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APEX Awards | Entry | Eligibility | Judging | Entry Fees | Winners
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APEX Awards
What is APEX and who sponsors it?
APEX is the Annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition. It is open to communicators in corporate, nonprofit and independent settings. APEX 2026 is the 38th annual APEX, which began in 1988. APEX was initially sponsored by the editors of Writer's Web Watch (an e-newsletter for communicators who write, edit and manage business publications) published by Communications Concepts, Inc. The awards program now operates independently as APEX Awards Inc.
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Entry
When and where may I enter?
Click here: APEX Awards entries
What award categories may I enter?
For APEX 2026, you can enter materials produced or dated from January 2025 through February 2026, even if they carry a later date. Any new categories or changes will be announced on or about November 11, 2025. See all current categories here: APEX Award Categories
How soon can I enter APEX 2026?
APEX 2026 call for entries will be announced on or about November 11, 2025.
What is the entry deadline for APEX 2026?
The deadline for entries is February 27, 2026. Registrants and entrants with questions or those who have NOT submitted payment should send an email to info@apexawards.com or call us at 201-439-8020.
How do I use the online entry form?
Go to the APEX online entry site: APEX Awards entries
Click the "My Account" tab at the top of the page, then fill out the information under the heading on the right: "Create a New Account."
Complete the information requested and click on "Register."
After you do so, you will reach the home page, where you can click "Enter Now" to begin your submission. PLEASE BE SURE TO PROVIDE ALL PARTICIPANT INFORMATION (spelled correctly!) ALONG WITH TITLES so that, if you receive an award, the plaque or certificate is error-free.
The information you provide here is what will appear on any award you may receive.
Be sure to click SAVE. That way, you can return to your data on the site whenever you wish. Just click the LOGIN button on return visits.
PLEASE NOTE: The Contact Person will receive any APEX emails or mailings, including award notifications. The Contact Person is not necessarily the Award Winner (if you win). The Award Winner (if you win) is the person you list on the Entry page (when you click the 'Add Entry' button). The Award Winner can be you, other staff, an organization or a client.
Click the "My Account" tab at the top of the page, then fill out the information under the heading on the right: "Create a New Account."
Complete the information requested and click on "Register."
After you do so, you will reach the home page, where you can click "Enter Now" to begin your submission. PLEASE BE SURE TO PROVIDE ALL PARTICIPANT INFORMATION (spelled correctly!) ALONG WITH TITLES so that, if you receive an award, the plaque or certificate is error-free.
The information you provide here is what will appear on any award you may receive.
Be sure to click SAVE. That way, you can return to your data on the site whenever you wish. Just click the LOGIN button on return visits.
PLEASE NOTE: The Contact Person will receive any APEX emails or mailings, including award notifications. The Contact Person is not necessarily the Award Winner (if you win). The Award Winner (if you win) is the person you list on the Entry page (when you click the 'Add Entry' button). The Award Winner can be you, other staff, an organization or a client.
How do I add entries?
For new entries, click on "Enter Now." To continue working on an entry that has not yet been submitted, click on "In Progress" under "My Applications" in the menu on the left.
Fill out the Name, Title, and/or Organization fields. (If you win an award, this information will appear on your award certificate.)
Select the appropriate "Category" (e.g., Newsletters) and "Sub-Category" (e.g. Most Improved Newsletters) from the drop down menus.
Enter the exact title of your entry in the "Submission Title" box.
If there are additional participants responsible for your entry, you may enter them by clicking on "Add Participant."
Click the "SAVE" button, or "Add to Cart" if you are finished.
Fill out the Name, Title, and/or Organization fields. (If you win an award, this information will appear on your award certificate.)
Select the appropriate "Category" (e.g., Newsletters) and "Sub-Category" (e.g. Most Improved Newsletters) from the drop down menus.
Enter the exact title of your entry in the "Submission Title" box.
If there are additional participants responsible for your entry, you may enter them by clicking on "Add Participant."
Click the "SAVE" button, or "Add to Cart" if you are finished.
Can I list more than one staff person?
If you wish, you can list a maximum of two additional colleagues who worked on your entry. Just click on the "Add Participant" box and enter their name(s) and job title(s).
PLEASE NOTE: If you're submitting an entry for a client, list their name and company under Entry/Entrant Information, on the "Click here to begin a new Submission" page. Should you win an award, it will include their names, but it will mail to the Contact Person listed on the "Contact Person" page.
PLEASE NOTE: If you're submitting an entry for a client, list their name and company under Entry/Entrant Information, on the "Click here to begin a new Submission" page. Should you win an award, it will include their names, but it will mail to the Contact Person listed on the "Contact Person" page.
Are comments required?
No, comments and descriptions are definitely not required for your entries. You may, however, provide brief comments if you wish.
How do I upload my entries?
Upload your entry by following the instructions in the "Submission Materials" section. You can either provide a URL link to your entry, or upload a file such as a PDF, Word or text file, video, graphic file, etc.
To upload a FILE of your entry, click the SELECT field, and then choose "Upload Files."
Click the "Choose File" button. Then go to the file on your computer, choose it, and it will appear on the File Upload screen.
Click the "Upload" button for each file you want to upload. Your computer or documents window will open to select a file. Once uploaded, a preview will appear.
You can VIEW your uploaded file by clicking on the file name that appears. This DOWNLOADS a copy to your desktop. If you change your mind, you can delete it by clicking on the garbage can icon.
