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Awards and Recognition Press Releases
Congratulations – your company has just won an award or received recognition for excellence in your field! Don’t waste this opportunity – turn it into publicity.
But how do you announce that you have just won an award?
One of the best ways to do that is to issue a press release announcing your award or recognition. When done properly, awards and recognition press releases can not only get you publicity, but can be powerful tools to position your company positively in the minds of customers, investors, and employees.
Table of Contents:
What Is an Awards Announcement Press Release?
An awards announcement press release is an official document sent to the media to publicize that a company, organization, or individual has received an award, honor, or industry recognition. This type of press release highlights the achievement, explains its significance, and positions the recipient as a leader in their field.
Awards announcement press releases build credibility, generate media coverage, and enhance brand reputation by sharing third-party validation with customers, partners, and media outlets.
Awards and Recognition Announcement Press Release Examples
It’s always easier to write when you see examples of how others have handled the same topic. So here you go: 12 recently released press releases announcing the receipt of rewards or recognition, and using those announcements to further market their company’s products and services:
Example #1: Company earns great place to work award
Example #2: Award Press Release Company wins award for 9th consecutive year
But you don’t have to win an award to get publicity – you can also issue press releases to announce giving awards:
Award Given Press Release
Here are 12 more examples of press releases announcing awards or recognition:
Example #4: Minority- and women-owned company receives award
Example #5: Company wins business award for third consecutive year
Example #6: Grocer achieves recognition for excellence in two categories in Impact Awards
Example #7: Bank wins award for volunteerism
Example #8: Company recognized for cyber-security improvement efforts
Example #9: Company wins CES Innovation Award
Example #10: Company wins award for using AI to help parents block inappropriate content
Example #11: Award celebrates 100 years of celebrating young artists and writers
Example #12: Company earns multiple awards for excellence
How to Write an Awards and Recognition Press Release: Step-by-Step Instructions
Craft a Compelling Headline
Create a headline that immediately conveys the significance of your award. Include the specific award name, your organization’s name, and what makes this recognition noteworthy. Keep it concise—aim for ten to fifteen words maximum. Example: “Local Tech Startup Wins National Innovation Award for Sustainable Design.”
Write a Strong Opening Paragraph
Answer the five W’s: who won, what award they received, when and where it was presented, and why it’s significant. Add a dateline with your city and state at the beginning. This paragraph should stand alone and tell the complete story at a glance.
Provide Context About the Award
In the second paragraph, explain what the award recognizes, who presents it, how competitive the selection process is, and what criteria judges used. If the award has a prestigious history or a limited number of recipients, mention this to establish its value and newsworthiness.
Include a Meaningful Quote
Add a quote from a key figure in your organization—the CEO, founder, or award recipient. The quote should express gratitude, reflect on what the recognition means, and, if applicable, mention future commitments. Avoid generic statements; make it personal and authentic.
Detail What Earned the Recognition
Describe the specific work, project, innovation, or achievements that led to the award. Use concrete terms that help readers understand your organization’s impact. This showcases your accomplishments while maintaining an objective tone.
Add an “About” Boilerplate Section
Include a brief paragraph describing your organization, its mission, and key achievements. This provides essential background for readers unfamiliar with your work and helps journalists write their stories.
Close With Contact Information
List your media contact details, including name, phone number, and email address. Consider adding links to high-resolution photos or additional resources.
Time and Distribute Strategically
Issue your press release soon after receiving the award to maximize news value. Distribute it through quality press release distribution services like eReleases.com, industry publications, local media, and your digital platforms for maximum visibility.
Tips for Creating an Effective Awards and Recognition Announcement Press Release:
- Target the Right Audience: Identify the media outlets and journalists most relevant to your industry.
- Compelling Headline: Create a headline that clearly states the award and involves your company’s name.
- Focus on Relevance to Audience: Ensure the content is relevant to your audience, highlighting how the award reflects on your company’s capabilities and market position.
- Include Contact Information: For both your company and the awarding organization, to facilitate follow-ups by journalists.
