your entry in a word document before inputting it into the judging platform.
• Supplemental Materials Matter
  • Add relevant screenshots, photos, sample posts, media coverage, and performance data. Label clearly and reference them in your narrative. Make sure all materials include the entrant’s name, organization, and category.
    
    

AI + Ethics

• AI Can Help, But Know the Criteria
  • While tools like ChatGPT can help format or review, make sure YOU understand the criteria. Never submit AI-generated fluff. You are responsible for the accuracy and originality of your entry, and confidential client or organizational information should not be entered into an AI tool. Judges can tell when an entry is entirely written by AI.
    
    

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting vague objectives like “raise awareness” without measurement
• Forgetting to include a timeline or budget
• Uploading individual attachments with no context or explanations
• Leaving out research findings or skipping evaluation altogether
• Not aligning supplemental materials with what’s written in the entry
  
  

Additional Pro tips

• Create a Living Awards File Year-Round
  • Keep a shared folder labeled “Award-Worthy Projects” where you drop campaign briefs, metrics, visuals, and quotes throughout the year.
• Write Like a Judge Will Read It on a Plane
  • Use clear headers, bullets, and short paragraphs. Avoid jargon. Make it easy and enjoyable to read.
• Include a Logic Model or Results Map
  • For complex campaigns, show how your goal → strategy → tactics → outcome connect.
• Pull in Outside Endorsements
  • Include short quotes from a client or community member in your entry or supplementals.
• Offer to Judge
  • Judging teaches you how to win. Observe what strong and weak entries look like. Contact PRSA Phoenix's Copper Anvils chair for 2027 judging opportunities.
• Recycle and Refine Across Award Platforms
  • Adapt your entry for 3CMA, AMA, or national awards. Just revise to fit each organization’s criteria.
    
    

Ready to submit your entry? Find everything you need to know on our Copper Anvils webpage. Happy writing!