NMPW Communications Contest opens October 15

From NMPW:

​Dear New Mexico Press Women Members and Friends,

Great news! Carolyn Carlson and I will be Co-Chairing the NMPW Communications Contest. It was great to see all the different submissions from across New Mexico in last year's contest and we are looking forward to highlighting New Mexico’s creative voices once again.

The NMPW Communications Contest is a national contest open to writers, creators, and communicators from journalists to podcasters, PR to radio, to television professionals. With over 60 categories to submit your work, I encourage you to start planning, writing and creating for this year's contest. I find a contest and a deadline can help spark creativity. What will you submit for this year's 2026 Communications Contest?

Communications Contest: Opens October 15
Writing (Categories 1-17)
Editing (Categories 18-20)
Photography (Categories 21-23)
Graphics and Design (Categories 24-26)
Radio and Television (Categories 27-32)
Web and Social Media (Categories 33-41)
Advertising (Categories 42-45)
Communications Programs and Campaigns (Categories 46-49)
Public Relations Materials (Categories 50-53)
Information for the Media (Categories 54-56)
Speeches (Category 57)
Collegiate/Education (Categories 58-63)
Zia Book Award: Opens November 1 - Theme: Children’s Books
This year’s theme is Children’s Books, and we’re honored to have the great Dede Feldman chairing the contest. If you’re a New Mexico author of children’s literature, this is your moment to shine.

Congratulations to our 2025 first-place state winners who went on to capture first place at the National Federation of Press Women Conference in Golden, Colorado. New Mexico talent shines brightly on the national stage, and it’s an honor to have the chance to highlight your accomplishments.
This year’s conference theme—“Resilient Communicators – Thriving in Challenging Times”—couldn’t be more fitting and our work demonstrates how creative professionals adapt, persist, and resist. In a time when freedom of speech and the press face real challenges, we want NMPW to remain a refuge, a network, and a place to share ideas and support one another. Be sure to mark your calendar for this year's conference May 1-2, 2026 at Isleta Resort & Casino. 

The contests and the conference are both celebrations of resilience, freedom and you. We are excited to see your entries and to cheer you on in 2026.
With Gratitude,

Catherine Lynch
Co-Chair, NMPW Communications Contest