The Emerald Awards honor the work of Central Illinois communicators whose professional and personal efforts embody the ideal of communication—a way of bringing together people, goals, and communities.
The 2026 Emerald Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 15 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Illinois State University Alumni Center. Cost to attend is $25 for CICA members and students and $30 for nonmembers. The deadline to reserve your spot is April 8, 2026.
Submit a nomination for one of the three awards by February 9, 2026!
Outstanding Professional in Communication
The Outstanding Professional in Communications Award exemplifies excellence in the field of communications. The work of nominees is not only an example for other communicators to emulate, it has led to real change.
Emerging Communicator
The Emerging Communicator Award recognizes outstanding work in communications in the first five years of an early career. The Emerging Communications Professional embodies potential and their work inspires those around them.
Innovation Award
The Innovation Award honors an individual who has achieved excellence in communicating a project, mission or event. Though not always a professional communicator, innovators use communications to capture audiences and create connections.
Congratulations to our 2025 Emerald Award Recipients!
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