The PR Club welcomed more than 150 public relations and communications professionals to the Museum of Science for the 58th Annual Bell Ringer Awards, returning to the iconic Boston venue for the second consecutive year. The evening was hosted by Edgar B. Herwick III, the Emmy Award-winning GBH host and reporter behind the “Curiosity Desk” series and co-host of “The Culture Show.” The event celebrated the best in PR and communications across New England, with a focus on campaigns that demonstrated creative planning and superior execution.
360PR+ won the Super Bell Award for Bob's Red Mill's 'Moregetherness' campaign. The campaign first earned Gold Bells in two categories before advancing to win the evening's top honor. This recognition underscores the power of purpose-driven storytelling in building brand loyalty and community connection. The campaign's success highlights how brands can leverage shared values to resonate with audiences, a key takeaway for PR professionals aiming to create impactful work.
The John J. Molloy Crystal Bell Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Kathy Wilson of Tier One Partners, honoring a distinguished career and an extensive track record of contributions to the New England communications community. Wilson's recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and long-term dedication to the field. The Ringer Award, recognizing a mid-career professional, was presented to Sam Powers of Walker Sands, while the Striker Award, celebrating early-career achievement, went to Aidan Poole of Walker Sands. These awards highlight the talent pipeline in New England and the value of investing in professional development.
The Carillonneur Award for Best Team Culture, recognizing a public relations or communications organization, was awarded to Randstad Digital | powered by Torc. This award emphasizes the critical role of internal culture in driving external success, a lesson for agencies and in-house teams alike. The full announcement, including downloadable images and bios, is available here.
The Bell Ringer Awards, now in their 58th year, are open to all New England practitioners and celebrate extraordinary work in the region's communications community. The PR Club, founded in 1948, strives to promote and encourage involvement in the communications industry. Additional information about PR Club programs and events can be found at prclub.org, and follow on LinkedIn and Instagram.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond the awards themselves. The recognition of campaigns like 'Moregetherness' demonstrates the increasing importance of authenticity and community in PR strategies. As brands seek to connect with consumers on a deeper level, campaigns that foster genuine togetherness and shared experiences are proving to be more effective. The lifetime achievement award to Kathy Wilson also signals the value of experience and ethical leadership in an industry often focused on short-term metrics.
Moreover, the focus on team culture with the Carillonneur Award indicates that agencies are recognizing internal health as a competitive advantage. As the PR industry evolves, these awards provide a benchmark for excellence and innovation. For professionals in New England and beyond, the Bell Ringer Awards offer insights into emerging trends and best practices that can shape future communications strategies.
