Feature Writing

"Tilling Fields With Deceit" by Daniel Hinkle and Victor Diaz

Daniel Hinkle, AAJ Senior Counsel for Policy and State Affairs

American Association for Justice

With Victor Diaz, Jennifer Linney

“In "Tilling Fields With Deceit," authors Daniel Hinkle and Victor Diaz present a thorough overview - and a compelling call to action - of the movement by Bayer/Monsanto to utilize both legislative and legal action to seek legal immunity for the products. Amidst a growing movement of lawsuits linking Monsanto products to concerns of cancer clusters and terminal illness, this article describes a 'David and Goliath' conflict between patients and families desperate for answers and a massive corporation eager to protect its financial interests. This article paints a critical picture of the fight for clarity, transparency, and consumer protection.”

Feature Writing

Can We Turn the Page?

Marilyn Cooper, Associate editor

American Association of Colleges and Universities

“In this sweeping feature article, author Marilyn Cooper provides a troubling glimpse into the American literacy crisis. Though this discussion most often centers itself on K-12 education, through more than one hundred interviews and impeccable research, Cooper extends the discussion to the impacts on higher education, on democratic institutions, and on the societal fabric and well-being of our nation and people. Though her findings paint a worrisome picture of lowered expectations, increased mental health struggles, and impaired capacity for critical thinking, her emphasis on personal connections and insights with young people is cautiously optimistic: "Reading gives you a sense that this too shall pass, and we shall survive. It lets us see that humanity at its core is good. "”

Feature Writing

Colleges with Character

Marjorie Malpiede, Editor in Chief

LearningWell magazine

“In "Colleges with Character," author Marjorie Malpiede seeks to showcase a collegiate movement grappling with a pivotal human question -- that is, "[How do we] help students understand how to be part of the solution in ways that, Keith said, “made them feel empowered, not just in despair?" In the article, Malpiede provides a sweeping overview of a groundbreaking movement to infuse liberal arts post-secondary education with educational opportunities that hone ethical understanding, provide opportunities for character development and leadership growth, and cultivate human connection over purely academic or operational understandings of the world around them. While this movement is only at its inception, it is a harbinger of an educational shift in priorities which is deeply needed to support modern learners who must embody human intelligence and empathy in a world where AI seeks to fulfill human roles and mimic human values.”

View submission:learningwellmag.org

Feature Writing

IEEE Women in Engineering, Women to Watch from the December 2025 Issue

IEEE Publications Department

IEEE

“This packet profiles four remarkable engineers: Otani, a processor architect whose CPUs are bound for space; Thiagarajan, a data analyst who taught machines to spot disease-carrying mosquitoes faster than any lab could; and Rankothge, a cybersecurity leader who rebuilt her career across three continents and refused to wait for the perfect moment. Any of them could anchor a feature. But "Circling Back to Teaching" stuck with this judge for how it's built. It frames Dr. Alice Wang's whole career around a list of 100 dreams she wrote in 2013, each job another item crossed off. Among the dreams was teaching, which has given Wang the opportunity to encourage the same dreaming in her students, an exercise in which the reader can't help but take part.”

Feature Writing

Ketamine Can Be a Transformational Agent, but It Is Not Without Risk or Danger

Richard M. Pescatore II, DO, Editor-in-Chief

Wolters Kluwer Health

With Robin Hocevar, Kevin Anderer

“Through vivid clinical scenarios and key studies, these focused and clearly written articles elucidate problems and demonstrate possible solutions in the field of emergency medicine. In “Send Them Home,” the author effectively uses a narrative approach to repudiate the myth of secondary drowning and connect it to broader themes of defensive medicine, misinformation, and unnecessary observation protocols. “The Adulterant Era of the Opioid Epidemic” translates emerging threats in emergency medicine into clear, actionable insight--confronting the rapidly changing opioid landscape. The last article, “The Waveform That Cries Wolf,” questions entrenched practices in emergency medicine through clear, evidence-driven commentary. It scrutinizes the widespread reliance on capnography, revealing how the tool often increases false alarms and unnecessary interventions without improving meaningful patient outcomes.”

View submission:journals.lww.comjournals.lww.comjournals.lww.com

Feature Writing

Preparation Plans Save Lives During Mass Casualty Events

Kendra Y. Mims, Managing Editor

AABB

“Mass casualty events, whether man-made or nature-caused, are highly unpredictable, often occurring without warning. This feature article skillfully weaves real-life events with the response lessons learned about having a blood supply ready for a mass event. It highlights how the formation of the Regional Whole Blood program in Texas helps save lives by improving prehospital mortality due to hemorrhage. Using compelling actual events, the feature article masterfully details the conception through implementation of the program. The impactful writing brings the reader to each event to relive the urgency that first responders experience. (Note: The article/cover photo echoed the article's tone with a medical bag sitting in the dirt, with a hazy background of a response team at work.)”

