STIHL Inc. Wins 2026 AVA Digital Award for “STIHL INKED: When a Brand Is So Loved, Fans Wear It for Life" Social Media Campaign
Release Date: February 17, 2026
Award honors STIHL Inc.’s innovative digital storytelling and strong fan‑driven brand engagement
Virginia Beach, VA (February 3, 2026) – STIHL Inc. is proud to announce that its social media team has been honored with a 2026 AVA Digital Award in recognition of the company’s innovative campaign, “STIHL INKED: When a Brand Is So Loved, Fans Wear It for Life.”
The international AVA Digital Awards competition recognizes excellence by creative professionals responsible for the planning, concept, direction, design, and production of digital communications. This year, the competition received 2,600 entries from across the United States, Canada, and 31 additional countries.
The winning STIHL Inc. campaign celebrated the passion and authenticity of STIHL fans who have shown their dedication in a unique way—through STIHL‑inspired tattoos. Leveraging real fan stories, bold visuals, and community‑driven content, the STIHL INKED campaign highlighted the deep emotional connection between the brand and its users. The result was an engaging, high‑impact digital experience that resonated across social media platforms.
“We are truly honored to receive this AVA Digital Award,” said Les Robinson, STIHL Inc. Digital Marketing Manager. “The STIHL INKED campaign was a celebration of our community—of real people whose passion for STIHL runs deep. This recognition reflects the creativity of our team and the loyalty of STIHL fans everywhere.”
The AVA Digital Awards are sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), an international organization composed of thousands of marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, and multimedia professionals. Judges seek out companies and individuals whose work exemplifies excellence and sets new industry standards. Winners are selected from more than 200 categories spanning audio, video, and web‑based production, including interactive digital media, animation, blogs, podcasts, and social media content.
For more information about STIHL Inc. and its award‑winning campaigns, visit www.stihlusa.com.
About STIHL Inc.
As the #1 selling brand of gas- and battery-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America among U.S. professional landscapers*, STIHL is renowned for its legacy of innovation, durability, and performance. From chainsaws and trimmers to blowers and mowers, STIHL products are trusted by professionals and homeowners alike and are sold through a network of more than 10,000 authorized local STIHL Dealers—not big box stores. STIHL Inc., the U.S. affiliate of the global STIHL Group, employs more than 2,300 people and manufactures over 100 STIHL models at its 150-acre campus in Virginia Beach, VA.
*"Number one selling brand" is based on 2007-2024 syndicated and commissioned surveys and 2023-2024 surveys conducted by Irwin Broh Research of the U.S. professional landscaper and tree care markets.
