Lunch & Learn Webinar: Classics Awards Primer – How to Craft a Standout Entry
About this event
Putting together an award entry can seem daunting—but it doesn’t have to be! Join us for a free Lunch & Learn webinar designed to help you craft a standout submission for the upcoming Minnesota PRSA Classics or PRSA Silver Anvil competitions.
In this session, our panel of award-winners and seasoned judges will share actionable insights on how to organize, write and present your work in a way that highlights your research, articulates clear objectives, showcases creativity and demonstrates measurable results. You’ll learn what judges look for, how to strengthen your narrative and how to avoid common pitfalls that could weaken your entry.
Panelists:
Tracy Carlson, APR, director corporate communications, Boston Scientific
Tracy Carlson, APR, is a seasoned communications and corporate reputation leader with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations build trust and protect reputation. Tracy is a director in global corporate communications at Boston Scientific, a company that transforms lives through innovative medical technologies. Throughout her career, Tracy has counseled Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and entrepreneurs surrounding communications issues management and media relations. Tracy is a member and past president of the Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Her work has earned recognition, including National PRSA Silver Anvils, a National PRWeek Award and many Minnesota PRSA Classics, including Best in Shows. She also has served as a judge for National PRSA Silver Anvils and regional chapter awards.
Sara Grasmon, associate director, Bellmont Partners
Sara Grasmon has more than 15 years of experience in communications and marketing. She brings a strategic approach and expertise in messaging, media relations, writing, editing, thought leadership and influencer relations to Bellmont Partners’ horticulture, agriculture and tourism clients. Sara also works with clients across industries on content creation for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including developing ESG reports. Prior to joining Bellmont Partners, she worked for Major League Baseball teams, including the 2015 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals. Sara holds a degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Journalism from Concordia College. She was recognized as one of Finance & Commerce’s 2018 Rising Young Professionals and AdFed’s 2019 32 Under 32 award winners for leadership and achievement in public relations. Sara is an avid hiker with a passion for the outdoors and protecting natural resources, and she enjoys connecting with her community by volunteering with Girls on the Run Minnesota, For Goodness Cakes and the Minnesota Rovers.
Bill Brozak, vice president public relations, Curious Plot
Bill Brozak is a VP, Public Relations and Reputation Management at Curious Plot. He has nearly two decades of agency experience with a proven track record of shattering the status quo. His leadership of integrated marketing efforts has transformed brands into household names, while his public relations prowess has successfully navigated clients through some complicated issues.
Moderator:
Rose McKinney, APR, Fellow PRSA, founder Pineapple RM
Founder of Pineapple RM, Rose McKinney has spent her career on the agency side helping organizations tap the power of brand and reputation to deliver results that matter. Together with her teams, she’s earned nearly 100 industry awards—from Best of Show for Minnesota PRSA to PR Week’s Health Care Campaign of the Year—along with many PRSA Classics, Bronze and Silver Anvils. A senior judge for the Anvils, she understands the entry process from both sides of the table and is an advocate of the RPIE model. Rose relishes the beauty—and challenge—of writing a two-page award summary where every word counts and objectives align with outcomes. She taught at Metropolitan State University for 20 years, is a past Minnesota PRSA president and is a recipient of the Donald G. Padilla Distinguished Practitioner Award.
Date & Time:
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CT
Location:
Webinar via Zoom
Access information will be provided prior to the event
Registration:
Members and students: Free
Non-members: $20
Videoconference information will be provided in an email once payment is received.
Event Contact(s)
Eva Keiser
Registration Info
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