Last night’s awards ceremony seemed to start on a note of exuberance that escalated as the night wore on. Hanna Lee from HannaLee Communications floated into the reception with her staff and clients at about 5:30, one of the first to arrive. Soon after, the team from George Washington University got there, energetic and friendly. Each group, including the evening’s most excited bunch, the staff of Coyne PR, brought the party with them. Even the host, Richard Harris, seemed in high spirits, entertaining the audience and being entertained them in return. It’s great to give awards and recognize good work, but it’s cool to just have a good time as well.

As some of my colleagues have mentioned, the event gives everyone the opportunity to either catch up with the folks they know or meet those they’ve only spoken with on the phone and by e-mail. This is my third time at the awards and, indeed, that was true for me. Whether we had the chance to speak or not, don’t wait until next year to give me a buzz, shoot me a message, or suggest a day for an after-work drink.

Maybe everyone was looking for a temporary escape from the dreary economic news, but last night’s awards ceremony seemed to start on a note of exuberance that escalated as the night wore on. Hanna Lee from HannaLee Communications floated into the reception with her team members and clients at about 5:30. Soon after, the team from George Washington University arrived, energetic and friendly. Each group, including the night’s most excited bunch, the staff of Coyne PR, brought the party with them

As many of my colleagues have mentioned in their reflections on last night’s PRWeek Awards, the event gives everyone the opportunity to either catch up with the folks they know or meet those they’ve only spoken with on the phone and via e-mail. This is my third go-round at the awards ceremony and, indeed, that was true for me. Whether we had the chance to speak or not, please don’t wait until next year to give me a buzz, shoot me an e-mail, or suggest a day for coffee or drinks.

I didn’t know what to expect going into the PRWeek Awards last night - it was my first year attending the event - but I have to say that I was impressed with how excited every single person I spoke to was.

My highlights for the night?

The guy from LaunchSquard conducting video interviews and asking which firm would win Boutique PR Agency of the Year. (His firm did!) Meeting Shannon Riggs, this year’s Young PR Professional of the Year, who flew in all the way from Oregon to attend the awards.

And, Coyne PR, this year’s Awards darlings. I met Tom Coyne for the first time early in the night and the first thing he did was let me know that his tables would be having a pretty good time. He was right. Coyne’s sheer excitement, I think, made everyone remember how lucky they are that they get to be a part of this industry.

PRWeek had its Awards show last night. Oh, you didn’t hear? More than one person told me that they were so excited by the turnout (down a bit from last year, but still packed house). True, the situation out there can be dire, but it gave the industry an opportunity to cheer on colleagues and celebrate winning campaigns.

I definitely noticed more people trading notes and talking openly about their company’s/client’s strategy. A recession is not the time to be confident in one’s own infallibility. So it was great to hear the war stories and campaign tactics that aren’t usually discussed in company (especially to a journalist).

A special thanks, of course, to our wonderful chair: General Mills CMO Mark Addicks. The industry thanks you for your service.

American International Group (AIG) declined to comment to PRWeek on the buzz earlier this week concerning its relationships with a number of PR firms, including Kekst & Company.

After the blog item posted, PRWeek spoke with Christina Pretto, AIG’s VP of corporate media relations, who clarified the company’s partnership with Kekst, saying the relationship isn’t new, that “AIG has worked with Kekst for years on M&A transactions.” Pretto declined to comment further.

[Cliche disclaimer] Many consider the PRWeek Awards to be the Oscar’s of the industry. I’m no Tim Gunn, but I did try to channel him - sorry if that’s creepy - as i talked to PR “celebs” about their outfits and the importance of style in an industry that places such an emphasis on perception, image, and networking. At last night’s Awards ceremony - my second - I saw a lot of ladies in knee-length, black, belted dresses.

