APCO
APCO is a public relations agency based in Washington (founded 1984).
This profile is unclaimed. Register as an agency to claim it.
About APCO
APCO was founded in 1984 in Washington, D.C., at a time when the lines between business strategy, public policy, and corporate communication were becoming increasingly blurred. The firm’s founders recognized that organizations needed more than just media relations or lobbying; they required integrated advice that could navigate the complex interplay of government, media, and public opinion. From this insight, APCO emerged as a different kind of advisory firm—one that combined strategic communication with deep policy expertise and stakeholder engagement. Headquartered at 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest in Washington, United States, the firm has grown into a global operation with over 1,200 employees across more than 80 markets worldwide.
Current Focus and Capabilities
Today, APCO operates as an independent, majority women-owned company that describes itself as a global advisory and advocacy firm. Its work spans corporate communication, crisis management, government relations, and corporate social responsibility, but its approach is notably integrated. The firm employs former elected leaders, communication specialists, and policy experts who work together to build coalitions and craft narratives on issues ranging from environment and trade to health care. APCO has also developed proprietary tools like Agenda 360 for policy analysis and RepGenAI for managing reputation on AI platforms, reflecting a commitment to data-driven strategy. While the firm is best known for its public affairs and corporate advisory work, its capabilities extend across a broad spectrum of services.
Services and Specialties
APCO offers a comprehensive suite of services that help clients manage their most critical challenges and opportunities. These services are designed to be flexible, allowing the firm to tailor its support to the specific needs of each client, whether a multinational corporation, a government, or a non-governmental organization. Key areas of expertise include:
- Public affairs and government relations
- Corporate communication and executive board communication
- Crisis management and litigation communication
- Issues management and policy research
- Financial communication and investor relations
- Media relations and advocacy
- Corporate responsibility and impact strategy
- Branding, creative services, and advertising
- Digital and online communication
- Opinion research and community relations
These services are underpinned by a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and coalition building. APCO’s work often involves helping organizations navigate sensitive or high-stakes situations, such as regulatory challenges, reputational threats, or major policy shifts. The firm’s experience in crisis and litigation communication is particularly noteworthy, as it requires both strategic thinking and the ability to manage real-time pressures. Similarly, its corporate responsibility and impact strategy work helps clients align their business objectives with broader societal expectations.
Who Benefits from APCO’s Approach
APCO is best suited for organizations that face complex, multi-stakeholder environments and need advice that bridges communication, policy, and business strategy. This includes large multinational companies dealing with regulatory issues across different markets, governments seeking to build public support for initiatives, and NGOs looking to advance their advocacy goals. The firm’s strength in management consulting and corporate advisory means it can also serve leadership teams that need help with board-level communication, financial messaging, or strategic repositioning. Because APCO operates globally but is rooted in Washington, D.C., it is particularly valuable for clients who need to understand and influence the U.S. policy landscape while also managing international dimensions. The firm’s independent ownership structure and its focus on integrated solutions make it a practical choice for organizations that want a partner capable of handling both the strategic and the tactical aspects of communication and advocacy.
Key facts
- Team size: 501+ employees
- Headquarters: 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia, United States, 20004
- Address: 1299 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest , Washington District of Columbia United States 20004
- Annual revenue: 257000000
- SIC codes: 8742
Keywords & focus
Topics and areas APCO works with.
- public affairs
- corporate responsibility
- issues management
- financial communication
- advertising
- creative
- crisis litigation
- management consulting
- corporate advisory
- corporate communication
- executive board comm
- financial comm
- media relations
- executive board communication
- government relations
- advocacy
- opinion research
- public relations
- executive amp board communication
- crisis management
- branding
- creative services
- impact strategy
- online
- digital
- community relations
- policy research
- issues mgmt
- crisis amp litigation
- litigation comm
- +122 more
Technologies
Outlook, Amazon AWS, Mimecast, MailChimp SPF, Microsoft Office 365, JQuery 2.1.1, React, Slack, Amazon SES, Hubspot, Google Analytics, Facebook Custom Audiences, Nginx, Facebook Widget, Linkedin Marketing Solutions, reCAPTCHA, Twitter Advertising, Google Tag Manager, Ubuntu, Shutterstock, WordPress.org, Facebook Login (Connect), ShareThis, Google Font API, Vimeo, Mobile Friendly, Remote, Circle, A...
Industries served by APCO
APCO works with clients across 1 sectors. Whether you are a startup or an enterprise, they can support your PR and communications goals.
- management consulting
Other PR agencies in Washington
If you are looking for alternatives or more options in Washington, here are other public relations agencies in the same city you can compare.
Frequently asked questions about APCO
Common questions and answers about APCO, their services, location, and how to work with them.
- Where is APCO located?
- APCO is headquartered in Washington.
- What services does APCO offer?
- APCO offers media relations, communications strategy, and public relations. They help brands with public relations, media outreach, and strategic communications.
- What industries does APCO serve?
- APCO serves clients in management consulting. They work with startups, scale-ups, and enterprises across these sectors.
- Is APCO a verified PR agency?
- APCO is listed on Online PR. Verification status is shown on their profile.
- How can I contact APCO?
- You can visit their website at http://www.apcoworldwide.com
- How many reviews does APCO have?
- APCO has 0 client reviews with an average rating of 0.0 out of 5.
- When was APCO founded?
- APCO was founded in 1984.
Share your experience
Be the first to leave a review for APCO.
Are you APCO?
This profile hasn't been claimed yet. Claim it to start receiving quote requests directly from clients, manage your listing, and respond to leads.
Claim this listingLooking for APCO? Visit their website to contact them directly.