"Over the years, we have evolved from an advertising award into one that embraces every facet of creative communications," says Epica Awards editorial director Mark Tungate. "In terms of entries, we've seen an increase in the number of PR campaigns — as well as PR agencies. It seemed appropriate to give the discipline its own big prize."

The addition brings the number of Epica's Grand Prix up to seven categories, alongside:
  • Film
  • Print
  • Digital
  • Design
  • Responsibility
  • Alternative
Epica defines PR operations as campaigns in the field of:
  • press relations
  • public affairs
  • crisis management
  • lobbying
  • community
  • influencer management
  • financial communications and stakeholder relations
  • projects and activities specifically devised to generate earned media
"We know that great ads sometimes generate earned media, but this is a prize for campaigns with PR strategy at their heart," Tungate concludes.

The Epica Awards are open for early bird entries until Saturday, 31 August. The closing date for entries is on Monday, 7 October.

For more information, visit www.epica-awards.com. You can also follow the Epica Awards on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.