Good news! We’ve extended the deadline to submit entries for the Touchstone Awards to Wednesday, July 22.

Whether your best work appeared in print, digital, broadcast, audio, photojournalism or public relations, there’s still time to have it recognized among the region’s best in journalism and communications.

Complete your entry here:
2026 Touchstone Awards Entry Form

Join us as we celebrate the best in local journalism and communications at the 2026 Touchstone Awards on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 5–9 p.m. at WGTE Public Media.

Spotlight: Emerging News Media Professional Award

Help us recognize the next generation of outstanding journalists and communications professionals. The Emerging News Media Professional Award honors an early-career professional who has demonstrated exceptional talent, professionalism and promise.

Know someone who deserves the recognition? We encourage you to submit a nomination before the deadline.

Learn more and nominate:
2026 Emerging News Media Professional

Emerging News Media Professional nominations are free to submit.

Before You Submit

Please remember:

• Complete an entry form for each submission.
• Include a brief description of the entry and any information you’d like the judges to consider.
• Entries will be judged by a panel of journalism professionals from outside the Toledo region.
• Eligible work must have been produced or published between May 15, 2025 and May 14, 2026.
• Entries may not have been submitted for previous Touchstone Award consideration.
• Review the full list of categories, including journalism, public relations and student divisions.

How to Submit

1. Complete this entry form for each nomination.
2. Pay your entry fees online or by mail (Press Club of Toledo, P.O. Box 2469, Toledo, Ohio 43606).

Entry Fees

$10 — Students
$25 — Press Club of Toledo members
$50 — One submission plus a new Press Club membership
$75 — Nonmembers

The 2026 Touchstone Awards are supported in part by SSOE Group.

The Press Club of Toledo can’t wait to celebrate with you at the 2025 Touchstone Awards on Thursday, Sept. 25! Here’s everything you need to know for a fun night out.

Venue
The Valentine Theatre
410 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604

Parking
North Superior Street lot – $5 cash per car, directly across from the theatre entrance.
Street parking – Free after 6 p.m. on surrounding streets.

Tickets
Still need tickets? There’s time! Discounts are available for students, nominees and Press Club members. Your evening awaits.

Check-In
Advance tickets: Stop at the welcome table in the theatre lobby and give the name on your ticket confirmation email. No paper ticket needed.
Day-of tickets: Scan the QR code signs at the entrance to purchase digitally and show your confirmation email for entry.

Evening Line-Up
5:30 p.m. – Doors open for gourmet grazing, a cash bar with a variety of beverages for purchase and plenty of mingling.
6:30 p.m. – Awards ceremony begins in The Grand Lobby.

Raffle Fun
Support the Press Club’s scholarship fund and take a chance on great prizes. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and can be purchased with cash at the raffle table or digitally by scanning the QR code signs. Winners are drawn during the program. Must be present to win.

Honoring Our 2025 Community Award Winners
Robert Smith – Lifetime Achievement Award for exceptional contributions to business, public service and philanthropy.
Diane Larson and Paul Kwapich – Golden Touchstone Awards for lifetime excellence in Northwest Ohio journalism.
John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation – Contributor Award for significant impact on quality of life in Northwest Ohio.

Thanks to Our Sponsors
A heartfelt thank you to WTOL, the Toledo Free Press and Strategy by Fisher for making the 2025 Touchstone Awards possible.