The 2026 Bern Communication Award Goes to Imke Wübbenhorst
The head coach of the YB Women’s team has been awarded the 16th Bern Communication Prize—for her clear messaging, role model status, and commitment to women’s soccer.
This year’s 16th Bern Communication Award, presented by the Bern Public Relations Association (BPRG), goes to Imke Wübbenhorst, head coach of YB Women. The award recognizes her exceptional communication skills and her commitment to women’s soccer—all without any formal training in public relations.
Clear messages and open dialogue
The Bern Communication Award is presented annually to individuals who stand out for their exceptional communication skills, even without formal training in the field. Nik Eugster, president of the BPRG, explained the selection in clear terms at the award ceremony: «Imke Wübbenhorst communicates clear messages, highlights both the successes and challenges in women’s soccer, and led YB Women 2025 to the Swiss championship title.» Board member Abhinay Agarwal added: «Her ability to prioritize engagement and dialogue is exemplary.»
Wübbenhorst herself accepted the award with great enthusiasm: «It is a great honor for me to receive this award. For me, communication is far more than just the transfer of information—it’s about inspiring people and fostering talent both on and off the field.» She described the award as confirmation of how important open dialogue is for shared success.
Festive Awards Ceremony at the Sportbar Bern
The award ceremony took place on June 3, 2026, at the Sportbar Bern and was hosted by Joëlle Beeleer. As part of the award, the winner receives a custom-made work of art created by the School of Wood Sculpture in Brienz as part of an internal competition.
A Tradition with a Rich History: The Bern Communication Award
Since 2011, the BPRG has been awarding the Bern Communication Prize to individuals from a wide variety of fields. Past recipients include, among others, beatboxer and rapper Steff la Cheffe (2011), sprinter Mujinga Kambundji (2015), climate researcher Prof. Dr. Thomas Stocker (2016), playwright and director Livia Anne Richard (2019), YB sports director Christoph Spycher (2021), and Thömus founder and CEO Thomas Binggeli (2025). The list demonstrates the broad spectrum of the award-winning communicators—ranging from sports and culture to science and business.
The BPRG is one of the seven regional chapters of the national professional association pr suisse, which has more than 1,500 members.
More information: https://www.bprg.ch
