“Media Relations Campaign of the Year” and “Communications Team of the Year” Awards Recognizing “Smithsonian Honors America’s 250th”
The Smithsonian earned two of the communications industry’s most prestigious honors, winning “Media Relations Campaign of the Year” and “Communications Team of the Year” at the PRNEWS Platinum PR Awards ceremony held Tuesday, Oct. 6, at The Lighthouse in New York City.
The awards recognized the Smithsonian’s communications and media relations work in celebration of America’s 250th, and the Smithsonian’s institution-wide initiative commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial through exhibitions, educational programs, research, partnerships and public engagement efforts that connect Americans.
“The PRNEWS Platinum Awards represent the best of the best in the communications and public relations profession, making these honors especially meaningful,” said Julissa Marenco, the Smithsonian’s Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer. “This recognition reflects the creativity, dedication and collaboration of our entire team, as well as the extraordinary work happening across the Smithsonian as we help the nation commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.”
“This was an opportunity for the Smithsonian to think bigger about how we engage the media and the public,” said Phil Zimmerman, the Smithsonian’s Head of Media Relations and External Communications. “From national broadcasts and major news outlets to podcasts and local television stations, we worked to connect audiences with the objects and stories that help bring America’s history to life. We are honored that PRNEWS recognized this work and proud of the millions of people we were able to reach through the Smithsonian’s experts and collections.”
Smithsonian team members Marenco, Zimmerman, Paulina Segarra and Renee Rodriguez attended the ceremony and accepted the awards on behalf of the Institution.
The PRNEWS Platinum Awards are among the communications profession’s highest honors, recognizing the year’s most successful and innovative campaigns and communicators. The competition draws nominees and entries from leading corporations, agencies, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions and government entities from across the country, making recognition in multiple top categories a remarkable achievement.
The Media Relations Campaign of the Year award honored the team’s work positioning the Smithsonian as a leading voice in the national conversation around America’s 250th anniversary. Through extensive media engagement, the team connected journalists with Smithsonian experts and stories, generating coverage across major markets. The Communications Team of the Year recognized the Smithsonian’s Office of Public Affairs team’s overall excellence, strategic leadership and collaborative approach in advancing the Institution’s priorities and amplifying its mission through impactful communications.
As Americans reflect on 250 years of history, these honors recognize the Smithsonian’s success in bringing the people and objects at the heart of that story to audiences across the nation.