View submission:aabb.org

Feature Writing

Shortened dispute timelines problematic: business litigators

Jessica Mach, Canada Editor - Law

KM Business Information

“Procedural reform is a hard subject to make compelling, and this piece does it. Mach takes a 122-page proposal to overhaul Ontario's Rules of Civil Procedure and zeroes in on the part that actually matters to business litigators: a two-year resolution deadline and the loss of oral discovery. Rather than summarizing the report, she draws out the second-order consequences, from settlement pressure to litigants leaving the province, through two well-chosen practitioners who explain the stakes in plain terms. The structure is clean, the quotes earn their place, and the technical detail never loses the reader. Sharp, purposeful feature work.”

View submission:digital.canadianlawyermag.comcanadianlawyermag.com

Feature Writing

The last mile: The human responsibility of science communication

Daryl Li, Editor

Duke NUS Medical School

With Marylyn Tan, Anirudh Sharma

“Daryl Li and Tan Ruilin emphasize the importance of clear communication of scientific information found from discussions with four Duke-NUS researchers. "Science only realizes its social impact when communicated clearly." This timely article highlights the challenges in making scientific jargon accessible to society and the moral obligation that scientists have to present their findings with clarity. While writing about presenting information with clarity, the author's own writing was clear and accessible. The quotes from infectious disease expert Professor Ooi Eng Eong helped the article flow through describing the future of science communication training with evidence.”

View submission:duke-nus.edu.sg

Feature Writing

Yokai & Legends of Okinawa and Japan

Michael Daley, Editor-in-Chief/Senior Content Editor

Marine Corps Community Services (Marketing Branch)

With Taylor McFarlane

“"Yokai and Legends of Okinawa and Japan," a collaboration between accomplished narrative author Mike Daley and the talented illustrator Taylor McFarlane, is truly a seasonal delight. In its description of yokai, mythical creatures (native to Japan writ large and to the island region of Okinawa in particular) spring to life. Through creative, playful storytelling, authentically traditional artwork, and skillful blending of Japanese mythology with a grounding relevant to the target audience of American military members and their dependents, the authors craft a balanced and approachable exploration of folklore that appeals to young and old alike.”

Interviews & Personal Profiles

All in the Family

Amy Meadows, SWE Contributor

Green Meadows Communications

“The Magazine of the Society of Women Engineers is published five times a year to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of women in engineering. The article "All in the Family" written by Amy Meadows is a detailed look inside the careers of five pairs of mother-daughter engineers. The interviews and included quotes are both inspiring and informative. The judges appreciated the labeled photos as well as the highlighted description of each woman's education and current role.”

View submission:swe.org

Interviews & Personal Profiles

The Dream of a White Mustang

A.J. Baime, Writer

Checkered Flag Media

““An American muscle car ... was big, it was powerful. It stood for freedom [and] ... It was symbolic of what I envisioned America to be.” In this poignant retrospective, author A.J. Baime traces the fifty-year journey of Vietnamese refugee Hau Thai-Tang, from his boyhood in war-torn Saigon and evacuation to the United States across a lifetime of perseverance and success in his new American home. In telling an individual tale, Baime successfully tells the greater tale of the Vietnamese diaspora and embracing of American life in the wake of a turbulent conflict across generations of Vietnamese-Americans.”

News Writing

AACRAO: Trying to make sense of Trump's higher education attacks

Wayne D'Orio, Editor

Wiley

“Covering a fast-moving target is one of the hardest jobs in news writing, and this entry handles it with real command. Reporting from an AACRAO session in Seattle, the writer takes William Gil's hour-long rundown of the administration's higher education actions and turns it into clean, organized copy. The piece moves from Department of Education layoffs to the $1.6 billion student loan question to a possible 43-country travel ban without ever losing the reader. This judge valued the balance, including the two pieces of good news, and the well-chosen quotes that let sources carry the weight. Sharp, useful reporting under genuinely chaotic conditions.”

