How to Write a Winning Contest Announcement Press Release

In This Guide

• A well-crafted contest announcement press release should emphasize the unique benefits of participation while providing essential details in a media-friendly format.
• Including quotes from company leadership and clear explanations of entry requirements helps establish credibility and encourages greater participation.
• Effective distribution through multiple channels including press release services, direct media outreach, and company platforms is crucial for maximizing the visibility of your contest announcement.

When to Use Contest Announcement Press Release

Crafting a compelling contest announcement press release requires more than just putting words on paper – you need to create buzz and generate excitement to make sure your message stands out and reaches the right people. A strong press release can be the difference between a successful contest and one that goes unnoticed.

Your press release should serve as a clear and concise invitation to potential participants – announcing the contest while motivating people to take part. A well-written press release can amplify the reach of your contest, attract media coverage, and engage a wider audience.

Contest Announcement Press Release Sample Template

Here’s a template to help you write a professional and impactful contest announcement press release.

Headline of the Press Release

[City] [State] Release Date: [“For Immediate Release” or a concrete date]

Summary Section: Briefly describe your contest, including its name, purpose, and target audience.

“We are excited to announce [contest name], which aims to [purpose of the contest],” said [name and title of representative]. “[Include brief statement about the significance of the contest].”

Insert an additional paragraph to provide more details about the contest – include information on eligibility, entry requirements, judging criteria, and prizes.

“[Contest name] is open to [eligibility criteria]. Participants will be judged on [criteria] and winners will receive [prizes]. This contest represents [statement about the organization’s mission or values],” added [name and title of representative].

Include another quote from an organization representative, sponsor, or previous participant to reinforce the excitement and unique aspects of the contest.

“[Quote about what makes this contest special, the benefits of participating, or the impact of previous contests],” said [name and title of person quoted].

Include submission deadlines, entry methods, and where to find complete rules and guidelines.

“Entries will be accepted until [deadline] through [entry methods]. For complete contest rules and guidelines, visit [website URL].”

Insert a boilerplate message about the organization and sponsors.

Insert the following contact information: 

Contact Person: 
Organization: 
Address: 
Phone: 
Email:

Contest Announcement Press Release Example

To give you an idea of how to structure your contest announcement, we’ve put together a sample press release that demonstrates how to promote participation and highlight the rewards available to contestants.

Unlock Your Creativity: Enter the National Art Contest and Win Exciting Prizes!

New York, New York Release: March 4, 2025. For Immediate Release

The National Art Foundation announces its annual “Expressions Liberated” art contest, inviting artists from across the country to showcase their talent. This year’s contest features expanded categories and an increased prize pool.

“We’re thrilled to launch this year’s contest with more opportunities for artists to gain recognition and rewards,” says Maria Rodriguez, Executive Director.

The contest is open to all artists aged 18 and above, with special categories for students and first-time entrants. Submissions will be accepted in painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, and mixed media.

“Participating in last year’s contest opened many doors for me,” shares David Chen, last year’s grand prize winner. “Beyond the prize money, the exposure has led to gallery representations and commissions.”

Prizes include a $5,000 Grand Prize, $1,000 for Category Winners, and $250 for Honorable Mentions. All finalists will have their work displayed at the Modern Art Gallery in New York City and featured in the foundation’s annual publication.

Entries must be submitted online at nationalartcontest.org by May 15, 2025. Winners will be announced on June 30, 2025.

About The National Art Foundation: Established in 2015, the National Art Foundation promotes artistic expression and supports emerging artists across America.

Contact:
Name: Jane Doe Organization: ABC Moving Company 
New Address: 123 Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 94117 
Phone: +1-880-123-4567 
Email: [email protected]

What to Include in a Contest Announcement Press Release

Here are 12 critical elements your contest press release must have:

1. Catchy headline that captures attention and conveys the excitement of the contest.
2. Contest name and theme to establish identity and focus.
3. Organizing entities including background information to establish credibility.
4. Eligibility criteria clearly stating who can participate.
5. Entry requirements detailing how to submit entries and any specific guidelines.
6. Prizes and rewards highlighting what participants can win.
7. Judging criteria explaining how entries will be evaluated.
8. Important dates including submission deadlines and winner announcements.
9. Quotes from organizers or past winners to add authenticity and perspective.
10. Website URL for more information and contest entry.
11. Boilerplate information about the organizing entity and sponsors.
12. Contact information for media inquiries and follow-up questions.

Once you’re done with your contest announcement press release, make sure that it reaches your target audience through distribution channels such as media outlets and social media in various formats.  AmpiFire is a content amplification software that enhances the visibility of your press releases by converting them into various formats like blog posts, infographics, and videos. It then distributes this content to high-authority sites, ensuring it reaches a broad audience, including journalists, bloggers, and influencers. AmpiFire converts your press release into multiple different formats before distributing it to many high-authority sites, helping you reach a much wider audience. Try AmpiFire Today

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)