Join us at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. for an unforgettable evening celebrating the best in plain language across North America.
This year, we’re proud to honor outstanding clear communication in English, French, and Spanish from nonprofit, government, and public organizations. The event will also feature an inspiring keynote address from Cynthia Baur, PhD, an expert in audience-driven health communication.
Event Details
- Date: May 22, 2025
- Location: National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
- Dress code: Festive business attire
- Who Should Attend: This event is perfect for professionals who are passionate about clear communication—whether you work in the nonprofit, government, or corporate sector.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker
Cynthia Baur, PhD, is a health literacy and health communication expert focused on improving health literacy at the individual, family, community, and organizational levels. She directs the University of Maryland (UMD) Horowitz Center for Health Literacy, the nation’s first academic health literacy center, and is a professor in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health. Dr. Baur is the Principal Investigator on multiple federal and state funded projects on health literacy, clear communication, digital health, diabetes prevention, and organizational health literacy improvement. Dr. Baur provides training and expert advice to local, state, and national committees and initiatives. Before coming to UMD, she served for almost 20 years in the federal Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She was CDC’s Plain Language and Health Literacy Lead from 2011 to 2016.
Dr. Baur’s keynote, titled “From Plain Language Policies to Local Action in Maryland,” will explore how the state is implementing plain language, language access, and health literacy initiatives. She will highlight recent legislation and state-level efforts to improve communication accessibility, providing insights into practical applications of these policies.
Awards Event Agenda
- Workshop: 1:30 – 5:00 PM
- Cocktails & Networking: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
- Banquet, Keynote Address & Awards Ceremony: 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Award Categories
We will recognize excellence in plain language communication across a variety of categories, including:
- Digital Content – Websites, social media, and digital communications
- Print Materials – Brochures, reports, and public-facing documents
- Multilingual Communication – Excellence in providing clear information across multiple languages
New for 2025: The ClearMark Spotlight Awards
We’re excited to introduce a new awards category: the ClearMark Spotlight Awards. These recognitions highlight excellent plain language work that may not be part of a full ClearMark submission but still deserves to be celebrated. Anyone can submit a project for recognition—your own work or something you’ve seen and admired. This can include:
- Clear, accessible communication from any sector
- Crisis communications that provided timely, trusted information
- Projects that improved how people understand and use information
Key details:
- Submissions are open through May 1, 2025
- Submission fee: $25
- Spotlight Award recipients will receive a certificate at the ClearMark
Awards Ceremony on May 22, 2025 - These projects will not be considered for the Grand ClearMark Award,
but they will be recognized during the event
Let’s shine a light on the everyday work that helps people get the information they need.
Get the Full ClearMark Experience with Our Workshop & Awards Bundle
Want to make the most of your day? Join our afternoon workshop, From Ideas to Impact: Plain Language Meets Design Thinking (1:30-5:00 PM ET) and attend the Awards at a special discounted rate.
Attend the workshop, the awards, or both with this discounted bundle option, available only until May 16—reserve your spot today!
Workshop InfoTicket Pricing
Secure your spot at North America’s premier plain language event.
| Center Member or ClearMark Judge |
Government Employee | Non-Member | Late Registration
(May 16-22) |
|
| Awards Event Only | $175 | $175 | $215 | $245 |
| Awards Event Add-On
(Government employees only) |
—— | $150 | —— | —— |
| Workshop Only | $250 | $250 | $285 | $315 |
| Awards + Workshop Bundle | $400 | $400 | $475 | —— |
Plan Your Stay
Make the most of your 2025 ClearMark Awards experience by staying at one of our partner hotels, conveniently located near the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
We’ve arranged special discounted rates for attendees from May 21 to May 23. Whether you’re staying one night or two, these hotels offer comfort, convenience, and easy access to the event.
| Hotel | Rate per Night (excluding Taxes & Fees) |
Booking Deadline | Reservation Link/Contact |
| Kimpton Hotel Monaco | $269 | April 23 | Reserve your room with the Kimpton or call 1-202-449-7004 |
| Holiday Inn Express | $279 | April 21 | Reserve your room with the Holiday Inn Express and select CPL Group Rate or call 1-202-483-2000 |
| JW Marriott | $289 | April 17 | Reserve your room with the JW Marriott |
Rooms are limited, and they’ll fill up fast—book early to secure your spot!
Follow the Conversation
Join the excitement and connect with fellow attendees by following us on social media. Use to share your experience and updates!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you and showcase the best in plain language communication!
Register Now