Regular Departments & Columns

AJN's Reflections Column: "After Cancer Treatment, a Restorative Touch" by Mark R. Liebenow; "Meeting a Patient Where He Is " by Angela Occidental; and "Canyon" by Annika Moltz

Carl Kirton, editor-in-chief

American Journal of Nursing (AJN) / Wolters Kluwer

With Jacob Molyneux

“It isn't often that our judges experience a strong visceral reaction to a series of columns, but this entry gave them pause. From the healing effects of massage for a cancer patient to the effective use of pain killers to the trauma of bedsores, these columns speak plainly of the pain, but also the hope, for patients in every stage of healing. Using concise yet heartfelt language, the authors help readers feel the concern, worry and discomfort of both providers and patients. Using an engaging style and vivid first-person testimony, the writing convincingly reminds us that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to patient care.”

Regular Departments & Columns

JAAPA Becoming a PA 2025

Ethan Stonerook, MS, MMS, PA-C, Department Editor

Wolters Kluwer Health

With Richard W. Dehn, MPA, PA-C, DFAAPA

“Excellent writing moves us in many ways. This series of PA columns moves us from laughter to tears. The author of "Does This White Coat Make Me Look Old?" humorously echoes the experiences/thoughts of a 70-year-old PA, from "they think I am counting the days (to retirement) on my abacus" to "I have 10K race t-shirts older than you." Yet, it highlights how her experience and energy have helped forge her identity. The next column ("nicu--instructions for surviving your first c-section") uses a unique format of numbered steps in all lowercase letters to navigate the reader through her first C-section--a 27-weeker that did not survive. The stark writing skillfully guides us through the hope and ultimate trauma. In "Well, I Do," the author articulates with compelling language how shared human connection and simple caring transforms a withdrawn 12-year-old boy who has attempted suicide for the third time.”

View submission:journals.lww.comjournals.lww.comjournals.lww.com

Writing Series

HIV in LTC

Kim Marselas, Senior Editor

McKnight's Long-Term Care News

“Kim Marselas, Senior Editor for McKnight's Long-Term Care News, shows a strong dedication to her research in the 2025 HIV in Long Term Care writing series. With four articles, a blog, and podcast, Marselas highlights an issue that many are unaware is very pressing—the need for empathetic care for the fast-growing aging HIV population. With the HIV population soon to reach 200,000 in the US, the importance of addressing the high costs, insufficient understanding, and social isolation is at an all-time high. This series thoroughly addresses the issues in a clear manner while bringing to light the human experience behind it all.”

View submission:mcknights.commcknights.commcknights.commcknights.com

Writing Series

Manuscript Success: The Writer's Camp Journal

Leslie Nicoll, Editor-in-Chief

Maine Desk LLC, The Writer's Camp Journal

“In this all-encompassing set of articles, Leslie H. Nicoll provides an outstanding set of guideposts for fledgling authors taking their first steps into the world of academic publication. This series is an A-to-Z compendium which will guide readers every step of the way, blending crucial industry knowledge with gentle humor and supportive suggestions. A must read for aspiring research writers in the field of nursing!”

View submission:writers-camp.org

Writing Series

The Patients We Serve series

Erika Riley, Editorial Associate

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

“The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons' annual theme for 2025 was The Patients We Serve. To highlight this theme, the AAOMS Today publication included an article about specific patient stories in each of their six issues. These articles are well written and provide an emotional connection to individual cases. They provide information on treatment while also bringing the human experience to the forefront. The photographs, captions, and quotes make the articles easy to read for all audiences. This is a well-connected and articulate writing series with a clear message.”

Custom-Published

2026 Masters Journal

H.O. Zimman, Inc.

“The 2026 Masters Journal is a breath of fresh air in the world of publishing. This custom publication boasts a strong sense of collectibility and keepsake value through its exceptional artistry and attention to detail. The 40-page Course Tour with Rory McIlroy transports readers directly onto the green through immersive photography and thoughtful presentation. The writing effectively connects readers with rich historical insights, such as the evolution of the Records of the Masters Tournament and its connection to the modern-day Media Guide. Throughout, the journal skillfully celebrates both the legacy and future of the tournament, achieving a seamless blend of style, tradition, and timeless appeal. More than a journal, it serves as a lasting tribute to one of golf's most celebrated traditions.”

View submission:pub.hozinc.com

Custom-Published

Star News- Sheriffs Relief Association 100 Year Tribute

Joe Hartshorne, General Manager

Sheriffs Relief Association

“Here is a fascinating tribute book celebrating the 100-year history of the organization. Replete with wonderful photos – especially the “black-and-whites” from the early 20th century – and short, but captivating summaries of each decade, this book definitely fell into the “I couldn’t put it down” category for the judges. Photos of Shirley Temple, Sinatra, Lucille Ball and Ron Howard are mixed with history-making events and how the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department handled them. From the origin in 1928 of the Crime Lab to the SRA rodeos in the mid-century, to the tumultuous 1960s, and then the horror of 9/11, this treasure covers 100 years in 100 pages of wonderful content.”

