The PR Club's 57th Annual Bell Ringer Awards, held at the Museum of Science in Boston, marked a significant moment for the public relations and communications industry in New England. The event, which returned to pre-pandemic attendance levels, not only celebrated the region's most impactful PR campaigns but also underscored the resilience and creativity of the professionals in the field. Hosted by Emmy-nominated journalist Emily Schario, the evening was a testament to the industry's ability to adapt and thrive in changing times.
Among the highlights of the evening was the recognition of agencies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the field. Duffy & Shanley, RDW Group, and 360PR+ were among the top awardees, with 360PR+ receiving the Platinum Super Bell Award for their thought leadership campaign for CarGurus. This campaign not only elevated the company's media presence but also demonstrated the power of strategic communication in building brand authority.
The event also honored individuals who have made lasting impacts on the PR community. Amy Shanler, an associate professor at Boston University, received the John J. Molloy Crystal Bell Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of service to the PR Club and the broader communications industry. Meanwhile, Erin Fennell of V2 Communications and Julianna Sheridan of Matter Communications were recognized for their early and mid-career achievements, respectively, highlighting the importance of nurturing talent at all levels.
In a new addition to the awards, the Carillonneur Professional Award was introduced to celebrate outstanding workplace culture in PR and communications, with V2 Communications being the inaugural recipient. This award reflects the growing recognition of the role that positive work environments play in fostering creativity and excellence in the industry.
Beyond celebrating professional achievements, the PR Club used the event as an opportunity to give back to the community. A 50/50 raffle raised over $1,000 for CommonWealth Kitchen, a nonprofit that supports food entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. This initiative highlighted the PR Club's commitment to social responsibility and the power of the communications industry to make a positive impact beyond its own sphere.
The 57th Annual Bell Ringer Awards not only celebrated the past year's achievements in public relations and communications but also set a benchmark for excellence and innovation in the industry. By recognizing both individual and collective accomplishments, the event underscored the importance of creativity, leadership, and social responsibility in shaping the future of communications.
