The Center for Plain Language is proud to partner with the Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA) to present the 2026 ClearMark Awards as part of the IHA Health Literacy Conference. The conference will be held online May 12–14, 2026, with the ClearMark Awards presented on May 13 from 4:15–5:45 p.m. ET. Attendance is free and registration is now open!
Each year, the ClearMark Awards recognize outstanding examples of clear, accessible communication that help people understand important information. In 2026, we’re excited to bring the ClearMarks to IHA’s global audience as part of a dynamic, multi-day virtual conference focused on health literacy, equity, and understanding.
While we are partnering with IHA for this year’s event, the ClearMark Awards represent outstanding work from all industries, just as in previous years.
Submissions for the 2026 awards are now closed.
Register NowAbout the ClearMark Awards
The ClearMark Awards honor excellence in plain language across a wide range of communication types; from forms and websites to reports, presentations, and digital tools. Winning entries demonstrate how clear communication can improve understanding, support better decisions, and build trust.
The ClearMark Awards are widely recognized as the international gold standard for plain language recognition. Entries are evaluated by expert judges using rigorous, user-centered criteria aligned with the ISO Plain Language Standard.
While the IHA Health Literacy Conference welcomes a worldwide audience, the 2026 ClearMark Awards recognize work created in North America or intended for a North American audience.
When & Where
What: 2026 ClearMark Awards
When: May 13, 2026
Where: Online
Presented during: IHA Health Literacy Conference
The ClearMark Awards will be presented as a dedicated 90-minute session within the conference program, beginning at 1:15 p.m. PT / 4:15 p.m. ET on May 13.
Earlier that day, the Center for Plain Language will be introduced during the opening session of the May 13 conference, giving attendees a brief overview of our work and mission.
Registration for the ClearMark Awards presentation is managed through IHA’s conference platform and is free of charge for attendees. Registration opens in late March.
New Center for Plain Language members will receive a 20% discount on membership, offering continued access to learning opportunities, resources, and a community committed to clarity and equity in communication.
About the IHA Health Literacy Conference
The IHA Health Literacy Conference is an annual, international virtual event that brings together professionals from healthcare, public health, government, nonprofits, and communications to explore practical strategies for improving understanding.
Conference programming includes:
- TED-style talks
- Information sessions about IHA programs and resources
- Interactive roundtable discussions
- Skill-building workshops (registration required)
General access to the conference is free. Workshops require paid registration, and recordings of workshops are made available to registrants following the event.
Center for Plain Language Programming at the Conference
As part of this collaboration, the Center for Plain Language plans to contribute with an introduction to the Center and presenting the ClearMark Awards. The sessions are designed to introduce our work, share practical plain language strategies, and celebrate excellence in clear communication.
Planned Center-led programming includes:
Who We Are: An Introduction to the Center for Plain Language
In the opening session on May 13, conference attendees will be introduced to the Center for Plain Language, our mission, and our work. In just a few minutes, we’ll share how plain language supports health literacy and how you can get involved.
The 2026 ClearMark Awards
Our ClearMark Awards ceremony will recognize this year’s winners and highlight what makes their work stand out.
Attendees will see real-world examples of award-winning communication, including healthcare and public health projects, as well as examples from other industries, that demonstrate clarity, usability, and audience focus.
Event Agenda
Here’s what to expect during the 90-minute ClearMark Awards session:
Conversation with Shuly Babitz
Plain Language and Strategic Communications Advisor
In this featured conversation, Shuly Babitz shares how she built a culture of clear communication across a large federal agency.
Through an interview-style discussion, she’ll reflect on what worked, what she learned, and how others can apply these lessons in their own organizations.
(Shuly will participate in a personal capacity.)
Awards Presentation
We’ll begin with a brief look at how entries are judged and what makes a ClearMark Award winner stand out.
Finalists in each category will be recognized, followed by the announcement of this year’s winners.
Judges’ Insights
ClearMark judges will share what they look for in strong submissions, including:
- Audience focus
- Usability and testing
- Design and structure
- Government and public-facing communication
- Interactive Learning
Throughout the event, you’ll have opportunities to participate in quick polls and quizzes that reinforce practical plain language strategies you can use right away.
Winner Spotlights
Selected winners will share short stories about their work, offering real-world examples of how plain language improves understanding and usability.
Grand ClearMark Reveal
We’ll close the event by announcing the 2026 Grand ClearMark Award winner.
Register NowLooking Ahead: Post-Conference Learning Opportunity
(Details coming soon)
The Center for Plain Language will also host a follow-up workshop after the conference, in July or early August 2026. This session will feature 2026 ClearMark Award winners sharing how they developed their award-winning submissions and what others can learn from their process.
More information will be shared once this additional workshop is confirmed.
Celebrate the 2026 ClearMark Award Winners
Conference attendees and professionals from all industries are invited to join us in celebrating the 2026 ClearMark Award winners and learning from their work.
If you create communications that help people understand complex or critical information, we invite you to explore this year’s winning work and consider submitting when the 2027 competition opens.
Winning materials demonstrate clarity, strong audience focus, measurable usability, and a commitment to improving understanding, access, and outcomes.
Stay Informed
Check back here and follow us on social media for updates as we finalize program details and share opportunities to learn from this year’s winners.