A Week in Review: Comms Week 2023

This past week, Ragan Communications held its annual Communications Week. It’s been a thrill to see it grow and expand, far beyond where we started in New York nearly ten years ago. I founded this week in 2014 to connect, inform and inspire those who are in and interested in PR. The Ragan team has taken the conference to the next level. 

This year, the mission was to celebrate and collaborate on how to best accelerate the role of the communicator in organizations worldwide. The energy was felt far beyond the conference’s Future of Communications main stage in Austin, Texas. Event organizers led physical and virtual attendees through a jam-packed week of educational and networking events across the globe, designed to inspire participants to “lead the way” through impactful communications.

We had team members on the ground, and online, across multiple continents, excited and eager to take part in what has become a global phenomenon for innovative communications professionals. Read on for our highlighted takeaways.

In Austin | The Future of Communications 

Communicators like Dustee Jenkins, Chief Public Affairs at Spotify, took the stage to speak on important topics, including the art of data-driven storytelling and why repetition and magic (yes, you heard that right) are key components to a successful campaign. 

Event organizers at Ragan Communications also released some compelling data in conjunction with corporate research firm HarrisX. Did you know that 82% of CEOS have a positive opinion of AI and are leaning into it? 

I had the opportunity to moderate a panel discussion with Trovon C Williams, Senior VP of Marketing and Communications at the NAACP, and Matt Ward, Head of Communications at Corebridge Financial, about the use of data in storytelling. We discussed how to lean into data to better understand your audiences, as well as use the data to elevate the stories and messages they want to hear. Both Trovon and Matt shared a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to data:

  • Do leverage multiple data sources, including owned and third-party data. 

  • Don't operate in a silo; take an integrated approach. 

  • Do keep it simple and use a few key data points to support your story. 

It's important to remember that data is only as good as the insights it provides. It's crucial to combine data with experience and instincts to guide you toward the right narrative.

A recap of the Future of Communications conference is available here. 

In London | GWPR Communications Week 

Caroline Brunton, a U.K.-based, Kite Hill PR Senior Account Manager, attended an adjacent event, Global Women in PR. 

AI was a hot topic. Many expressed that though there is uncertainty regarding AI’s role across various industries, it’s our role as communicators and leaders to inspire, be creative, and promote connectivity and curiosity about the tools and solutions available to us.

This is also where flexibility and collaboration are key. Many communicators touched on the unfair dichotomies that exist at the leadership level in business; be risk-averse, but go for the gamble; be tech-savvy but stay human.

Online | PRC Event 

Rounding out the busy week, our SVP Charlyne McWilliams attended the PR Council’s virtual event, Rebooting Your Mental Operating System to Lead the Future. Speaker Rishad Tobaccowala, Chief Growth Officer at Publicis Groupe, provided steps to ensure we are able to excel in the ever-present shifts in society and our business so that we can remain relevant and effective. 

He shared three things people can do to properly upgrade their mental system: 1) Dedicate one hour per day to learning something new. 2) Step outside of “cuddle puddles,” where everyone thinks the same, and share your unique perspective, building a case for an opposing view. 3) Spend some time being creative, whether it is writing or building something. By making something, we are stretching our brains to create instead of constantly focusing on the tactical activities of our day.

Kudos to everyone who hosted successful events during this year’s Communications Week. I’m already looking forward to next year, which will mark the 10-year anniversary of the event’s founding. 
- Tiffany Gurnaccia, CEO and Founder

3rd Annual Ragan Communications and HarrisX Study on CEO-Communicators

Perceptions Shows Alignment on AI, Disconnect on Who Leads Communications

NEW YORK, NY – November 8, 2023 – Ragan Communications and HarrisX unveiled new data on the modern-day communications function at today’s Future of Communications Conference during Communications Week. In conjunction with HarrisX, a leading corporate research firm, Ragan surveyed 375 CEOs and communications leaders to understand how they view each other’s roles and responsibilities, what they value most, and their views on pressing industry issues like artificial intelligence, preparing for a recession, and the return to work.

“These insights have the potential to influence how we implement technology into our work and how it is poised to influence how we approach comms overall,” said Diane Schwartz, CEO of Ragan Communications, the leading media brand for communicators and the producer of Communications Week. “It’s an exciting time to be a communicator and a critical time for communications to lead the way for organizations.”

