The advertising industry paid tribute at the AdNews Agency of the Year event in Sydney to marketer Lisa Ronson, who died in a tragic farm accident in Victoria.
Her husband, Chris Taylor, and son, Ben Ronson, both spoke and thanked everyone for their support.
"Over the last few months, it's been an incredibly difficult time for us," said Chris Taylor.
"But the love and shared memories of Lisa made the world of difference.
"Lisa loved awards ceremonies, not for the personal recognition, but because she believed in celebrating the people behind great work.
"She knew in this fast paced industry, talent method can go unnoticed, and she made it her mission to ensure success was shared, not just rewarded.
"She approached her career the same as she approached her life with passion, integrity and unstoppable belief in people. Above all, Lisa believed in creativity as the answer.
"She championed bold ideas to risk backing creative people at every turn. She knew that brands needed to make an emotional connection and that the best work didn't just sell a product, but it made people feel something.
"So as we celebrate the best in advertising and marketing today, I know Lisa wants to keep pushing for creativity, taking risks and supporting each other, as she always did."
Ben Ronson, who has joined the industry as an account executive at Hearts & Science, said he had joined more than just an industry but a very large family.
"In my first year in this industry, I've come across more sayings and acronyms than I could have imagined. A favourite of mine is 'We work in PR, not ER' to bring us much needed perspective when we find ourselves too deep in the weeds.
"My mother taught me through the way that she approached her life and her work.
"She was fortunate enough to be recognised a great deal of how much she cared, but she enjoyed nothing more than seeing those around her being celebrated, or the success of their hard work brought in.
"Events like today provide an invaluable opportunity to come together and celebrate one another and to acknowledge how deeply we all care about the work that we do.
"So on mum's behalf, I implore you all to reflect upon and celebrate the hard work that has brought yourself and the people sitting around you here today. Smile and have a drink on behalf of your team's back at the office."
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