My experience at the 2023 CPRS Toronto ACE Awards
Written By: Charlotte Leung, Centennial College. Content Creator and Student Representative, CPRS Toronto SSC
As a Public Relations graduate and Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) member, stepping into the 2023 Achieving Communications Excellence (ACE) Awards was an exhilarating experience. This iconic PR event, which has been recognizing the talent and innovation of Toronto’s public relations community for over two decades, transitioned back to an in-person format after three years of virtual ceremonies.
The aura of the room was electric, resonating with a diverse range of PR professionals – from corporate leaders to PR students. I was surrounded by a unique amalgamation of perspectives, insights and an impressive lineup of achievements. The ACE Awards is truly a testament to the hard work and strategic execution of campaigns that left a mark in their respective domains.
Beyond the splendid dinner and the glitz of awards, the event was a brilliant platform to witness the wide array of PR campaigns that had made a significant impact. There was a total of 22 gold, 48 silver and 48 bronze trophies distributed among agencies, corporations, students and non-profits to recognize successful PR initiatives. As a recent PR graduate, it is truly inspirational to witness the celebration of creativity, intelligence and skill within the public relations and communications industry, encompassing categories from media relations and digital media to equity and inclusion.
The event also served as an exceptional networking opportunity. I was privileged to interact with other PR students from Humber College apart from Centennial College PR students of my recent and fellow batch. By seeing the awardees from Best Creative Campaign of the Year to the Leadership Awards, I was truly astonished by the minds behind all these campaigns, including the DOVE campaign, which left a profound impression on me through their compelling video.
Seeing some of my classmates win the ‘Student Public Relations Campaign or Event of the Year’ award was an emotionally rewarding moment. Their success was a testament to the perseverance, creativity and strategic thinking that our coursework at Centennial College had instilled in us. While my Storyworks campaign did not win an award, the experience further fueled my passion for PR.
Being a part of the ACE Awards has enriched my understanding of the PR world. It was a pleasure to be in the midst of those who’ve truly elevated the industry through their endeavours. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the 2023 ACE Awards. I am more determined than ever to make my mark on the PR industry and aspire to join the ranks of these esteemed awardees in the future. My PR journey has just begun and this experience has given me a clearer vision of the path that lies ahead.
Here’s to the pursuit of communications excellence!
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