Get “Lei’d” with San Diego PR’s Finest at This Year’s Bernays Awards
Actors have the Oscars. Musicians have the Grammys. And here in San Diego, public relations professionals have the Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards.

Better known simply as the Bernays Awards, every year PR practitioners from all walks of professional life, from agency to in-house, new pros to seasoned practitioners, come together at the awards to honor the best and brightest work from the past year, mixed in with a whole lot of fun.

This year, the Bernays Awards are setting sail for paradise on October 5. Destination: Bali Hai Restaurant on beautiful Shelter Island. We hear from the planning committee that this year’s event is sure to be extra special and we can’t wait after getting a peek at some of the details:

It’s no secret that PR people love a good party, so the committee is making sure there’s plenty of Island spirit to go around by offering hosted signature cocktails, small bites and leis during the welcome luau, as well as an authentic ukulele show and hula performance. The aloha spirit will continue with a fantastic, three-course meal, featuring Polynesian-inspired fare such as macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi, grilled kalbi asada steak, pineapple upside-down cake and more. As a special bonus this year, hosted beer and wine will be provided throughout dinner. And just when you think you’ve finished feasting and celebrating like a king (King Kamehameha, that is!), you’ll be sent home with your very own custom “Mahalo” cupcake, provided courtesy of Sprinkles Cupcakes.

All of this, plus the chance to network with San Diego public relations’ finest, is just $85 for PRSA chapter members ($105 for non-members), but buy your tickets soon because after September 12, prices increase to $100 and $120 respectively. Hawaiian-chic luau attire is suggested, so get your grass skirt ready.

See you in the South Pacific!

2011 Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards
6 to 9:30 p.m. (welcome luau begins at 6 p.m., dinner/awards begins 7 p.m.)
Bali Hai Restaurant, 2230 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, 92106
To register, visit http://www.prsasdic.org/pieventsmgmtsys.asp?itemid=40&submit=getrecord&recordid=130