Communication projects implemented during 2025 can be entered for the new edition of the! award until 17 September 2026 at 6 p.m., the annual recognition presented by the Croatian Public Relations Association (HUOJ).
The award is dedicated to projects and professionals in public relations and strategic communication across Southeast Europe, with entries open to companies, agencies, public authorities, nonprofit organisations and independent professionals.
This year’s the! award features nine competition categories, along with an updated structure designed by HUOJ to reflect contemporary industry trends. Particular emphasis has been placed on the quality of strategy and inclusivity through a multi-stakeholder approach, while separate judging criteria divided into three specific groups have been introduced for individual categories.
The best projects will be selected by an expert jury bringing together representatives of agencies, companies, the public and nonprofit sectors, academia, as well as related national and international organisations. The jury will include professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, Slovenia and Serbia.
The winners of the! award 2026 will be announced in Split as part of the KOMferencija programme, taking place from 5 to 7 November 2026.
Information about the categories, eligibility requirements and application process is available through the official the! award 2026 call for entries.