“Business leaders today are facing more change and at a faster velocity than ever before,” noted Dritan Nesho, CEO of HarrisX. “This study dives deep into the opinions of decision-makers themselves and the heightened responsibility CEOs feel to address unprecedented global crises and economic uncertainty, along with how the impending AI revolution will impact their business and stakeholders.”

Key Findings include:

  • The communications industry is optimistic and ready to embrace AI.

    • 82% of CEOS have a positive opinion of Artificial Intelligence and are leaning into it.

    • Communications leaders have a positive view of AI’s net impact on each area of their organization, particularly analytics and marketing and improvement in productivity.

  • Organization leaders took actions to prepare for a recession in 2023.

    • 85% of CEOs and communications leaders are taking steps to prepare for a recession; 38% of respondents cut travel budgets and 24% are downsizing their teams.

    • Most leaders from medium and large organizations are back in the office though say they endorse a hybrid work policy for employees. Support for a 4-day work week has waned.

  • As stakes have risen, CEOs feel a heightened responsibility for leading communications for their organization.

    • CEOs increasingly see themselves as responsible for both external and internal communications, with this sense of responsibility nearly doubling since 2021.

    • CEOs say unprecedented events, such as COVID-19, social justice issues, politics, wars, recession, and now, AI, have compelled them to engage closely in their organization's communications.

  • Employee communications is the function that brings the most value.

    • All respondents noted that employee communications was the number one area of the communication function that brings the most value. Notably, employee communications ranked number 2 for CEOs but was the top selection for other communications leaders, pointing to the fact that communicators understand employees are a brand’s number one advocate.

    • There is still a disconnect on who oversees communications for companies: 78% of CEOs say they lead external communications, while 73% of CEOs report leading internal communications. But only 15% of communicators agree with that assessment.

  • The level of trust between members of an organization’s C-suite remains high, with chief communications officers winning trust from CEOs for their work.

    • Communications leaders’ trust in CEOs is slightly lower than last year but remains very high.

    • 91% of communicators trust the judgment of the CEO when it comes to external communications, slightly down from 95% last year.

    • The larger the organization is, the less the C-Suite confers regularly with communications leaders.

The data was unveiled in Austin during the Future of Communications Conference, the signature event of Communications Week, Nov. 6-10. Under the theme “Leading the Way,” the event zeroes in on how we can celebrate and accelerate the crucial role of the communicator within organizations, from upskilling and integrating technology like AI, to building a more engaged, purpose-led employee culture. Communications Week will bring together some of the biggest names in the industry for a weeklong series of events like speed networking and mentoring, fascinating speakers and meaningful workshops.

“We’re excited to bring together the industry’s most innovative leaders in Austin this year,” said Tiffany Guarnaccia, co-chair of the Communications Week board and CEO and founder of Kite Hill PR. “As someone who is fascinated by the intersection of communications and technology, I’m looking forward to seeing how this new data will spark conversation and how innovation can move our industry forward.”

Ragan’s Communications Week 2023 will kick off in-person with the Future of Communications Conference on Monday, November 6, which will be followed by a Top Influencers List Party on Tuesday, November 7. Communications Week partners are holding events throughout the week, both virtually and in person. Check out commsweek.com for the schedule.

Communications Week has industry support through sponsors and partners, all of whom help the communicator’s ability to meet the moment every day. Sponsors include: Prophet, Omnicom, AxiosHQ, Notify, Cision, Workvivo, PlayPlay, Simpplr, Signal AI, Unily, Arti.ar, Politemail, Appspace, Interact, Contact Monkey, Lumapps, Workshop, RCG, HarrisX, and more than a dozen industry associations and partners. Check out the full list at commsweek.com.

Download the full study at Ragan.com.

For more information on this year’s programming and to attend Communications Week, please visit commsweek.com.

Methodology
In conjunction with HarrisX, Ragan Communications surveyed 375 CEOs and other high-ranking communications officials to gain insight on the industry. The survey was conducted online within the United States from August 11 – September 11.

About Communications Week
Communications Week was founded in 2014 to bring together the greatest minds in PR and media. The biggest industry organizations and media outlets have been supporters of the week since the event's inception. Every year, Communications Week pinpoints some of the most pressing issues that the industry is facing. As the conference continues to grow, it attracts professionals from various levels of the marketing, media and communications industries. Designed to be the voice of many and not just one, Communications Week also holds sessions geared towards business professionals who are impacted by new communications trends, from HR professionals to entrepreneurs looking to understand how to measure PR. For more information visit https://www.commsweek.com/.

