Distinguished Lectures

50th Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards Dinner

November 10, 2011 The Yale Club, New York City

The Annual Distinguished Lecture & Awards Dinner is an unbroken tradition dating to 1961. Each year, a major figure in PR practice or education, or a related field, addresses a topic of vital importance to our profession. In addition, the Institute bestows a variety of major awards including the Alexander Hamilton Medal for lifetime contributions to the public relations profession and the Pathfinder Award for a program of original scholarly research.

Richard Edelman, President & CEO of Edelman, the world’s largest independent public relations firm, delivered the 50th Distinguished Lecture. Willard D. “Bill” Nielsen accepted IPR’s most prestigious honor, the Alexander Hamilton Medal, awarded for lifetime achievement in public relations.

Edelman has extensive experience in marketing and reputation and has counseled Egypt, Israel and Mexico on economic development. Edelman’s research on NGOs, business, government and media in the Edelman Trust Barometer has been cited by publications such as The Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal. Edelman’s blog, 6 A.M., which launched in September 2004, receives more than 2,000 visitors a day.

Edelman serves on the Board of Directors of the Ad Council, the Atlantic Council, the Children’s Aid Society and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. He is also a member of the World Economic Forum, the Arthur Page Society and PR Seminar.

Download Richard’s speech,Reimagining Our Profession, Public Relations for a Complex World

Bill Nielsen retired after 17 years as the Corporate Vice President, Public Affairs, of Johnson & Johnson and 18 years as a public relations agency consultant with Carl Byoir & Associates and Hill & Knowlton. Nielsen supervised programs which went on to win four PRSA Silver Anvil awards.

Nielsen is a former Chairman and Trustee of the Institute for Public Relations and was inducted into the Arthur W. Page Society’s Hall of Fame after serving two terms as president. He served on the Board of Directors of the Global Public Affairs Institute and was a Trustee of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

Download Bill Nielsen’s acceptance remarks.

Download the New York Lecture flyer.

Sponsorship Opportunities

You and your organization have a unique opportunity to build your brand with public relations, corporate communications and business leaders by supporting the Institute and sponsoring this prestigious event.

To view sponsorship options, please click here or contact the Institute offices.