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, taking place online May 12–14, 2026.
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 remain open to submissions from all industries, just as in previous years.
About 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, ClearMark Award submissions must be 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 participate in a brief “Who We Are” introduction as part of the conference welcome (9:05–9:13 a.m. PT / 12:05–12:13 p.m. ET).
Registration for the ClearMark Awards presentation will be managed through IHA’s conference platform and will be free of charge for attendees. Registration opens in late Maarch.
Conference attendees will also receive a 20% discount on Center for Plain Language membership, providing continued access to learning opportunities, resources, and a community committed to clarity and equity in communication.
Additional details about the timing and format of the awards presentation will be shared closer to the event.
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 multiple program elements to the conference in addition to presenting the ClearMark Awards. These 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
This free, 30-minute session will introduce conference attendees to the Center for Plain Language, our mission, and our work. Attendees will learn how plain language supports health literacy and how to get involved with the ClearMark Awards.
ClearMark / Plain Language Workshop
(Details coming soon)
The Center for Plain Language is planning a fee-based educational workshop, similar to other ClearMark educational offerings.
Final topic selection, timing, pricing, and facilitators will be announced once confirmed.
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, that demonstrate clarity, usability, and audience focus.
Looking 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.
Submit to the 2026 ClearMark Awards
Conference attendees, and professionals from all industries, are encouraged to submit eligible materials to the 2026 ClearMark Awards.
If you create communications that help people understand complex or critical information, we invite you to share your work and help make clear communication shine.
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, submission timelines, and workshop information.