The Port of San Diego has been recognized with several communications awards from state and national professional organizations, highlighting the agency's work in public engagement and employee outreach.
Two organizations — the California Association of Public Information Officials and the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals — presented honors to the Port for various digital media initiatives. According to Chief Strategy and Communications Officer Job Nelson, the recognition reflects the agency's focus on highlighting community stories that connect residents and workers to the waterfront.
Among the honors was a state-level award for a video series called "People at the Park," which profiled different communities along San Diego Bay. The series featured stories ranging from families at Dunes Park in Imperial Beach to wildlife enthusiasts at Spanish Landing in San Diego.
The Port also received a platinum MarCom Award for promotional campaigns supporting three community events called "A Day at the Park." Using influencer partnerships, social media, press outreach, and digital advertising, the campaigns reached 4.7 million impressions and drew roughly 7,700 people to the events.
Additionally, the Port's weekly employee newsletter earned an honorable mention from MarCom. The publication, called "The Navigator," reaches nearly 600 staff members with updates from leadership, organizational news, and employee recognition features.
The Port of San Diego operates as a special district managing 34 miles of bayfront across five cities, funding its operations through revenue rather than tax dollars.