Keystone Awards Frequently Asked Questions

Common Keystone Awards Questions and Answers

Submissions

I work for a national association, and we did a PRSA campaign earlier this year. Can I submit that since I am a Central PA PRSA member even though it was a national campaign and I don’t work for a local company/association?

Yes, if either the individual entrant or their organization is based in Central PA, the submission is eligible.

I am from Maryland and completed a campaign I think is strong. Can I submit it to the PRSA Central PA Keystone Awards?

While we appreciate your interest, you are not within our geographic region to qualify to participate. Only members and organizations within the Central PA geographic region are eligible. We encourage you to explore awards programs offered through your local PRSA chapter.

PRSA Central PA’s geographic area extends across 20 counties in Pennsylvania including: Adams, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Butler, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Clinton, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lackawanna, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Luzerne, Monroe, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Tioga, York, and Union Counties.

Can I submit the same project in multiple categories?

You can choose to submit different elements from the same campaign. However, we ask you to choose the best category to submit that closely reflects your work. Each submission must include details specific to the tactic or project since it will be evaluated within that category.

For example, if you choose to submit an editorial as a “written communications” category piece, but then enter the full campaign into the “public relations campaign” category, that is good.

Can people submit a project for this year that was completed two or more years ago?

No, there is a timeframe requirement on the awards program submissions. Please refer to our awards page here for the exact date range.

Are there first place, second place, and third place winners in each category?

No, winners are all based on scores, and there can be multiple in each category. A score of 86 or higher is awarded a Keystone Award, and a score of 75 to 85 is awarded a Silver Keystone. Entries that score lower do not receive an award.

Process of submitting

When submitting our submission, how should we include items like pictures. Should we include as individual files, or all together in a single PDF?

You may zip individual files together to help ensure all files are uploaded together.

If you experience challenges, we encourage you to contact our team at CentralPAPRSA@gmail.com.

Event logistics

Are there discounts for groups from the same company?

Group discounts are not available. However, PRSA chapter members do receive a discounted rate.

Can we get an invoice?

Yes, we can arrange that for you as needed. Please contact our team at CentralPAPRSA@gmail.com.

When will we be notified if our submission won?

The PRSA Central PA awards committee will connect with each entrant to share whether or not their submission will be recognized prior to the awards luncheon. From there submitters and their teammates are encouraged to register for the luncheon, where they will find out what recognition their submission earned along with hearing some judges feedback.

All judges feedback will be distributed following the awards event to the respective submitters.

What if my submission does not place for an award?

Not every submission will place, but every entrant receives judges’ feedback to help strengthen future work.

The PRSA Central PA awards committee will not acknowledge your submission during the awards banquet. However, you will receive the feedback from the judges and the respective scoring.

What if I cannot attend the event?

Following the event, the awards committee will work with anyone unable to attend to ensure they receive their proper award materials.