Once again, the Blacksmith Awards categories are consistent with the categories for the Silver and Bronze Anvils. This will make it easier for you to submit your campaign and tactics to the PRSA's national awards programs with minimal changes. However, we have retained our PRSSA/student categories for student entries as well as several professional and team recognition categories.
See the complete list of Blacksmith categories below.
Category types quick links:
These categories recognize public relations campaigns that successfully changed awareness, opinions, attitudes and behaviors or strengthened community relations. Note: These are based on the national PRSA Silver Anvil Awards.
C01. COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Includes programs that aim to improve relations with, or seek to win the support or cooperation of, people or organizations in communities in which the sponsoring organization has an interest, need or opportunity. “Community” in this category refers to a specific geographic location or locations.
C02. CONTENT MARKETING
Programs that effectively demonstrate a strategic program that includes creating and distributing valuable content to attract, acquire and engage the target audience(s). Include examples and metrics.
C03. CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS
Includes programs undertaken to deal with an unplanned event that required an immediate response.
C04. EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES-
C04A. More Than Seven Days
Includes programs or events, such as commemorations, observances, openings, year-long anniversaries, celebrations or other special activities.
C04B. EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES- 7 DAYS OR FEWER
This includes programs or events such as commemorations, observances, openings, year-long anniversaries, celebrations or other special activities.
C05. INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS
Includes creative and effective integrated campaigns and other marketing or communications, including paid, earned, shared and owned efforts. Demonstrate the meaningful PR/communications components and their integration with other disciplines.
C06. MARKETING
Includes programs designed to introduce new products/services or promote existing products/services to a particular audience.
C07. MOST EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGN ON A $5,000 TO $10,000 BUDGET
Effective campaign delivered within the parameters of a limited budget. This does not include staff time and overhead.
C08. MOST EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGN ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET ($5,000 OR LESS)
The campaign was successful despite the budget constraints. This does not include staff time and overhead.
C09. CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
This celebrates campaigns and programs that ignite individuals, technology, and partnerships to create a positive impact for society at the local, national or international level, including but not limited to areas such as poverty, hunger, housing, health and well-being, climate, equity, education and human rights.
C10. MULTICULTURAL PUBLIC RELATIONS
For any type of program, such as institutional, marketing and community relations, specifically targeted to a cultural group.
C11. REPUTATION/BRAND MANAGEMENT
Programs are designed to enhance, promote or improve an organization's reputation with its publics or key elements of its publics, either proactively or in response to an issue, event or market occurrence.
C12. PRSSA Member or Student CAMPAIGN
Any campaign conceived and executed by a student or team of students.
These categories examine the individual components of your public relations plans and the tools used to communicate your message effectively. Note: These are based on the national PRSA Bronze Anvil Awards.
T01. MEDIA RELATIONS
Tactics, programs, and events driven entirely by media relations. Submit press releases, media advisories, pitch letters, requests for coverage, etc., along with a one-page summary that includes measurable objectives and results, such as evidence of the resulting media coverage. Upload or provide YouTube/Vimeo links to any television or radio coverage.
T02. FEATURE STORIES*
Feature articles that have been written by a practitioner, and submitted and published through his/her efforts. Submit text of feature article, as well as documentation of publication and placement. The one-page summary should include the target audience, measurable objectives and any documented results.
* Feature Stories must be written in their entirety or substantially by the entrant, and not merely “pitched.”
T03. BEST USE OF DATA INSIGHTS
The use of data or research in a program to inform a communications strategy and/or message development. Demonstrate how the insights were acquired and applied.
T04. WEBSITES
Use of a website as part of a communications or content marketing program. Include screen grabs or copies of key pages to support your one-page summary. Additionally, include the website URL for external sites.
T05. Nontraditional TACTICS
Innovative, unconventional and creative tactics or approaches are used in a public relations program. Documentation of how the tactic specifically contributed to the campaign's measurable results should be included in the one-page summary. (Photographic and/or video representation of any physical objects should be uploaded to be fully considered in this category.)
T06. BEST TACTICAL PIVOT
When faced with an unexpected challenge or complication, how did you overcome it? Describe your creative and innovative solution to an issue.
T07. Publications – digital or print
Designed, written and published/distributed periodically to provide brief and timely information to target audiences while supporting an organization’s overall objectives. Upload samples of three consecutive issues, along with a one-page summary including goals and results.
T08. SINGLE-ISSUE PUBLICATIONS
Single-issue publications are designed for a special purpose. Books and other publications not eligible for consideration in different categories should be entered here. Upload a sample of one copy of the publication along with the one-page summary including goals and results.
T09. VIDEO
Produced videos to inform target audiences of an event, brand, product, service, issue or organization. The one-page summary should include usage statistics or other means of quantified measurement to support stated objectives.
T10. Branded Content
Use of content generation to promote a particular brand that funds the content's production. Upload samples along with a one-page summary including goals and results.
T11. PODCASTS
How did you tell your story – was the purpose to teach or share? Was it intended for internal or external audiences and was there engagement on multiple platforms? Provide goals, results and listener feedback.