To upload a URL of your entry, click the "URL" box, and type or paste the URL in the box that appears. When you finish uploading files and/or URLs, click the SAVE button. You will see a confirming message saying "Open Link in New Window."
To upload a FILE of your entry, click the SELECT field, and then choose "Upload Files."
Click the "Choose File" button. Then go to the file on your computer, choose it, and it will appear on the File Upload screen.
Click the "Upload" button for each file you want to upload. Your computer or documents window will open to select a file. Once uploaded, a preview will appear.
You can VIEW your uploaded file by clicking on the file name that appears. This DOWNLOADS a copy to your desktop. If you change your mind, you can delete it by clicking on the garbage can icon.
To upload a URL of your entry, click the "URL" box, and type or paste the URL in the box that appears. When you finish uploading files and/or URLs, click the SAVE button. You will see a confirming message saying "Open Link in New Window."
How do I pay for my entries and submit them for judging?
After you have completed entering the information on the entry page, click on "Add to Cart." You will see all items in your cart. You can remove items, make another submission or check out.
You will see the total amount due at the bottom of the cart.
The entry fee is $199. The preferred method for payment is by credit card. (We accept VISA, MC and AMEX) You may also pay by check. Click your payment choice and then click on "Process."
PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to upload your entry file(s) or provide an entry URL on the Uploads page BEFORE you submit your entry for judging. Once you submit your entry, you will not be able to go back and make changes.
You will see the total amount due at the bottom of the cart.
The entry fee is $199. The preferred method for payment is by credit card. (We accept VISA, MC and AMEX) You may also pay by check. Click your payment choice and then click on "Process."
PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to upload your entry file(s) or provide an entry URL on the Uploads page BEFORE you submit your entry for judging. Once you submit your entry, you will not be able to go back and make changes.
Do I need expensive publications to win an APEX award?
Not at all. Obviously, the judges see some impressive entries produced at great cost. But we also enjoy reading modestly-funded publications that showcase imaginative strategies and creative, effective communication. They also win APEX awards.
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Judging
APEX awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry -- in the opinion of the judges -- in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence.
The panel of judges includes John De Lellis, Founder Emeritus; Kenneth J. Turtoro, APEX Judging Supervisor and Executive Editor, a veteran publishing and marketing executive with leadership roles at Elsevier, Penton Publishing, Medical Economics, Chemical Week Associates, Lebhar-Friedman, and Reed (Cahners) Travel Group; as well as lead judges Christopher Monaco, Rebecca Landsman, Anne Gilio, CJ Turtoro, Blair Roman, Kirstin Rogers, and Jessica Sancilio.
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Entry Fees
The entry fee is $199.
The charge will appear on your credit card statement under "APEX AWARDS", but may also appear as simply "APEX," or "APEX AWARDS INC.," or similar names.
No, you do not. Since APEX Awards Inc. is a corporation, you are not required to obtain a 1099 tax form from us nor obtain APEX's federal I.D. number in order to send an APEX entry fee, order additional certificates, etc. To minimize identity theft, we do not publish our federal I.D. number. Canada GST-exempt.
Simply tell us it's confidential on the online entry form in the comments!
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Winners
All entrants will have access to the list of winning entries by mid July. APEX Award winners will be listed in a special Awards Report. Grand Award winners will receive attractive plaques commemorating their winning entries, shipped via UPS or another delivery company. Award of Excellence winners will receive attractive certificates describing their winning entries, suitable for framing, shipped via USPS.
Yes. APEX winners may order additional certificates and plaques for co-workers, supporting vendors and clients by filling out this Order Form. Certificate orders must be placed online. They cannot be phoned or mailed in.
You can publicize your winning APEX Awards with announcements in print media, on your website, blog, social media and through emails. APEX Award-winners receive a printed logo stat with their award(s).
Award winners may also download the APEX logo and link to APEXAwards.com:
Award winners may also download the APEX logo and link to APEXAwards.com:
Trademark notice
The APEX Awards for Publication Excellence logo is a registered trademark owned by APEX Awards Inc. The website, www.apexawards.com, is a registered website owned by APEX Awards Inc. Permission is hereby given to winners in APEX 2025 and all previous years to display electronic and print versions of the APEX logo in their winning print and electronic publications, and online, on their sites and social media. APEX Award Winners also may display the logo when referencing their winning entries -- for example, when mentioning a winning blog or magazine entry in their annual report, or a winning brochure or communications campaign on their website, Facebook, or other social media page. Only APEX Winners may display the APEX Winner Logo.
The APEX Awards for Publication Excellence logo is a registered trademark owned by APEX Awards Inc. The website, www.apexawards.com, is a registered website owned by APEX Awards Inc. Permission is hereby given to winners in APEX 2025 and all previous years to display electronic and print versions of the APEX logo in their winning print and electronic publications, and online, on their sites and social media. APEX Award Winners also may display the logo when referencing their winning entries -- for example, when mentioning a winning blog or magazine entry in their annual report, or a winning brochure or communications campaign on their website, Facebook, or other social media page. Only APEX Winners may display the APEX Winner Logo.
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Additional questions?
Call 201-439-8020 or email us at info@apexawards.com
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© Copyright 2026 APEX Awards Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2026 APEX Awards Inc. - All Rights Reserved.