Distribution and Promotion:
- Expand Your Distribution Channels: Distribute the press release through a press release distribution service to reach a significantly larger number of targeted journalists.
- Distribute to Influencers and Bloggers: Using a press release distribution service like eReleases.com gets your release not only into the hands of traditional media outlets, but also sends it to targeted influencers and bloggers, potentially reaching customers in the media they access most often.
- Leverage Social Media: Share the news on your social media platforms to increase reach and engagement.
- Update Company Materials: Incorporate the award in your marketing materials, website, and social media profiles.
After Winning an Award:
Modify Promotion Campaigns: Post-award, adapt your marketing campaigns to highlight the award, which can include adding the award logo to materials and emphasizing it in communications.
By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling press release that effectively communicates your achievement and enhances your company’s reputation. Remember, the key is to convey the significance of the award in a way that resonates with your audience and reflects positively on your company.
Award and Recognition Press Release Template Examples
Work is always easier when you have a template into which you can insert your information. Since we’re all about making things easier for you, here are three press release templates to announce your new award to recognition to the world:
Template 1: Basic Award Announcement Press Release
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Company Name] [Date] [Headline: Company Name Wins Award Name for Year] [Sub-header: Brief sentence about the award your company has won.] [City, Date] – [Company Name], [brief description of what the business does], is proud to announce that it has been named the winner of [award name and year]. This award recognizes [brief explanation of what the award signifies and its relevance to the company]. “[Quote from a senior company official about the significance of receiving the award],” said [Name, Title of the quoted source]. [Two or three sentences about the award and the awarding organization.] [In two or three sentences, discuss the product or service that was awarded, including some background in the context of what the company does.] [Concluding quote from another company representative, expressing excitement or future outlook]. About [Company Name] [Two or three sentences about what the business does, including significant business partners and mission statement]. About [Awarding Organization] [Two to three sentences about the awarding organization, its mission, and significance]. Media Contact: [Company Name] [Contact Person’s Name] [Job Title] [Email Address] [Phone Number] |
Template 2: Detailed Award Recognition Press Release
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Company Name] [Date] [Headline: Company Name Recognized with Award Name for Year] [City, Date] – [Company Name], a leader in [industry/type of business], is honored to receive the prestigious [award name] for 2026. This accolade reflects the company’s commitment to [briefly state what the award represents, like innovation, customer service, etc.]. “[Quote from the CEO/President about the importance of this recognition and what it means for the company],” stated [quoted source]. [Detailed information about the award, including its history, significance, and previous notable winners.] [Explanation of the criteria and selection process that led to your company receiving the award.] “We are thrilled to be recognized by [awarding organization] for our efforts in [specific area related to the award],” commented [another senior company official]. About [Company Name] [Provide the company’s brief history, core values, and key achievements]. About [Awarding Organization] [Describe the awarding organization’s purpose, history, and role in the industry]. Media Contact: [Company Name] [Contact Person’s Name] [Job Title] [Email Address] [Phone Number] |
Template 3: Company Award Ceremony Press Release
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Your Company Name] [Date] [Headline: Your Company Name Hosts Award Ceremony to Honor Industry Leaders] [City, Date] – [Your Company Name], a renowned player in [industry/type of business], is excited to announce the successful hosting of the [Name of the Award Ceremony] on March 2026.. The event celebrated outstanding achievements and contributions in [industry or field]. “The [award ceremony name] is a testament to the excellence and innovation that drive our industry forward,” said [Your Company’s CEO/President]. [Details about the ceremony, including the location, number of attendees, and key highlights of the event.] [Information about the award winners, their contributions, and the impact they have had in the industry.] [Quote from an award winner or an influential figure who attended the ceremony.] About [Your Company Name] [Provide details about your company, its mission, and its role in organizing the award ceremony]. Media Contact: [Your Company Name] [Contact Person’s Name] [Job Title] [Email Address] [Phone Number] |
These templates offer a structure for creating a professional and engaging press release. Adapt them as needed to fit the specific details of your company’s award or recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Awards Announcement Press Releases
When should you send out an awards press release?
