Johna Burke, CEO AMEC, discusses the Awards’ role in driving communication measurement forward.

Why the 2025 AMEC Awards Are the Global Benchmark for Communication Measurement Excellence

In a world where data drives decisions and outcomes matter more than output, the AMEC Awards have become the gold standard for recognising the smartest minds in communication measurement. As the only international awards programme dedicated wholly to the research, innovation, analytics, measurement and evaluation of public relations and communication, the 2025 AMEC Global Communication Effectiveness Awards offer more than recognition, they validate the future of our profession.

Over the past two years, AMEC Award-winning campaigns have done more than measure success, they’ve shaped it. From Arla and Hill+Knowlton’s efforts to influence national policy on child food insecurity, to PwC Ireland and Ruepoint’s campaign that helped inform tax legislation, these projects showcase how evidence-based communication can drive systemic change. Winners like the World Economic Forum and Sensu Insight have supported global climate action through ESG narrative analysis, while work from Honda, ASICS, McDonald’s, and Novartis has redefined brand trust and behaviour across healthcare, tech, finance, and FMCG. With over 60 winning campaigns spanning sectors from government and NGOs to automotive, pharma, and retail, the Awards are a living archive of how smart measurement drives meaningful outcomes.

Now in its 23rd year, the #AMECAwards have consistently shaped the industry conversation around what great communication and PR measurement looks like. Long before metrics and insights became buzzwords, AMEC was building a platform for innovation, rigour and results. The 2025 edition continues that mission, spotlighting work that not only delivers impact but proves it through smart planning, strategic evaluation, and meaningful interpretation of data. Many entries use established frameworks like AMEC’s Integrated Evaluation Framework (IEF) or the Barcelona Principles to guide their measurement journey. As communication becomes increasingly complex, AMEC provides the clarity. 

As Johna Burke, AMEC’s Global Managing Director, puts it: 

“In a landscape where digital complexity and stakeholder expectations are rising, communication excellence means more than creative storytelling—it demands robust metrics, ethical data, and tangible results. AMEC Awards, now in their 23rd year, stand as the definitive benchmark for programs built on insight and impact. From global agencies to in‑house teams, winners reflect innovation grounded in evaluation and measurement integrity.”

This year’s Awards will culminate in a celebratory ceremony and dinner on 5 November at Church House, Westminster—an iconic London venue fitting for an event that champions evidence-based impact. But behind the spotlight is a robust, inclusive programme designed to reflect the evolving nature of the industry and the people who power it.

The 2025 categories have been thoughtfully curated to reflect the expanding role of measurement in communication across geographies, sectors and organisational types. From sector-specific honours in public, B2B, consumer and ESG communication, to emerging disciplines like internal comms and stakeholder engagement, the Awards invite entries that demonstrate the real-world value of data-informed decisions. Categories such as Best Use of Measurement for a Single Event or Crisis Comms Reporting offer focused entry points for those working under pressure, while Best Multi-Market Reporting and Regional Awards recognise the intricacy of global campaigns.

Importantly, the programme also addresses the innovation imperative. Categories such as Best Use of New Technology in Communication Measurement and Step Change Award for the Best Improvement of a Measurement Journey celebrate the organisations pushing the discipline forward: those leveraging AI, refining frameworks, and evolving methodologies to generate insight at speed and scale. Whether you’re making your first step into structured evaluation or transforming legacy systems into integrated measurement powerhouses, AMEC wants to hear your story.

In-house teams aren’t just welcome, they’re empowered. Dedicated categories for internal comms excellence, stakeholder research, and regional achievements ensure the Awards reflect the full diversity of the communication ecosystem. Whether housed within government, corporate, or not-for-profit institutions, in-house professionals now have tailored opportunities to benchmark their work on a global stage and be recognised for often-invisible but transformative efforts.

AMEC also understands that excellence comes in many sizes. That’s why entries like Best Evaluation on a Small Budget aim to democratise recognition. Whether you’re a charity, a small agency, or an emerging market innovator, what counts is not how much you spend, but what you achieve and how clearly you can show it. The same philosophy applies across the board: from student recognition to executive leadership, and from first-time entrants to returning champions, the Awards are a meritocracy of ideas, insight and impact.

Behind each award is a panel of independent, globally respected judges—industry experts who know what meaningful measurement looks like, and what separates smart metrics from superficial ones. Their collective expertise ensures the winners reflect not just ambition, but effectiveness: work that informs decision-making, drives outcomes, and raises the bar for the wider field.

If you’re still refining your entry, the final editing deadline is 7 August. The shortlist will be announced on 30 September, setting the stage for the gala celebration in November. For those not yet part of the AMEC member community, there’s still time to join and take advantage of discounted entry rates, with member benefits backdated for immediate savings. As AMEC continues to grow its network of thought leaders and change-makers, the Awards remain a core expression of its mission: to advance the practice, standard and value of communication measurement worldwide.

The AMEC Awards are not about vanity, they’re about validation. They exist for those who believe communication should be accountable, strategy should be evidence-based, and insight should drive action. If that sounds like your work, it’s time to shine a light on it.

Visit the 2025 AMEC Awards website to explore the categories, prepare your entry, and join a global community that’s redefining what effective communication really means.