Silver Anvils

The Icon of Best Public Relations Practices

The Silver Anvil, symbolizing the forging of public opinion, is awarded annually to organizations that have successfully addressed a contemporary issue with exemplary professional skill, creativity and resourcefulness.

Respected. Sponsored by the Public Relations Society of America — the largest professional association serving the public relations industry — Silver Anvil winners contribute to the public relations body of knowledge and become a part of the history of our profession. Winning two-page summaries become a valued part of our online case study archives and are available to help promote and share best practices among all public relations practitioners.

Representative. In the 60-plus-year history of the Silver Anvils, more than 1,000 organizations have been recognized, including solo practitioners, agencies of all sizes, large and small businesses, top corporations, nonprofits, associations and government agencies. One-third of all Silver Anvil winners have a hard-working program budget of less than $100,000. Additionally, the 16 categories and various subcategories reflect the wide scope and valuable contribution of public relations today.

Rigorous. Silver Anvils recognize complete public relations programs incorporating measurable and sound research, planning, execution and evaluation. These four areas represent the solid criteria by which senior practitioners judge each entry to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance in the profession.

Rewarding. The Silver Anvils are regarded as the pre-eminent achievement of public relations — the highest watermark of success for any practitioner and organization.

Only one Silver Anvil may be awarded in each subcategory. Up to two other entries in each subcategory may be awarded a Silver Anvil Award of Excellence. No awards are given in categories where judges determine that the entries do not merit them.

Ready to make these winning strategies your own? Give your research an edge with members-only access to our database of Anvil Award-winning case studies.

Join the Silver Anvil conversation on Twitter: #PRSANVIL