Custom-Published

University of Houston Magazine - Spring 2025

David Radabaugh, Design Director

D Custom

With Katie Stroh

“UH's Spring 2025 Campus Bulletin goes well beyond a routine update on campus goings-on. The publication pairs exceptional storytelling (like the profile of physicist Zhifeng Ren, dubbed 'The Quantum Gardener' or John Lienhard the 94-year-old Professor Emeritus and radio broadcaster) with design that genuinely transports the reader in features such as "A Martian Mystery Solved." Even while reaching for ambitious editorial and visual heights, the bulletin stays true to UH's identity and branding throughout. The result is a tour de force that effectively showcases the cosmopolitan successes of the University to its readership.”

Design & Layout

American Scientist May-June 2025

Fenella Saunders, Editor in Chief

American Scientist Magazine

With Barbara Aulicino

“The American Scientist May-June 2025 features award-winning quality is further solidified by its stunning showcase of Ellen Jewett’s sculptures in the "Creatures Both Serene and Strange" issue. The layout thoughtfully integrates her intricate, surrealist artwork, which blends flora and fauna into delicate porcelain forms, to complement the biological narrative of the article. By placing Jewett’s tactile, otherworldly creations alongside vivid scientific photography, the design achieves a rare synergy between fine art and natural history, reinforcing the publication's commitment to high-impact visual excellence.”

View submission:link.emagazines.com

Design & Layout

Dynasty

Marian Lu, Vice President of Corporate Communications Office

China Airlines

“The Spring 2026 issue of Dynasty magazine deserves an APEX Grand Award for its beautiful design and clear writing. The layout stays organized and easy to read, even though it uses multiple languages at once. Its visual storytelling uses light as a narrative tool to transform destinations such as Rome and Da Nang while elevating the overall travel experience. By combining helpful travel tips with stunning art, this issue provides a top-tier experience that inspires wanderlust in every reader.”

Design & Layout

Official Super Bowl LX Program

H.O. Zimman, Inc.

“A Super Bowl program has to carry rosters, depth charts, summaries, feature articles, and heavy advertiser inventory. It's not easy to make a document like that readable and striking, but H.O. Zimman pulls it off. The feature openers make bold typographic statements, with headlines broken across the gutter as deliberate visual events. Subtle running marks keep the reader oriented (ex: the small red lift that tags every "Late Risers" spread). There are distinct, but consistent components that immediately signal a stats page. The result is a book that stays both navigable and visually intriguing across its nearly 300-page length.”

View submission:pub.hozinc.com

Design & Layout

Real Producers Issue

Katrina Thomas, Publication Designer

The N2 Company

With Stacey Penrod

“The March 2026 issue of Real Producers serves as a strong candidate for the APEX Grand Award due to its sophisticated approach to information hierarchy and visual storytelling. The publication creates an immersive reader experience by utilizing expansive, multi-page spreads that allow for genuine narrative depth and professional insight. By achieving a clean balance between high-resolution environmental portraiture and modern, scannable typography, the layout ensures high engagement through a rhythmic pacing of feature stories and vibrant advertisements. This consistent design language across various profile types sets a clear benchmark for excellence in trade publication design.”

Electronic

The Professional Counselor – Volume 15, Issue 4

J. Richelle Joe, Editor

The Professional Counselor

With Catherine Clifton Hardman, Gretchen C. Porter

“The Professional Counselor, Special Issue strikes a unique balance in reader comprehension, making it easy for counselors to pick up a copy and find useful takeaways without compromising academic rigor. What stood out most was the diversity of topics covered and the sense that readers could see themselves reflected in the research, with rich subject matter such as girls’ perceptions of listening in school-based counseling programs, which offered clear takeaways around authenticity and active listening. The publication is commended for its credibility, clarity, and commitment to accuracy. This special issue stands out for its ability to maintain academic integrity while remaining directly relevant to practicing counselors.”

