By: Hailey Lawson, Account Executive

Credibility is one of the most powerful assets a company or thought leader can have. While media coverage and content are key to building authority, awards and speaking engagements offer another valuable avenue to establish expertise, gain recognition, and elevate brand reputation. With a strategic approach, these opportunities validate industry leadership and open doors to new partnerships, media interest, and business growth. 

What are Industry Awards and Speaking Opportunities?

Awards recognize groundbreaking work and industry contributions. Meanwhile, speaking events provide a platform to share insights, connect with key stakeholders, and establish authority within a field. These opportunities serve as credibility boosters that can lead to new business, media interest, and long-term brand recognition.

Industry awards reinforce credibility among peers, customers, and stakeholders. Being nominated or winning positions a company or individual as a leader in their industry, making it easier to attract attention from the media and potential clients.

Submitting the Award

Securing awards starts with a standout application that highlights a leader’s strengths and sets them apart from other applicants.

A strong nomination includes:

  • Compelling storytelling: Clearly outlining the impact of a company’s work, innovation, or leadership.
  • Data and results: Quantifiable success metrics that demonstrate effectiveness.
  • Wow Factor: What makes this person, product, or company stand out among the rest? Why are they more deserving than another applicant might be?

With key pieces like this in your application, it’s sure to be remembered in the review process.

Leveraging the Win or Nomination 

Much like thought leadership articles, awards and speaking engagements have a longer lifespan when leveraged effectively. A single recognition can be repurposed into a range of assets, including: 

  1. Media pitches: Use the award in media outreach to showcase the honoree’s expertise.
  2. Social media amplification: Awards or speaking engagements can reinforce credibility in social media campaigns.
  3. Building credibility on the company website: Use it in marketing materials to enhance brand trust.

Speaking Engagements for Thought Leadership

Speaking engagements offer a direct way to connect with target audiences, share insights, and position leaders as go-to experts. From industry conferences to panel discussions and webinars, these platforms provide valuable opportunities to build trust and authority.

A well-planned speaking strategy includes:

  • Targeting the right events: Identify conferences and summits that draw key audiences and media. These will vary by client and may include regional events, industry gatherings, or venues where target customers and investors are present.
  • Crafting compelling topics: Focus on timely and insightful discussions that align with industry trends and showcase the thought leader’s expertise. Tie in brand or product innovation to add relevance.
  • Extending engagement: Repurposing speeches into blog posts, LinkedIn articles, or media pitches maximizes reach and impact.

Turning Recognition into Industry Influence

At AM PR, we know the right recognition at the right time can shift a company’s trajectory. A prime example is Phenomix Sciences, which was named to TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024 for its groundbreaking MyPhenome test. This prestigious recognition helped elevate the company’s visibility among healthcare leaders, investors, and media.

The impact? Increased inbound interest from major health organizations, new business opportunities, and speaking invitations at industry-leading conferences. This kind of recognition validates innovation and fuels long-term thought leadership and visibility.

By integrating awards and speaking engagements into a broader PR strategy, AM PR helps clients turn recognition into lasting influence and ensure they remain at the forefront of industry conversations.

Headshot of Hailey Lawson, PR Account Executive at AM Public Relations Hailey Lawson, Account Executive

Hailey builds meaningful connections that drive media impact. With a background in PR and a sharp eye for storytelling, she helps brands find the right angles, the right reporters, and the right moments to stand out.

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