Blacksmith Awards (preparation)
The Blacksmith Awards, presented by the Cincinnati chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, honor the best of the Cincinnati region’s public relations community, from talented, experienced practitioners to stellar work that has local, national and international impact.
It’s time to celebrate, the Cincinnati region's incredible public relations industry. Join us on , for the 2026 Cincinnati PRSA Chapter Banquet. This is a must-attend event for PR practitioners. Together, we'll reunite, network and celebrate. We'll reveal the best PR campaigns and tactics of the year with the Blacksmith Awards, hear from leaders within the PR industry, and honor some outstanding professionals. We'll also be toasting:
- The 2025 Werner-Vonderhaar-Bogart (WVB) Award recipient
- The 2025 President's Award recipient
- New and upcoming APR's
Tickets
$75.00 PRSA Cincinnati Chapter Member
$50.00 PRSSA Member
$90.00 Non-Member ticket
$700.00 FULL table (seats 10) (member purchase) (use word "guest" if guest name is unknown today)
$350.00 HALF table (seats 5) (member purchase) (use word "guest" if guest name is unknown today)
$75.00 Member's guest ticket - (member purchase) (use word "guest" if guest name is unknown today)
Blacksmith Awards Sponsors
Sponsorships available now. Please contact us for more details.
Use this link to view sponsorship packet
PRESENTING
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
PRESENTING SPONSOR $1,500
Premier recognition in print, online and at event “Presented by ____”
Digital Marketing
- Recognition on the chapter’s website (average of 1,800 visits/month)
- Promotion on the Blacksmith Awards entry platform
- Recognition on chapter social media channels
- Logo placement on online registration page
In-Person Engagement
- Welcome address at Chapter Banquet
- One complimentary table – equaling 8 to 10 tickets – at the event
- Opportunity to place one promo item at each table at the event
- Full-page ad in the event program
- Logo placement in event program
- Signage displayed at the event
- Two tickets to future PRSA programs (restrictions apply) for use in 2026
Platinum Sponsor $1000
Digital Marketing
- Recognition on the chapter’s website (average of 1,800 visits/month)
- Recognition on chapter social media channels
- Logo placement on online registration page
In-Person Engagement
- Four complimentary tickets to the event
- Full-page ad in the event program
- Signage displayed at the event
- Logo placement in event program
Gold Sponsor - $500
Digital Marketing
- Recognition on the chapter’s website (average of 1,800 visits/month)
- Recognition on chapter social media channels
In-Person Engagement
- Two complimentary tickets to the event
- Quarter-page ad in the event program
- Logo placement in event program
SILVER SPONSOR - $250
Digital Marketing
- Recognition on the chapter’s website (average of 1,800 visits/month)
- Recognition on chapter social media channels
In-Person Engagement
- One complimentary ticket to the event
- Logo placement in event program
The portal is now closed.
It will reopen Friday, July 17.
Congratulations to all of our 2025 winners! You can view the full list of winners here.
Review full rubrics of judging criteria for each category, which will be used to determine this year’s winners.
Get all the details and answers to frequently asked questions to help prepare and submit your Blacksmith Award entry.
Learn more about sponsorship packages and opportunities to support the PRSA Blacksmith Awards.
Submit Your Entries for the 2026 Blacksmith Awards
The Blacksmith Awards are open to all public relations professionals in the Greater Cincinnati area. If the work was conducted by an organization 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, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Entry portal opens Friday, July 17.
Early Entry deadline (discount rate) - Friday, August 28.
Regular entry deadline- Monday, September 14
Late Entry Deadline (Late fee) - Friday, September 18.
Finalists announced - Wednesday, October 21.
Congratulations to all of our 2025 winners! You can view the full list of winners here.
Important Dates for 2026
The 2026 Blacksmith Awards will be presented and honored at the Chapter Banquet, Thursday, November --
Tips For Submitting A Winning Blacksmith Award Entry
2025 BLACKSMITH AWARDS INFO SESSION
Hear from Blacksmith Awards Co-Chair Gina Stegner and Lexi McCoy about the BIG changes to this year’s awards. You’ll also find helpful tips about how you can turn a year's worth of hard work into award-winning entries.
MACKENZIE PIERCE'S ENTRY TIPS
Don’t forget, it’s all about the metrics! Mackenzie Pierce of Ohio National Financial Services describes what you need for your award-winning entry.
DREW BOEHMKER’S ENTRY TIPS
Never underestimate the importance of a good proofreader. Drew Boehmker, Senior Account Executive at Scooter Media, shares his best Blacksmith Awards entry advice.
MAUREEN RICHMOND’S ENTRY TIPS
Check out this tip from Maureen Richmond, VP of Integrated Communications at Bon Secours Mercy Health and a 2018 Blacksmith Award recipient, on how to prepare a winning entry.
ALLISON SCHROEDER’S ENTRY TIPS
There’s one simple suggestion that will help you prepare an award-worthy entry. Hear from Allison Schroeder, Founder and Lead Strategist at Pomme Communications and 2018 Blacksmith Award recipient.
Blogs
Why I Value the PRSA Awards
07/22/2024
Beyond the opportunity to connect with local public relations superstars, the Blacksmith Awards have proven to be valuable asset for growing a business and professional reputation. Here are three reasons to love the Blacksmith Awards.
Read More ►2026 Blacksmiths Committee
Thank you to our 2026 Blacksmith Awards committee, who are actively working to bring you this year’s program!
Co-Chair
Lexi McCoy
Co-Chair
Courtney Russell
Shara Clark