View submission:tpcwordpress.azurewebsites.net

Print (Long)

AARP The Magazine June/July 2025 Issue

Meg Guroff, Interim Editor in Chief

AARP

“This issue hits the mark on all points: stellar writing, spot-on topics, eye-catching graphics, and an easy-to-follow layout. The issue covers a winning combination of valuable news (e.g., "Social Security, Medicare & AARP"), useful information ("Holding On To Your Teeth") and entertainment (from celebrity profiles to no-bake desserts to book/music/movie reviews). Most impressively, all of the articles/columns keep the interests of senior citizens as an overarching theme without being heavy-handed. Information presented is thorough, engaging and straightforward.”

Print (Long)

Computer "Resilient and Smart Communities" Dec. 2025

James (Bret) Michael, Interim Editor in Chief

IEEE Computer Society

“Fifty-eight volumes in, Computer still knows how to make the future feel immediate. This December 2025 issue opens with smart communities as its thematic anchor, then fans outward: frameworks for deploying sustainable services where urban infrastructure doesn't reach, a quantum computing status report, a pointed reckoning with AI's energy appetite, and a brisk EIC meditation on GDPR's right to erasure that could anchor a standalone publication. Add a semiconductor supply chain collusion analysis, a deepfake detection survey, and a Nepal-focused examination of whether low-resource nations can afford to be left behind in the AI transition, and you have 188 pages that don't waste a single one. Computer continues to imagine, rigorously and readably, where technology is taking us. I can only hope we don't automate away publishing awards judges before the next issue arrives.”

View submission:computer.orgcomputer.org

Print (Long)

Door Security + Safety Magazine

Rachel Schollmeier, Senior Content Coordinator, Publications

Door and Hardware Institute

“Door Security and Safety Magazine takes opening a new door to the next level in its 50th anniversary edition. This issue stands out for its six-page spread highlighting 50 years of milestones. The magazine is commended not only for its industry influence, but also for its ability to engage a broad audience through a wide variety of topics, ranging from school safety to the fan experience in stadiums. The publication captures readers’ attention from the start and keeps them engaged throughout. Each monthly issue is a testament to DHI’s unwavering commitment to connecting the community, honoring craftsmanship, prioritizing safety, and celebrating innovation across the industry. Overall, the magazine demonstrates consistent excellence in connecting industry expertise with accessible, engaging content.”

Print (Long)

Hallowed Ground - Spring 2025

Mary Koik, Director of Communications

American Battlefield Trust

With Jeff Griffith

“From the evocative cover photo of the wooden North Bridge shrouded in morning mist through the chronological articles outlining the beginnings of the American Revolution, the judges felt transported back to revolutionary times. Each engaging article brings fresh insights to key locations/battles in the fight for freedom—from Lexington to Concord to Bunker Hill. One judge, who as a teacher helped lead numerous field trips to Massachusetts, wished she had this issue to draw upon (with links to animated videos, primary sources, interactive maps, lesson plans and links to notable figures). The same judge was so engrossed in the articles, maps and illustrations that she spent an hour riveted to the issue—a sure indication of excellence in writing and editing. Although brief, each article is chock-full of exciting details, making the journey through the pages bring the reader back to the beginnings of our nation with its struggles and successes. Plainly put, one of our best entries.”

View submission:battlefields.orgbattlefields.org

Print (Long)

MEDICUS 2026 Issue 1

Anirudh Sharma, Director and Assistant Dean, Communications and Strategic Relations

Duke NUS Medical School

With Li Min Chua, Marylyn Tan

“From the expertly written articles to the balanced layouts with effective graphics, this inaugural issue is impressive. The writing brings complex issues (such as neuroscience) into clarity. Topics from tailoring treatments using genetic profiles to inventions and robotics, the magazine presents a cohesive view of what is happening at DukeNUS. Judges also appreciate the QR codes sprinkled throughout that give readers the opportunity to explore complementary articles and podcasts.”

Print (Long)

Monitor on Psychology annual Trends issue

Susan Straight, Managing Editor

American Psychological Association

With Trent Spiner

“A trends issue is easy to do badly and hard to do well. This one is done well. The "Ten Emerging Trends" package reads as genuine forecasting, AI in practice and the classroom, master's-level credentialing, psychedelics, the enrollment crisis, each grounded in reporting rather than speculation. This judge appreciated how cleanly the science is translated for a mixed audience of clinicians, policymakers, and the public, with sourcing carried right down to the journal citations. The art direction earns its keep too: the cover building 2025 out of the year's own imagery is a smart, confident touch. Strong publishing.”

