National Publicist Day

National Publicist Day, observed annually on October 30, is a special day dedicated to appreciating the work of publicists and public relations professionals around the world.

History of National Publicist Day

The observance of National Publicist Day was founded in 2015 by Jordanna Stephen, a publicist who realized that professionals in the publicity field rarely had a day of their own to be recognized. The date of October 30 was chosen in homage to a landmark moment in public relations history: on October  30  1906, the New York Times printed the first known press release, written by Ivy Lee, often called the “father of modern PR.”

Why National Publicist Day is important

In many ways, this day points to something subtle yet significant: the role of the publicist is typically behind‑the‑scenes, dealing with narratives, reputations, and communications. Without the spotlight, great work goes unnoticed—this day offers a moment of recognition for that hidden labor. It also invites us to reflect on how public opinion is shaped, how information moves in society, and how critical transparency and storytelling are in our digital age. A publicist doesn’t just promote—they help shape understanding, manage crises, maintain dialogue between brands/people and society.
Here are some reflections on why the day matters:

• It highlights that publicists work to connect clients and the public in meaningful ways, not just create hype.
• It underscores that their work often involves managing information, reputation, and trust—essential in a world saturated with messages.
• It reminds us that communication professionals deserve recognition too, because their role supports many industries, causes, and individuals.
• It encourages us to acknowledge professionals who often remain unseen but whose work affects what we see and believe.
• It prompts organisations and individuals to reflect on how they communicate responsibly, and how publicists can help amplify honest, clear narratives.

How to Observe National Publicist Day

Observing this day can be both simple and effective. If you know a publicist, send them a note of thanks, share their story, highlight what they’ve done. If you’re in PR yourself, take the moment to reflect on your journey: what has your role meant, what challenges have you faced, what successes deserve recognition? Organizations might host small events, spotlights, or social media campaigns to honor their PR teams.
Here are practical ideas:

• Use social media and post a message or story thanking a publicist you know, tagging them and using #NationalPublicistDay.
• If you have a PR or communications team at your workplace, organize a short appreciation moment: coffee, card, shout‑out.
• Write a short blog or article about the value of publicists in your field and share it with your network.
• For aspiring communicators: take some time on this day to research the role of publicists, their skills, and consider if this career may suit you.
• Organizations can schedule a small internal session: invite their publicist(s) to share a “day‑in‑the‑life” or talk about trends in PR and media.

National Publicist Day Dates Table