PCI Client Campaigns Earn Five Honors at 2026 Golden Trumpet Awards
Public Communications Inc. (PCI) client programs earned five 2026 Golden Trumpet Awards for strategic communications campaigns that delivered real results for clients.
On October 6, 2026, the Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC) held its 68th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards, where PCI had a strong showing with five client programs recognized with Golden or Silver Trumpets. We’re proud to see our work on behalf of our clients recognized, and even prouder of the meaningful impact these programs are making for the organizations and communities they serve.
The award-winning campaigns reflect a range of communications strategies, including compelling, content-driven and strategic social media programs and events that authentically engage and connect audiences and communities.
Read more about the recognized programs below.
Helping Children Start School Prepared – Golden Trumpet
Cradles to Crayons’ annual Ready for Learning campaign advances clothing security by ensuring children have the everyday essentials they need to participate fully in school and at home.
PCI helped elevate the campaign across Chicago and Philadelphia, connecting clothing insecurity to timely conversations through storytelling, Backpack-A-Thon events and volunteer-focused media outreach. The campaign engaged businesses, employees, educators, civic leaders and community members while reinforcing Cradles to Crayons’ leadership in the movement to End Clothing Insecurity and demonstrating how corporate citizenship can translate into meaningful support for children and families.
Making Cents of Caregiving – Golden Trumpet
AARP New York offers caregiving financial resources for family caregivers who are often balancing work, caregiving and other responsibilities. To better reach caregivers ages 40-60, AARP New York sought a fresh approach that would resonate with audiences who were less responsive to traditional outreach. PCI developed a multichannel social media campaign tailored to the habits and interests of busy Millennial and Gen X caregivers. The campaign also partnered with influencer Carrie Aalberts, who shared firsthand caregiving experiences and practical financial guidance. The resulting content made the topic approachable and relatable while increasing engagement and connecting caregivers with resources to support their journeys.
Telling the Stories of Grief, Remembrance and Caregiving – Golden Trumpet
AARP Texas sought to elevate awareness of the state’s 4.9 million caregivers and position itself as a culturally relevant resource in Hispanic/Latino communities. A critical barrier stood in the way: many people caring for loved ones do not self-identify as “caregivers,” limiting their access to available resources.
To address this gap, AARP Texas partnered with Public Communications Inc. (PCI) from September through November 2025 to develop a scalable campaign that reached Hispanic and Latino adults 40 and older through shared traditions, values and lived experiences.
Shining a Light on Trauma-Informed Pediatric Care – Golden Trumpet
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognized that pediatric healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to help children and families heal from trauma, yet many clinicians lacked a strong understanding of trauma-informed care and how it can support a child and family’s well-being. PCI developed and launched a paid media campaign across Google Display, LinkedIn and Meta designed to make complex concepts accessible and encourage healthcare professionals to take action. Built around the call to “Recognize, Respond and Treat Trauma,” the campaign drove audiences to AAP’s National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care, an online hub featuring clinical education, tools and resources.
Turning IPW Into an Immersive Media Engagement Experience – Silver Trumpet
PCI helped transform a traditional media engagement opportunity at IPW 2025 into an immersive Chicago experience designed to increase brand visibility, deepen media engagement and generate future coverage for Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.
During a Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady, participants took part in Chicago-themed trivia that incorporated key brand messages before continuing conversations during Media Marketplace meetings. Through close coordination among Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, Choose Chicago, the Chicago Architecture Center and other partners, the experience helped the brand stand out among national and international media attending IPW.