View submission:apa.orgapa.org

Print (Long)

The American Journal of Nursing (AJN) - October 2025

Carl Kirton, editor-in-chief

American Journal of Nursing (AJN) / Wolters Kluwer

“From stunning cover graphics to insightful articles, this issue impressed judges with its scope and crisp, in-depth writing. Although centering on Hispanic/Latine nurses, this issue incorporates topics such as breast cancer, AI use by the FDA, bariatric surgery follow-up and public health. The inclusion of Latina-authored poems brings the warmth of personal experience to the nursing journey.”

Writing

IEEE Solid-State Circuits Magazine, Spring 2025 • Volume 17, Issue 2

IEEE Publications Department

IEEE

“A brilliant insight only makes an impact when it is both understood and engaging. This magazine excels at this challenge, masterfully aggregating complex integrated circuit developments from diverse contributors into a cohesive, high-standard publication. They prioritize concise insights over dense text, favoring intuitive figures and diagrams over tables and using color-coded visualizations to ensure even the most intricate concepts remain accessible.”

Advertising Campaigns

We Make It Personal Brand Campaign

Andrew Snyder, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

Orlando Health

With Lindsay Gigler-Huff, Val Garcia

“The engine here is a smart one: caregivers seeing a reflection of themselves in their patients, which gives the empathy claim a visual logic instead of just asserting it. Headlines like "When we see you, we see us" and "The care we'd give ourselves" land that idea in a few words. This judge was most struck by the brand discipline. The palette, the "We Make It Personal" script, and the campaign voice hold together not only across billboards, transit, social, signage, and internal comms, but across two distinct lead brands in two states. Confident, unified work.”

Financial & Investment

Essentials by TIAA: Financial education for real life.

Toye Wigley, VP, Consumer Marketing

TIAA

With Tim Rafferty, Megan Borsellino

“TIAA created a campaign that educates the audience on financial literacy while doing something even more important- creating confidence. The Essentials by TIAA: Financial Education for Real Life is a campaign that matches the way that information is best absorbed in today's fast-paced world. It is clear, concise, and visually stimulating. It both informs the audience and provides avenues for action. The videos are clearly titled, with each topic remaining short and to the point. The webinars are more in depth while still maintaining the audience's attention. Though financial advice can be found everywhere, this content is most accessible and effective.”

View submission:tiaa.orgyoutube.comyoutube.comtiaa.org

Marketing & Public Relations

The 75th anniversary of the Society of Women Engineers

Larry Guthrie, Director of Strategic Content

Society of Women Engineers

With David James Group

“The 75th anniversary of the Society of Women Engineers was celebrated through a beautifully tailored campaign that acknowledged the legacy of female engineers. The standout of this campaign was the well-designed website that highlighted the achievements of women engineers through short videos. Seeing the detailed timeline and hearing the different voices across generations of members of the Society of Women Engineers emphasized the growth of the field over the last seventy five years in a personal way. Also, the global in-person events were purposeful in achieving their goal of increasing engagement and growth. The podcast and merchandise were the icing on the cake. It is clear through this expansive and vibrant campaign that the message has been reached by both members and nonmembers alike.”

View submission:swe.orgalltogether.swe.orgyoutube.comswe.org

New Products / Services Launch

AICPA Spouse Express Campaign

Kimberly Wethington, VP, Marketing

Prudential

With Cait Marcus, Kimberly Hubbard

“The AICPA Spouse Express Campaign introduced a new underwriting process designed for two key audiences: members seeking to acquire new coverage for their spouse and members looking to increase existing coverage. The campaign employed a thoughtful multi-channel approach to introduce, educate, and inform members about the express process and its benefits. Judges commended the campaign’s cohesive identity and its seamless integration of digital, video, print, and email communications. Our judges were particularly impressed by the campaign’s ability to educate its audience while creating a seamless and cohesive customer journey that boosts member engagement.”

View submission:cpai.comspouse.insure.cpai.comspouseneeds.insure.cpai.com

New Products / Services Launch

Drug Lookup

Healio Staff

Healio

“As the entrant so accurately stated with their submission: “In medicine, there are moments when hesitation isn’t an option. Health care professionals (HCPs) need trusted information immediately.” The question is – with all the information (AND “mis”information) available, where do HCPs go to get that critical information? The ‘Drug Lookup’ could not have been created at a better time. In seconds, HCPs can check dosing and safety details whether in an office or at a patient’s bedside. 30 different categories and hundreds of drugs are featured in a continuously updated library. In just a few months, this site had over 1,000 unique users with 40,000+ unique sessions. It’s not often that you can say a resource “saves lives,” but this one can.”