My favorites, however, showed color. Alyson Campbell - Jack + Bill, Porter Novelli - wore a one-arm gold sequen top with a long dark skirt, and Hanna Lee - HannaLee Communications -  a gorgeous red strapless gown with interesting lines and asymmetrical, tiered ruffles that flared near the ground. The consensus seemed to be that an event with networking opportunities, such as the PRWeek Awards, it’s best to stick to classic and conservative. However, a little color or shine can help you stand out in a sea of black. And there’s no better conversation-starter than, ”Oh my gosh, I love your dress.”

Also, I’d love to see more floor-length gowns. I know we live in a casual world, but come on! If we can’t play dress-up at a black-tie event, when can we?? That’s why last year’s PRWeek “golden hanger” went to PRWeek’s Natalie Morales, and this year’s goes to Hanna Lee.

After a night at the PRWeek Awards (my second), I’m going to need some new business cards. Not so much because I passed so many of them out to industry contacts who were tolerant of my glad-handing, but because mine don’t have my Twitter handle – - on them.

As evidenced by the of #prweekawards messages, tweeting throughout the awards and other events is a big hit with PR folks. And no less than three industry contacts asked me if my card had my Twitter information on it.

Who knows? Maybe by the time the 2010 PRWeek Awards rolls around, Twitter handles will be so commonplace, attendees won’t have to ask.

Last night was my fifth (!) PRWeek Awards, and I have to say that it was definitely one of the best. It’s always good to spend some time with some of my favorite industry contacts, and last night was no exception. In addition to the host Ralph Harris, who actually managed to keep the attention of the crowd, the highlight of the evening was definitely Coyne PR’s win for Midsize Agency of the Year. Having the entire agency there brought an infectious level of enthusiasm to the festivities. It’s always exciting to see how important the PRWeek Awards are to the the industry. Especially given the tough times nearly everyone is facing right now, it was a good opportunity to concentrate on all that is good in the PR industry and celebrate the outstanding work being done. Congratulations to all the winners!

Last night was my first PRWeek Awards and the evening really was a lot of fun! From hearing the excitement from agencies and companies as their hard work was recognized (here’s to you, Coyne!), to sipping cocktails and swapping stories with great PR pros, I had a great time. I’ve been at PRWeek for a little less than a year, so I’m still putting faces to names and getting to know people outside of a last minute phone call to get a quote. I enjoyed talking about our Awards dresses with Lisa Sepulveda, CEO of Euro RSCG Worldwide PR, and had plenty of laughs with the hilarious Julian Green, director of media relations of Miller Coors. From ringing the Nasdaq bell earlier this week to laughing over cocktails at the After Glow last night, it’s been a great couple of days of getting to know you all a little bit better. And that’s been great!

Last night was my ninth PRWeek Awards. Though I consider myself an old pro at this point, I admit going into the evening with great uncertainty. You can’t escape the current economic reality, and I was interested to see what kind of turnout and what kind of mood would be awaiting all attendees.

I was not disappointed. Without any hesitation, I claim that the PRWeek Awards 2009 was among our best events ever. I saw so many faces I recognized, many from various meetings and some merely from the thousands of images I have collected and placed on our pages over the years. It was great seeing you all last night.

I must give kudos to the event’s host, Ralph Harris. He was funny. He was enthusiastic. He was a gentleman, extending his hand to escort all of the ladies to and from the stage to present or accept awards. It’s no coincidence that one of the best PRWeek Awards ceremonies was ushered along by perhaps the finest host we’ve ever had.

Coyne Public Relations. I know I will not be alone in mentioning this fine firm, led by one of the industry’s truly good guys, Tom Coyne. Sure they had nine tables, but their enthusiasm was infectious.

Special thanks to the VIP guests seated at the table I hosted - Bill Heyman (Heyman Associates); Bruce Berger (Univ. of Alabama); Robert Noltenmeier (NYU); Derek Creevey (Edelman); Rob Merritt (CKPR); Jennifer Cohan (GolinHarris); Judy Blatman (Council for Responsible Nutrition); and Matt Traub (DKC). Eight fine examples of the PR industry’s strength, representing agencies, trade groups, executive recruiting; and academia. If this octet of luminaries is any barometer, this industry has a bright future indeed.