By Edward M. Bury, MA, APR (aka The PRDude)

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made her presence known at the virtual event, shown in an emphatic pose we’ve become familiar with over the past few months.
Yes, a lot was missing from events of the past (like the in-person aspect, talking about — what else — public relations, and enjoying a glass or two of wine with long-time friends), and the appointed time (high noon, the lunch hour for many) meant heading back to work at the conclusion.
Still, I and assuredly the 100-plus virtual participants enjoyed and benefited from participating in the 2020 PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards held last week.

Live (sort of) and in living color (that phrase dates me for certain) the 2020 PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards!
In case you missed the July 17 presentation, visit this page to learn more about the categories and recipients. My most sincere congratulations to the people, companies and organizations that earned Skyline Awards, and a shout out to Golin for its generous sponsorship.
I took in the event from my “home office” and can appreciate all of the tremendous work done by chapter members to plan and execute this annual event to recognize public relations excellence and the role it plays in modern society.

Jon Harris, SVP and Chief Communications Officer for Conagra Brands, delivered a passionate version of “Fly Me to the Moon.”
These aspects of the near hour-long event stood out:
- I was impressed with the honesty and candor of the presenters, which included PRSA Chicago board members and members of the media.
- The little audio enhancements — drum rolls and applause — provided a welcomed perception of drama. We even got a little musical entertainment.
- The tribute to the late public relations icon Harold Burson gave me a much more solid perspective on this remarkable man and his role in shaping modern communications.
- And, I was compelled to witness observe the venues speakers and presenters choose for their contributions to the Skyline Awards. The spectrum ranged from a home office or bedroom to a “real” office and the great outdoors.
Loyal readers of this site (I know you are out there) know that I served on the PRSA Chicago Board of Directors off and on for some 15 years. I certainly would have attended the Skyline Awards reception and presentation had the pandemic not happened, had the world that we knew at the start of 2020 would have collapsed in too many directions to fully comprehend.
Here’s to safer, calmer and more productive times ahead; I look forward to joining public relations colleagues at the 2021 Skyline Awards — in person, hopefully.
Yes, along with accepting the now mostly virtual way of communicating, we still have hope.