View submission:healio.com

Special Events & Meetings

AAA 2026 Annual Convention

Kelsy McCarthy, AVP, Design Services

MCI USA

“I hear you loud and clear! This is how you build an event identity that works. The AAA 2026 web presence is both comprehensive and intuitive, guiding prospective attendees seamlessly from registration and housing to travel logistics, exhibit opportunities, and program highlights without ever feeling cluttered. The accompanying brand guidelines reinforce that discipline, explaining not just what to do but why, ensuring consistency across signage, digital graphics, and every attendee touchpoint. The concept earns it too: "#Amplify" works as both audiology's bread and butter and a rallying cry, complemented by vibrant Talavera-inspired tilework that gives a confident nod to the San Antonio locale.”

View submission:audiology.orgaudiology.org

Special Events & Meetings

The Talking Point

Kate Redding, Director, Marketing and Digital Strategy

AAO-HNS

“The Talking Point for American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) stands out as an exceptionally creative way to connect physicians in a comfortable environment. It is a thoughtfully curated space that translates complex clinical and policy issues into clear, concise messaging that physicians can readily use in practice, advocacy, and patient education. It strengthens the collective voice of the specialty by aligning members around evidence-based positions, enabling more effective engagement with policymakers, media, and the public. The initiative also fosters professional unity and confidence by equipping clinicians with timely, well-researched talking points that reflect both scientific rigor and real-world relevance. Ultimately, it elevates the impact of the field by bridging the gap between expertise and communication, ensuring that critical insights are not only understood but also heard and acted upon.”

Print

ASH News Daily

Nick Ippolito, Editor

TriStar Event Media

With Tori Garrett, Jennifer Lucas

“This is a true feat of journalism. ASH News Daily delivered three almost fifty-page editions live over the course of its three-day 67th conference. Each edition of the newsletter covers the events of the entire conference with deep technical summaries, interviews, recommended white papers, everything the attendees would have needed to feel like they were able to be everywhere at once. With a team of 26 volunteer medical professionals and a partner in TriStar Event Media, they were able to pull off this audacious publication masterfully.”

View submission:indd.adobe.comindd.adobe.comindd.adobe.com

Writing

Actionable intelligence on the most innovative drug development advancing human health

Lynn Yoffee, Publisher

BioWorld, from Clarivate

With Jennifer Boggs, Annette Boyle, Anette Breindl, Karen Carey, Marian (YoonJee) Chu, Ann Marie Griffith, Lee Landenberger, Harini Mathavan, Nuala Moran, Randy Osborne, Tamra Sami, Mari Serebrov, Lynn Yoffee

“This Grand Award winning entry stood out among others in the category because of the importance of its main topic (the effect of tariffs on biopharmaceutical-related industry) and its effect on millions of Americans with three main articles addressing that topic. Beyond those, the issue combines important content regarding what the editors call the ‘wholesale assault on research,’ and several advancements in the creation of new drugs for dry eye disease, kidney disease, and obesity. There is a ton of useful information in one tightly edited and valuable newsletter.”

View submission:bioworld.com

Writing

National Teaching & Learning Forum - September 2025

Lee Skallerup Bessette, PhD, Editor

Wiley

“The September 2025 issue of The National Teaching & Learning Forum navigates virtually every corner of education touched by AI, from David Ebenbach's unflinching philosophical provocation comparing algorithmic dependency to addiction, to Gretchen McKay's grounded case study in which students role-played ancient Greek artists through a structured Blackboard bot and came out the other side thinking harder. That range, philosophical to practical, institutional to personal, is the issue's core strength. Editor Lee Skallerup Bessette's closing column, set against National Guard patrols on her own campus, refuses to let AI anxiety exist in a vacuum. Wiley's presentation understands that the copy is the point: pull quotes, bolding, and imagery deploy only where the writing earns them, and nowhere else. The result is a multi-contributor issue that reads with the coherence of a single argument. An exemplar of the category.”

Best Single Blog Post

Leaping into 2026: What Trends Should You Anticipate?

Jennifer Loftus, National Director

Astron Solutions

With Cassandra Carver

“In the fast-changing 2026 world, what are fair compensation and benefits for employees? This blog post succinctly offers insightful guidelines for companies to consider. The author highlights five key benefit trends in 2026, including family-friendly policies and managing healthcare costs. The easy-to-digest writing, well-organized format, and valuable information make this post stand out among others in the field.”