Send an awards press release immediately after the award is announced or within 24-48 hours of receiving notification. If the award ceremony is upcoming, issue the release on the day of or the day after the event for maximum relevance and media interest.
What should be included in an awards press release?
An awards press release should include: the award name and category, the recipient’s name, the date and location of the award, who granted the award, why the recipient won, a quote from the recipient, company background information, and contact details for media inquiries.
How long should an awards press release be?
An awards press release should be 300-500 words or approximately one page. This length provides enough detail to tell the complete story while remaining concise enough for journalists to quickly scan and repurpose.
Do awards press releases work for SEO?
Yes, awards press releases improve SEO by generating backlinks, increasing brand mentions across the web, and creating fresh content that associates your brand with industry authority and signals of credibility that search engines value.
Should you write a press release for every award?
Write press releases for significant awards from recognized organizations, major industry honors, and achievements that demonstrate expertise or leadership. Skip press releases for minor participation certificates or internal company recognitions that lack external news value.
What is the best headline for an awards press release?
The best awards press release headline follows this format: “[Company Name] Wins [Specific Award Name] for [Category/Achievement].” This structure is clear, includes key search terms, and immediately communicates the news value.
Who should you send an awards press release to?
Send awards press releases to industry trade publications, local media outlets, business journals, relevant bloggers and influencers, your company’s media list, and industry-specific newswires or press release distribution services.
Can you issue a press release if you’re giving an award?
Yes, organizations that give awards should issue press releases announcing the recipients. This positions your organization as an industry authority, generates publicity for your award program, and builds goodwill with winners who are likely to share the announcement.
What makes an awards press release newsworthy?
An awards press release is newsworthy when the award comes from a credible organization, the achievement is significant or first-of-its-kind, it represents industry leadership, or it impacts customers, employees, or the local community.
Should quotes be included in an awards press release?
Yes, include 1-2 quotes: one from an executive at the award-winning company expressing gratitude and the award’s significance, and optionally one from the awarding organization explaining why the recipient was chosen.
Crafting Your Awards and Recognition Press Release
Crafting an effective award press release is a strategic way to highlight your company’s achievements and enhance its reputation. The 15 example press releases provided in this article serve as samples upon which you can model your press release to help you create a compelling narrative around your award or recognition. These examples cover various scenarios, including awards for company achievements, individual leadership, and hosting award ceremonies.
We’ve also provided three awards and recognition press release templates. Each template is designed to be adaptable to your specific circumstances, ensuring that your press release resonates with your target audience and accurately reflects the significance of the award. By incorporating key elements such as a clear headline, detailed information about the award, quotes from company representatives, and relevant company background, these templates guide you in constructing a narrative that captures the attention of the media and stakeholders.
Remember, an award press release is not just an announcement; it’s an opportunity to tell a story about your company’s excellence, innovation, and commitment to quality. By following these examples, templates, and guidelines, you can effectively communicate the importance of the recognition and reinforce your company’s position in the industry.
Whether you’re celebrating a corporate achievement, an individual’s success, or hosting an event, these press release examples provide a solid foundation for showcasing your achievements in a professional and impactful manner.
Finally, here are some tips and training to help you write an amazing press release:
Additional Press Release Resources
- Directory of Examples & Templates
- What is a Press Release?
- Press Release Template & Format (including a blank press release example)
- Learn How to Format a Press Release (+ Free Template and 80+ Examples)
- Learn How to Write a Press Release
- How to Submit a Press Release
- To Write a Press Release Yourself or Not?
- 80+ Example Press Releases
- Press Release Syndication Services
- Using AI For Press Releases
- Small Business PR: How to Get Big Media Coverage on a Small Business Budget
- Using Data to Create Newsworthy Press Releases
- The Value of Cision PR Newswire Distribution for Small Businesses
- The Importance of Strong Quotes in Press Releases
- The Ultimate Public Relations Dictionary – Terms Every PR Pro Should Know
- Top 10 PR KPI Metrics Every PR Pro Should Track
- Rebrand and Logo Redesign Press Release Examples and Templates