2026 Communications Contest is Officially Open!

Dear Friends of NMPW,​

It’s kick off time for more than just football.

The 2026 New Mexico Press Women Communications Contest kicks off October 15, 2025. The state contest is the first tier in the National Federation of Press Women’s contest. Entries are submitted through the National Federation of Press Women’s Communications Contest portal.

There are 63 categories offering a wide range of communication categories including writing, books, photography, graphics and design, radio and television, web and social media, advertising, public relation materials, communication programs, speeches, information for the media and collegiate/education. There is a place for everyone. 
The New Mexico Press Women’s Communications Contest is judged at the state level. A unique aspect of this contest is that first place winners in the state level contest are eligible to move to the national level of judging. Most other contests are regional or state level only. NM Press Women also gives out cash prizes to high point winners. 

You do not have to be a member of NM Press Women to enter but to be eligible to move to the national contest, one must be a member in good standing with the National Federation of Press Women. If you are not a member of our organizations, please join us in being impactful and inspiring during this uncertain media and communication climate.

A panel of a dozen or more out of state judges is carefully selected and matched with categories where they have expertise. The judges give thoughtful and useful comments even if they sting a little. The judges are there to help entrants get more proficient in their craft.

All work must have been published or broadcast between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, to be eligible for entry. There is an early bird deadline of noon on January 21, 2026, after which a $25 fee will be assessed. Book entry deadline is noon on February 4 with a final noon February 18 deadline for all other entries. State level contest winners will be announced at the annual NMPW conference planned for May 1 - 2, 2026 at Isleta Hotel and Resort.
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As co-contest chair it is fun and inspiring to view the entries as they come in. Entries are individually vetted to make sure they are in the correct category and complete. New Mexico multi-media folks and wordsmiths are a talented, unique collection of storytellers. Find your best work and encourage your friends and colleagues to enter their work, photos or other published pieces. It’s fun and who knows, you could be the next national winner representing the best of New Mexico. 

Signed,

Carolyn Carlson, Co-Chair Communications Contest

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