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 were held on Wednesday, April 15. Details and nominations for the 2027 Emerald Awards will be shared in early 2027.
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 2026 Emerald Award Recipients!
Our 2026 Platinum Sponsor
