LAS VEGAS, NV – The Public Relations Society of America Las Vegas Valley Chapter (PRSA LVVC) celebrated its 50th Anniversary of service to Las Vegas public relations and strategic communications professionals during its 28th annual Pinnacles Awards last month at the Keep Memory Alive Event Center at Cleveland Clinic Nevada.
The professional member organization, which is part of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), has been a cornerstone of professional development and excellence in southern Nevada over the last five decades, fostering a strong network of practitioners dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards in the industry.
With more than 100 members representing diverse communications roles and industries across the region, the chapter has played a pivotal role in advancing the profession and supporting the next generation of practitioners through student chapters (PRSSA).
The annual Pinnacle Awards represent the best in public relations programs, tactics and practitioners in Southern Nevada, Northwest Arizona, and Southern Utah and distinguish the leading communications professionals, divisions and agencies currently practicing in these local markets.
At the sold-out event, A Golden Anniversary in the Silver State, PRSA LVVC President MacKenzie Seroka, APR told the crowd of 157 registered attendees “As we embark on the next 50 years, we are committed to uniting and positioning our members to be at the forefront of our practice through timely and relevant professional development programs that address the latest trends, topics, and resources that are redefining the communications industry, and our ethical standards. The annual Pinnacle Awards are the culmination and reflection of that commitment.”
Recognizing Outstanding Achievements in Public Relations
City of Las Vegas Mayor Shelly Berkley kicked off the awards reception by presenting a proclamation recognizing the chapter’s leadership and contributions to the city. PRSA LVVC also received a proclamation from the Board of Commissioners of Clark County further honoring its impact on Las Vegas.
The 28th annual Pinnacle Awards received 109 entries, an increase of 12 percent from 2023, demonstrating the volume of great work happening across the local communications industry. Entries were carefully evaluated by an independent out-of-market PRSA Chapter, with 60 percent earning Pinnacle Awards. Emceed by Mike Davis of FOX5 Las Vegas and Silver State Sports and Entertainment Network, the event recognized top awards recipients including the following organizations and individuals:
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Best of Show: Representing the best of the PRSA LVVC, these awards received the highest scores from judges and are automatically submitted to PRSA Western District’s “Best In the West” Awards, a competitive awards program among the 11 chapters within PRSA’s Western District.
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Campaigns – Crisis Communications: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Division of Integrated Marketing and Branding received recognition for UNLV Strong Crisis Communications Response & Recovery
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Tactics – Events and Observations: City of Henderson received recognition for the 2023 Little League Parade.
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Individual Award Winners
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Newcomer of the Year: Emily Hollister, Connected Communications
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Newcomer of the Year (Award of Excellence): Jevaughn Williams, The Vox Agency
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Practitioner of the Year: Alexis Keith, APR, The Abbi Agency
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Senior Practitioner of the Year: David Riggleman, City of Las Vegas
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Volunteer of the Year: Nancy Weaver, APR, UNLV College of Education
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The scope of the work represented in the 2024 awards program, from corporate social responsibility campaigns and crisis communications to events and observations, media relations, public affairs and service to video, website, writing and speeches, showcases the many facets of public relations and gives a glimpse into the work these practitioners do in the events, programs and initiatives that are shaping the landscape of Las Vegas.
To view all award winners visit prsapinnacleawards.com/winners/2024-winners/. To learn more about the PRSA LVVC and various programming being offered throughout the year, visit prsalasvegas.com.
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About PRSA Las Vegas Valley Chapter
With a vision to unify, strengthen and advance the public relations profession, the PRSA Las Vegas Valley Chapter is a chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. It serves to build value and demand for, and global understanding of, public relations. A voluntary membership organization, PRSA LVVC collectively works to advance public relations professionals by offering development opportunities and career refinement through continuing education programs, networking events with industry leaders, exclusive membership access to events and trendsetters, information exchange forums, and research findings conducted on national and local levels, rooted in a Code of Ethics of professional conduct. To learn more, visit prsalasvegas.com.
