IABC Ottawa Emerging Talent Recognition
Apply now: https://forms.gle/Raw1KmLkKXWJ2vH8A
Celebrating the next generation of communications and marketing professionals
As IABC Ottawa celebrates five decades of its journey, we’re looking back at the people who shaped our community and ahead to those who will shape the future of our profession.
At our 50th Anniversary Gala on November 18, 2026, we will recognize five emerging communications and marketing professionals from the National Capital Region. We’re looking for curiosity, judgment, critical thinking and strong values.
Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
There is no fee to submit.
Who can apply:
Students, recent graduates and professionals with fewer than five years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field. Applicants should live, study or work in the National Capital Region.
The questions:
Each answer has a maximum of 200 words. We recommend drafting your answers in a document before you begin.
1. Tell us about you and why you chose this profession. What drew you to communications or marketing? Was there an experience, person or moment that helped you see yourself in this field?
2. Tell us about a moment when you had to stop, think and use your judgment. It could be at school, at work, while volunteering or in everyday life. What was happening, what did you consider and what did you decide? Would you do anything differently now?
3. Situations change quickly, information is often incomplete and audiences can see the same issue very differently. What do people need from communicators in moments like these? How should a good communicator help people understand what is happening and make informed decisions?
4. Describe a situation, real or imagined, where the easiest communications decision may not be the most responsible one. What would you do, and what would guide your advice?
5. AI is changing how communications and marketing work. How are you using AI in your work or studies today, if at all? As these tools become more capable, what skills or qualities will communicators need to strengthen?
6. The theme of our 50th Anniversary Gala is “The Power of Our Profession.” What does the power of our profession mean to you? As you think about your future, what role do you hope to play in the profession?
Your profile:
Share a link to your LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio. At least one is required.
You may also share one optional work sample, such as a campaign, article, presentation or video.
Using AI:
You may use AI tools to organize your thinking, check grammar or refine your writing. Your submission should reflect your own experiences, thinking and voice. We want to hear from you.
How we review submissions:
A committee of IABC Ottawa leaders and communications professionals will assess motivation and potential, judgment, critical thinking, ethics and values, readiness for a changing profession, and your perspective on the Power of Our Profession.
Written answers are reviewed first without names, schools or employers. Profiles and work samples are considered later for context.
Judges will not score anyone they have supervised, taught, mentored or worked closely with.
If you are selected:
Recipients will be notified in early November.
By applying, you confirm your submission reflects your own experiences and perspectives. If selected, you agree that IABC Ottawa may use your name, photograph, biography and excerpts from your submission in connection with this recognition, the gala and related communications.
Apply now: https://forms.gle/Raw1KmLkKXWJ2vH8A