We were invited to the 5th Annual Pearl Awards at the swanky Rainbow Room on the 64th floor of Rockefeller Center. Not even the rainy night could dampen the spirits of those in attendance, although the fog hindered the normally breath-taking view from the Top of the Rock. Regardless, we showed up early enough to be one of the first 150 invitees, but the Radio City Suite quickly filled up with anxious nominees and wide-eyed guests. The mood was so genial that the ushers actually had to ring the dinner bell several times in order to interrupt conversations so we could be herded to the Pegasus Room where the awards ceremony and dinner would commence.

After exchanging pleasantries with those seated at our table, Dr. Samir Husni (Mr. Magazine himself) and Jonah Bloom, editor of Advertising Age, began giving out the Design Awards. Both Dr. Husni and Mr. Bloom engaged the crowd and winners were greeted onstage with riffs by bands such Led Zeppelin and Cream, courtesy of a guitarist and bass player at the side of the stage. A delicious dinner then delayed the awards presentation for a half hour (and also gave us a chance to talk sports and "Saturday Night Live" with a few award winners from Time Inc. at our table).

The Custom Publishing Council put on a wonderful night that was the perfect opportunity to recognize those who have excelled in custom media, including Meredith Integrated Marketing’s Don Johnson, who won the Caldwell Lifetime Achievement Award. Also notable was the fact that Story Worldwide's Lexus magazine became the most-awarded international publication in history. Upon leaving, the reality of the cool rain hit us on the walk to the nearest subway station. One final look up at the Top of the Rock, though, was a reminder that the Pearl Awards shined brightly on such a dreary night.