The Bryce Harlow Annual Award Dinner

Each spring in Washington, DC, the lobbying and government relations community gathers with high spirits for an evening of camaraderie, as it honors the recipients of the Bryce Harlow Award and the Business-Government Relations Award. The dinner has gained a reputation for its special conviviality, which occurs when colleagues in the government relations profession gather to celebrate and pay tribute to excellence in their profession. The overflowing, lively gathering at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Capitol Hill offers the opportunity to visit with old friends and also to recognize the Bryce Harlow Fellows — young professionals selected for the prestigious Bryce Harlow Fellowship. Dinner remarks from the honorees and those who introduce them are poignant and create an evening of celebration and pride. Dinner proceeds are used to support the fellowship program and other education activities of the foundation.

The Bryce Harlow Award

The first Bryce Harlow Award was presented in 1982, the year following the Foundation's special tribute to Bryce Harlow himself. Initially called the Bryce Harlow Business-Government Relations Award, the prize was awarded for an individual's contribution to the field of business-government relations. Given for a single specific but lasting contribution or a series of activities, the award recipient's achievement would be noted for its influence in advancing the understanding, trust, respect and cooperation between business and government that would ultimately benefit the country as a whole. Members of the board would select the recipient from nominations from the business, government, journalism, or academia professions.

The annual award eventually became known simply as the Bryce Harlow Award and the honor was bestowed each year to a notable individual, most often an elected official, with a career built on a firm foundation of integrity, dedication and professionalism that echoed the work and life of Bryce Harlow.

The Business-Government Relations Award

After years of presenting the Bryce Harlow Award to elected officials, the board of governors, in 2002, believed it was important to give a special honor to an individual from the ranks of the lobbying, government relations and public affairs profession. The Foundation established its second award, the Business-Government Relations Award, given to a leader in the advocacy profession in recognition of a lifelong career as an exemplary role model.