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We have switched platforms and are back with Open Water, so we are able to offer more categories in alignment with the Silver and Bronze Anvil awards at the national PRSA level.
The Blacksmith Awards are open to all public relations professionals in the Greater Cincinnati area. If an organization conducted the work out of the area for an in-town client, it is also eligible. Entrants must submit original work or work they directly supervised. Entries must be for work produced/managed in the Greater Cincinnati area from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
Entry Summary: Every entry must be accompanied by a summary describing the entry. In addition to the criteria noted with each category, please note the following guidelines by entry type.
Campaign Category Summaries: The Campaign Summary can be up to two 8.5 x 11 pages, no smaller than 10 point type, using normal margins. You do not have to completely fill two pages. Use as much space as needed within the two pages to adequately provide the summary of the program. It should cover the following criteria: Insights, planning, implementation and evaluation.
View the Campaign Category Rubric here.
Tactic Category Summaries: The Tactic Summary can be up to one 8.5 x 11 page, using normal margins and no smaller than 10-point type. Again, you do not have to completely fill the page.
It should include the following:
- Insights
- Planning
- Implementation
- Creativity
- Evaluation
View the Tactics Category Rubric here.
Professional and Team Category Summaries: The Professional/Team Summary can be up to one 8.5 x 11 page, no smaller than 10 point type, using normal margins.
The Professional Recognition Summary should provide evidence of traits demonstrating the best in his/her/their field, such as communication skills, public relations expertise, creativity and integrity.
See individual categories for specific summary instructions.
View the Professional and Team Category Rubrics here.
Supporting Materials: To accompany the summary, entries should include relevant support materials to show the work's success. There is no minimum number to include; you may include up to 10 examples of supporting materials.
Examples of supporting materials used in the execution of the campaign or tactic could include electronic copies or links of the following:
- Budget and planning timeline spreadsheets
- News clippings
- Social media
- Photos and videos
- Screen captures
- Other collateral used (excluding props)
Website entries must include the URL (if still “live”), user IDs and passwords (if necessary). Supporting materials should be well labeled so that judges can immediately identify them. The platform provides limits to the size of the uploads.
Overview: To complete your entry, you must provide a 50-word overview of the entry, an image, and one interesting fact about the project or person. These might be used during the Chapter Banquet.
There is no limit to the number of categories into which a single program or tactic can be entered, provided it applies to the criteria stated within each category. Judges may reclassify any entry into a more appropriate category or disqualify it entirely if it fits no other category. Entries cannot be submitted as both a campaign and a tactic; however, individual parts of a campaign may be submitted separately as a tactic.