T12. NEW DIGITAL PLATFORM
Did you launch a new website, newsroom, App or another digital platform? How was it launched and how much risk was involved in your marketing plan? What platforms were used? What value did the end-user receive and how did it match goals?
T13. INFLUENCER MARKETING
Tactic that uses paid spokespeople and key leaders to increase awareness and drive your brand's message to the larger market. Include details of achievements/benchmarks on how the spokesperson met/exceeded campaign goals.
T14 SOCIAL MEDIA
T14A. Single Channel Use
T14B. Multichannel Use
How did you use social media to tell a story or connect with an audience? Share screenshots of links to your work and provide detailed results focusing on engagement and conversions, where applicable.
T15. BEST USE OF AI
Demonstrate how AI was pivotal in successfully driving or enhancing traditional tactical efforts within a campaign. Provide examples of tools used and results from their use.
T16. PRSSA Member or Student TACTIC
Any tactic conceived and executed by a student or team.
The Professional Recognition Summary should provide evidence of traits that demonstrate excellence in their field, such as communication skills, public relations expertise, creativity, and integrity. Refer to the individual categories for specific summary instructions. Additional work samples or documentation, such as clips, presentations, etc., may be included. Some categories also must include letters of recommendation. These entries require a summary of up to one page, standard one-inch margins, 10-point Times type.
P01. PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR:
Recognizes an established practitioner for exceptional leadership and professional accomplishments between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025. Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by others. Past Blacksmith winners in this category are not eligible.
P02. NEW PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR:
Recognizes a relative newcomer to public relations for demonstrating exceptional leadership and professional achievements during his/her initial years in the profession. All PR professionals who have been in full-time practice for less than three years are eligible. (This period excludes internships and part-time employment while working on a degree.)
P03. PR EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Recognizes an outstanding educator for accomplishments and contributions to academia and the larger PR field during the school year. May be nominated by students or professionals who are familiar with the educator’s classroom practices and the development of future PR professionals. Past Blacksmith winners are not eligible.
P04. PRSSA STUDENT OF THE YEAR -- Miami University
Recognizes an outstanding Public Relations Student Society of America member at Miami for his/her accomplishments during the school year. Teachers and PRSSA advisors may nominate a student whom they believe has demonstrated outstanding leadership and skills in public relations. Past Blacksmith winners are not eligible.
P05. PRSSA STUDENT OF THE YEAR -- Northern Kentucky University
Recognizes an outstanding Public Relations Student Society of America member at NKU for his/her accomplishments during the school year. Teachers and PRSSA advisors may nominate a student whom they believe has demonstrated outstanding leadership and skills in public relations. Past Blacksmith winners are not eligible.
P06. PRSSA STUDENT OF THE YEAR -- University of Cincinnati
Recognizes an outstanding Public Relations Student Society of America member at UC for his/her accomplishments during the school year. Teachers and PRSSA advisors may nominate a student whom they believe has demonstrated outstanding leadership and skills in public relations. Past Blacksmith winners are not eligible.
P07. PRSSA STUDENT OF THE YEAR -- Xavier University
Recognizes an outstanding Public Relations Student Society of America member at Xavier for his/her accomplishments during the school year. Teachers and PRSSA advisors may nominate a student whom they believe has demonstrated outstanding leadership and skills in public relations. Past Blacksmith winners are not eligible.
P08. CEO COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR
The CEO Communicator of the Year Award honors the outstanding performance of Cincinnati-area chief executive officers in their roles as chief communicators. The role of the CEO has undergone significant evolution. Not only do CEOs encourage and adapt to changing business models, but they must also frequently take the lead in communicating with employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to achieve success for their organization. PRSA will recognize a CEO who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in communications within their own company or in the industry. Nominees must be chief executive officers or hold equivalent positions. Past Blacksmith winners are not eligible.
TM01. SMALL/MID-SIZE AGENCY OF THE YEAR:
Recognizes PR agencies that have one to 12 full-time employees. The award will honor an established Greater Cincinnati PR agency for its professional accomplishments. Agencies must be operated in the Greater Cincinnati area and demonstrate successful PR campaigns and tactics.
TM02. LARGE AGENCY OF THE YEAR
The Large Agency of the Year award recognizes PR agencies with 13 or more full-time employees. The award will honor an established Greater Cincinnati PR agency for its professional accomplishments. Agencies must be operated in the Greater Cincinnati area and demonstrate successful PR campaigns and tactics.
TM03. COMMUNICATIONS BEST IN-HOUSE, Large
Recognizes an outstanding in-house communications team with seven or more employees for exceptional professional accomplishments in a company setting (not an agency). Individuals may nominate their team, or the team may be nominated by others. The organization must be operated in the Greater Cincinnati area and demonstrate successful PR campaigns and tactics.
TM04. COMMUNICATIONS BEST IN-HOUSE TEAM, SMALL
Recognizes an outstanding in-house communications team with six or fewer employees for exceptional professional accomplishments in a company setting (not an agency). Individuals may nominate their team, or the team may be nominated by others. The organization must be operated in the Greater Cincinnati area and demonstrate successful PR campaigns and tactics.