Tips for Creating Your Anvil Entries; Highlights From 2023

The final entry date for Anvils submissions is Feb. 15.

Before the last deadline, Ann Andrews Morris, chair of PRSA’s Honors and Awards Committee and longtime senior Anvil judge, offered these tips for entries (this is an excerpt from a post that first appeared on PRsay on Jan. 11):

• Study the list of Anvil Categories and don’t miss new categories added for 2024, including Best Use of AI, Best AI Integration and Digital Innovations, and Best Solution Provider/Vendor.
• Avoid last-minute rushes; give yourself ample time to review your work and rediscover forgotten accomplishments.
• Adhere to all the guidelines, including font size and page length.
• Use the two-page summary to compellingly narrate your story, breaking it down by each section required in the Silver or Bronze categories.
• Always include your communications plan.
• Access PRSA’s database of Anvil Award-winning case studies in the categories you wish to enter to use as a benchmark.
• Collaborate closely with the person crafting the entry, ensuring they have all the necessary information.
• Thoroughly proofread your work; ideally, have someone not involved in its creation review it for any omissions.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of PRSA’s Anvil Awards, the pinnacle of recognition for outstanding achievements in public relations.

Find entry information on the PRSA website here. 

Looking Back at 2023

On Dec. 20, PRSA published its 2023 Year in Review, showcasing the collective achievements and strength of PRSA and the profession.

The review includes updates on all areas of PRSA, including DEI, professional development, and member support, and offers highlights from marquee events such as ICON and the Anvils. 

“During 2023, we focused on harnessing the power of all the PRSA constituencies. We built additional tools in our reporting portal, so Chapters and Districts have insight into more timely data,” PRSA CEO Linda Thomas Brooks said in her introductory letter. “We also added to our library of on-demand professional development programming, allowing members to access the learning and information they need, whenever they need it.”

The result? Member growth and increased engagement. Thomas Brooks reported that the professional membership number is at a two-year high, and over half of PRSA Chapters have strengthened their membership rosters.

Celebrating Black History Month

In February, PRSA recognizes Black History Month — a time to reflect upon and celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions made by the pioneers who have shaped American history as well as the PR and communications profession. The PRSA website provides a variety of resources, including webinars, tool kits and editorial content related to Black History Month and DEI. 

Visit our social media platforms for more details and updates throughout the month.

PRSA Welcomes New CMO

Anna Yudina has joined the PRSA team as chief marketing officer. She will provide strategic leadership for marketing PRSA’s growing lineup of products and services and developing campaigns that drive increased brand awareness and membership.

Yudina was previously the senior director of marketing initiatives at The Toy Association, where she worked on member programs and public-facing initiatives like The Genius of Play, the national movement to raise awareness of the importance of play in child development. She previously worked as digital marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams.

Her expertise includes marketing strategy and execution, social media, website management and analytics, and marketing partnerships.

Yudina has a BA in literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey and an MBA in marketing from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College in New York.