The dedicated PR and communications professionals behind the best PR and marketing campaigns of the past year were honored on Dec. 6, 2016, at PR News' Winter Awards luncheon, held at the historic National Press Club in Washington, D.C. At the luncheon PR News announced the winners of its 2016 PR People Awards in categories that included Brand Marketer of the Year, Spokesperson of the Year, Social Media Professional of the Year, Intern of the Year and Public Affairs Professional of the Year, among others.
As honorees stepped up to the podium, they were asked to finish the following sentence: "For communicators, 2017 will be the year of ___." One winner named authenticity as the year's biggest theme, arguing that consumers seek authenticity from brands now more than ever. On a similar note, another respondent answered "activism," stating that audiences deeply care about the issues their brands stand behind.
PR News also inducted five new members into this year's PR News Hall of Fame, asking each to name a mentor and a piece of advice they impart to their own mentees. Robert Mathias of Ogilvy Washington cited "learning the carrot is stronger than the stick, and always loving what you do" as his most valuable advice, received from his own mentor. Debra Silimeo of Hager Sharp's words of wisdom included giving women a seat at the table and ensuring one's team is as diverse as possible.
Along with the PR People honorees, PR News celebrated the 2016 Top Places to Work in PR, 2016 Rising PR Stars and 2016 Diversity & Inclusion winners. The Winter Awards luncheon was sponsored by Business Wire.