Global Trends From the Gold Quill Awards Entry Data

This is the latest article in a series of succinct thought-leadership pieces entitled “IABC Research & Insights.” These pieces present a unique perspective, based on proprietary IABC data and the views of the authors. We hope this article, and the ones that follow, spark discussions at the chapter, regional and international level.

IABC’s Gold Quill Awards submissions provide a glimpse into the issues and trends affecting the communication profession.  

Over the last two years, IABC has received almost 900 entries, from 50 chapters, on continents across the world. As we prepare for the upcoming World Conference and our ongoing discussions about the future of communication, here are some findings from the data.

COVID-Related Campaigns Declined

There were one-third as many COVID-focused entries this year as compared to last year, a time when most organizations were fully engaged in communicating about the pandemic. This year, there were many categories that received greater attention as the pandemic ebbed and flowed. Interestingly, there was a doubling of submissions connected to internal communications, and organizations increasingly focused on change communication, diversity and inclusion and corporate social responsibility.

Geographic Diversity Increased

Residents of Barbados, Brazil, Qatar and Saudi Arabia submitted entries in 2022 — all countries that had no applicants in the previous year. There were more entries from Africa than in the previous year, and 12 chapters that had no entrants in 2021 each produced at least one applicant in 2022. These developments give IABC a good roadmap for areas of future growth.

Submissions From Mid-Sized Agencies (21–50 People) Increased 38%

While there were fewer total submissions this year, entries from mid-sized agencies increased substantially. Boutique agencies and nonprofit organizations both held steady, while corporate communications saw a significant decline. Perhaps most encouragingly, we more than doubled entries from students — we intend to keep that momentum going in 2023!

Learn more about the Gold Quill Awards, and hear from past award winners on Catalyst.