PRESS RELEASE: ENGAGEMENT INSTITUTE AND PRINCIPALS WIN AT THE 2025 TRANSFORM AWARDS ANZ

Engagement Institute and brand agency Principals have been awarded Gold for Best Localisation of a Global Brand at the 2025 Transform Awards ANZ. These awards celebrate organisations that demonstrate excellence in brand strategy, design and execution across Australia and New Zealand.

The recognition celebrates the depth of collaboration behind the Engagement Institute’s recent rebrand from IAP2 Australasia — an effort shaped by the voices of their members across Australia and New Zealand. Through extensive research, member workshops, testing rounds and open forums, the new brand and name evolved directly from what practitioners told us they needed to strengthen engagement across the region.

Engagement Institute CEO Marion Short, said the award reflects the power of genuine collaboration.
“This achievement belongs to our community. Our members and the Board guided each step of the process—what the brand should stand for, what it should make possible, and how it will serve the future of engagement. Working alongside Principals, we’ve created a brand that celebrates the evolving professionalisation and recognition of the engagement sector and sets us up for an ambitious, practical and people-centred future.”
– Marion Short, Chief Executive Officer, Engagement Institute

Principals Strategy Director & Principal, Moensie Rossier, said the project exemplified how global brand foundations can be translated authentically at a local level.
“Localisation is about meaning, not mechanics. Engagement Institute had a clear commitment to reflecting the diversity, ambition and practice of engagement in Australia and New Zealand. Our partnership was built on listening deeply, designing openly and creating something that truly builds confidence and trust with the people who rely on this brand every day.”
– Moensie Rossier, Strategic Director & Principal, Principals

The rebrand marks a major milestone in the evolution of Engagement Institute’s role within the region. By grounding the brand in local insight and lived practitioner experience, the organisation is now positioned to strengthen capability, lift practice and support better outcomes across infrastructure, government, environment, energy, health and beyond.

This award recognises not only the quality of the design and identity work, but also the shared values that shaped it: collaboration, curiosity, and a belief that engagement done well creates stronger decisions and stronger communities.

For more information, visit engagementinstitute.org.au.

ABOUT THE ENGAGEMENT INSTITUTE
The Engagement Institute is the leading voice for community and stakeholder engagement across Australasia – and the exclusive regional partner of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).

They seek to promote and improve the practice of community and stakeholder engagement and as the home of engagement professionals, their mission has always been clear: to drive change through meaningful engagement – building trust, improving decisions and shaping better futures. Evolving from a collective of passionate practitioners, they are now a dynamic and influential network of over 15,000 members.

ABOUT PRINCIPALS
Principals is a leading brand agency specialising in strategy, identity, voice and experience. Making brand a force for positive change, their work centres on authentic, insight-driven branding that builds clarity, trust and connection.

Media contact: Marion Short CEO Engagement Institute [email protected]