View submission:astronsolutions.net

Special Purpose

Wings of Remembrance – PSA Flight 5342 First Anniversary Remembrance Post

Sarah McCann, Senior Media & Campaign Strategist

Air Line Pilots Association

With Dit Rutland, Sharon Bhagwandin

“Here is a beautiful tribute, one year after the accident, to the pilots and those passengers who lost their lives, killed in the collision between a military helicopter and a PSA Flight. With separate links provided in each of the different social media posts describing the dedication of both the pilots and the Families of Flight 5342 and their quest for adherence to safety requirements, these posts truly provide the appropriate reverence due to all those affected by this horrible and avoidable tragedy.”

View submission:facebook.cominstagram.comx.comlinkedin.com

Electronic

American Heart Association 2024-25 Annual Report: Changing the Future of Health

Dina Rogers, National Director, Writing & Editorial

American Heart Association

With Stephanie Dahlman, Gloria Catha

““American Heart Association 2024–25 Annual Report: Changing the Future of Health” clearly connects research, advocacy, and community impact to measurable improvements in cardiovascular and brain health. It stands out for its broad yet accessible coverage of innovations in AI, health equity, stroke prevention, and public health initiatives. It demonstrates strong transparency by showing how funding and partnerships directly support scientific advancement and patient outcomes. Overall, it presents the American Heart Association as a forward-thinking leader driving meaningful change in healthcare and public wellness.”

Climate & Environmental Sustainability

Coastwatch Magazine Winter 2025-Winter 2026 (five issues)

Dave Shaw, Editor

Coastwatch Magazine

With Rebecca Jones, Dan DiNicola

“Fabulous photography and excellent editorial are the hallmarks of every issue presented in support of this entry. Each issue starts with an excellent cover page that makes the reader WANT to get into the issue. Despite the views of some, the importance and the future of climate and environmental sustainability are of paramount importance and every page of every issue is devoted to these topics. The judges particularly enjoyed and recognized the value of the articles on Leaking Landfills, Deepfake Whales, Flooding, Hurricanes and Community Perspectives and Safeguarding Water.”

View submission:ncseagrant.ncsu.eduncseagrant.ncsu.eduncseagrant.ncsu.eduncseagrant.ncsu.edu

Domestic Policy & Issues

In 2025, science’s biggest story was political

Anette Breindl, Senior managing editor

BioWorld, from Clarivate

“This is an incredibly relevant, serious article addressing the changes taking place – characterized as “the politicized destruction of U.S. science …” in biomedical science. The central topics of illegal mass firings … withholding of already allocated grant money … and the removal of scientific information that does not align with political ideology are all addressed with amazing clarity and thoroughness. The judges were aghast at the conclusion that this approach is dismantling a scientific ecosystem that has been the envy of the world…. since the 1930s. The article leads one to hope that more logical intelligent minds will intervene.”

View submission:bioworld.com

Health & Medical

2025 Strategic Education, Inc. Healthcare Workforce Survey

Elaine Kincel, Senior Director, PR & Corporate Communications

Strategic Education, Inc.

With Mona Amin, Lucy Wilson-Garza

“Strategic Education Inc.’s 2025 Healthcare Workforce Survey is commended for its ability to inform and inspire healthcare employers to take action. This large-scale survey of healthcare workers provides a reliable snapshot of workforce sentiment. The survey delivers a crucial message to healthcare employers, highlighting the burnout and dissatisfaction many healthcare workers feel in their current roles. Importantly, it also presents actionable takeaways, with workers indicating that adequate compensation, education, and upskilling opportunities would help them feel more valued and supported. Judges noted a cohesive design theme and the effective use of graphics to clearly illustrate the current state and future of the healthcare workforce.”

View submission:strategiceducation.com

Health & Medical

Dr. Joe Sachs and “The Pitt” Redefine Public Health Education Through Storytelling

Leona Scott, President

JEP Marketing Communications

With Leah Lawrence, Cedric Dark, MD, MPH, FACEP

“ACEP Now has earned repeated APEX recognition, and this issue shows why. The July 2025 edition does exactly what medical current events publishing should: take a trending cultural moment and deliver the specific reporting that explains what's actually at stake behind it. The feature on Dr. Joe Sachs and "The Pitt" doesn't just capitalize on the year's most talked-about medical drama. It pulls back the curtain precisely: 200-hour advisor training sessions, 20 pages of medical briefings per episode, Dr. Mel Herbert annotating scene by scene why a physician on a rooftop ledge or a little girl whispering to a stuffed bear hits so hard. Full disclosure: "The Pitt" was this judge's favorite show of the year. ACEP Now reminded me why it matters beyond entertainment.”