Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF)

SPRF is the premier networking and professional development organization for public relations professionals in the Gulf south!

The Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) is a network of public relations professionals from Alabama, North Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi who share a common interest in the public relations profession. Membership in the Federation is automatic for members of the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA), the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO), the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), and the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM).

SPRF’s goals are to unite those engaged in the practice of public relations; to promote and seek to maintain high standards for public service and conduct; to exchange ideas and experience; and to collect and disseminate information of value to public relations practitioners and the public. Members subscribe to a nationally accepted Code of Ethics.

The SPRF began in 1972, forming an alliance between the Public Relations Association of Florida (PRAF), the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA), and the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM). The Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL) was invited to join SPRF in 1973. PRAF is no longer part of the Federation, however a chapter known as the Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization based in the Ft. Walton Beach, FL, area formed and is a member of SPRF.

Today, SPRF has more than 1,200 members and is continuing to grow. SPRF is the premiere networking and professional development organization for public relations professionals in the Gulf South. SPRF sponsors an annual professional development conference that rotates between Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Panhandle of Florida.

SPRF Lantern Awards Information

What have you done in the last year that was especially good and that you’re particularly proud of? Perhaps you’d like to enter your best work in the upcoming Lantern Awards. Think about your crisis communication plan, social media, PR, marketing or digital campaign. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your work recognized on a regional level! Awards will be given out at the next SPRF Conference.

Entries are scored on their individual merit based on adherence and success utilizing the four-step RPIE process by PR practitioners outside SPRF's four-state region. Award-winning entries demonstrating excellence in process and results are recognized with Certificates of Merit and Awards of Excellence, with top projects and programs earning Lantern Awards. A Best of Tier award winner is selected from the highest scored Lantern-winning entries in each tier, with the Best of Show award selected from the three Best of Tier winners. 

All entries must be submitted via the SPRF online awards management system.

Awards Management System

The Lantern Awards use an online awards management system:

• Research: up to 500 words

• Planning: up to 250 words

• Implementation: up to 500 words

• Evaluation: up to 250 words