More than 150 public relations and communications professionals gathered at the Museum of Science in Boston on June 5, 2026, for the 58th Annual Bell Ringer Awards, hosted by the PR Club. The event recognized outstanding work in the field and emphasized the critical role of strategic communication in today's media landscape, particularly for HR vendors who rely on effective PR to build brand reputation and drive engagement.
The evening's top honor, the Super Bell Award, was presented to 360PR+ for their work on Bob's Red Mill's 'Moregetherness' campaign. The campaign first earned Gold Bells in two categories before advancing to win the overall award, showcasing the power of creative planning and execution in achieving predetermined objectives. For HR vendors, this demonstrates how well-crafted campaigns can resonate with audiences and deliver measurable results, a key consideration when marketing HR solutions to enterprise clients.
Kathy Wilson of Tier One Partners received the John J. Molloy Crystal Bell Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her distinguished career and extensive contributions to the New England communications community. The Ringer Award, recognizing mid-career professionals, was presented to Sam Powers of Walker Sands, while the Striker Award for early-career achievement went to Aidan Poole, also of Walker Sands. The Carillonneur Award for Best Team Culture was awarded to Randstad Digital | powered by Torc. These awards highlight the importance of nurturing talent at all career stages, a priority for HR vendors seeking to attract and retain top communications professionals.
The ceremony 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 Bell Ringer Awards, now in their 58th year, recognize public relations and communications work that demonstrates excellence in creative planning and superior execution. Open to all New England practitioners, the awards celebrate the extraordinary work of the region's communications professionals.
The PR Club, founded in 1948, promotes and encourages involvement in the communications industry, specifically public relations, promotions, and marketing. The event underscores the vital role of effective communication in building brands, managing reputations, and driving success in an increasingly competitive environment. For HR vendors, staying abreast of award-winning campaigns and industry trends can provide insights into effective messaging and audience engagement strategies. More information about the PR Club and its programs is available at prclub.org, and on LinkedIn and Instagram.
The Bell Ringer Awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in the industry, and this year's winners reflect the high standards of creativity and strategic thinking that define New England's communications community. The recognition of campaigns like 'Moregetherness' highlights the importance of connecting with audiences on a deeper level, while the lifetime achievement and career awards honor the individuals who have shaped the profession. For HR vendors, understanding these dynamics can inform their own communications strategies, helping them to better engage with clients and stand out in a crowded market.