About Ragan Communications
For nearly 55 years, Ragan Communications has been delivering trusted news, training and intelligence for internal and external communicators, marketers, HR professionals and business executives via its conferences, webinars, training, awards, subscriptions and membership divisions. Its daily news sites—PRDaily.com and Ragan.com—are read by more than 600,000 internal and external communicators monthly. Its Communications Leadership Council is one of the fastest-growing membership groups for communications executives. Visit www.ragan.com.

About HarrisX
HarrisX is a technology-driven market research and data analytics company that leverages data plus creativity to drive strategy. We conduct multi-method research in the United States and over 40 countries around the world on behalf of Fortune 100 companies, public policy institutions, global leaders, NGOs and philanthropic organizations. HarrisX runs the deepest and longest-trended research trackers around connected consumers and their behaviors, focusing extensively on the ecommerce, technology, telecom and media industries. HarrisX has partnered for several years with leading independent Wall Street research house MoffettNathanson to correctly track the evolution of the new media, streaming and content industry, and was the most accurate pollster of the 2020 U.S. presidential election. HarrisX is a proud member of Stagwell Inc.

A Week in Review: AWNY 2023

Last week, the Advertising Week event took place in New York City, providing organizations with an opportunity to participate in other events around the city. We were thrilled to be a part of it and get a chance to rub shoulders with some of the industry's brightest minds. Each activation and panel was carefully planned and executed, demonstrating the importance of these types of events. Below is a breakdown of our time spent at AWNY 2023.

Day One

Day one was jam-packed, with many sessions maxed out in attendance. We enjoyed seeing how companies and attendees of AWNY are shining a light on DEI efforts. Group Black's gallery, focused on diversity and culture, was a wonderful addition to the conference, showcasing images of influential hip-hop artists from photographer Cheryl Fox.

We spent some time in the Equality Lounge, which was full of fun activations like a hair & makeup section, ear piercing station, vintage bag shop, and cafe.

A common thread at AWNY was brands pulling out all the stops for conference cuisine. We stopped by DIRECTV Advertising's Diner for pie, illumin (AcuityAds Inc.) for a pick-me-up of cold brew and coffee, Amazon for after-panel snack breaks, and Canva for a refreshing juice.

Day Two

Day two at Advertising Week was a hit! We were thrilled to see one of our clients, Chris Comstock, Chief Growth Officer at Claravine, take the stage with Advertiser Perceptions to discuss their research on the impact of data standards on ad campaign ROI, privacy efforts, targeting, brand safety and more. Chris gave some important advice regarding data standardization strategies, saying to “start now and start small.”

We also listened in on panel conversations about AI in advertising. Panelists from Raptive, Magnite, EssenceMediacom and Samsung Ads shared that they are beginning to implement AI internally to boost efficiency.

Day Three

We closed out Advertising Week with a bang, starting with an interview with Melissa Furze from LinkedIn, where she discussed big ideas in B2B marketing. Our key takeaway: Remember, B2B buyers value creative and emotional connection as much as B2C buyers.

In an interview with Dan Carter from Freeman Company, we learned that a big part of building audience trust is providing them with personalized experiences.

Lastly, we had the privilege of attending a panel with one of our partners from Cint, Laura Manning, who discussed the power of partnerships to support stronger measurement.

Collaboration in Action: Kite Hill PR Summit Recap

Kite Hill PR Summit 2024

Last week, the Kite Hill team had the opportunity to reunite in person for a company summit in New York City. While we delight in the flexibility that remote work allows, it was a welcome change of pace to close the laptops for a minute and connect in person. Collaboration was the overarching theme of this summit, and it wove into each of our activities throughout the week. We held in-person client meetings, strategized for the coming year the “old-school” way (whiteboards are wildly underrated), and participated in impromptu brainstorming sessions and conversations.  

In a remote work environment, we often overlook the significance of small day-to-day interactions that help us build stronger relationships as a team. From casual water cooler conversations to coffee runs and mid-day lunch breaks, this summit offered us the opportunity to connect and collaborate with team members whom we may not interact with frequently. That kind of collaboration is so valuable and is hard to replicate through a screen.

Check out our team’s key takeaways from the summit below. 


Our latest Kite Hill summit was a great opportunity to connect IRL with team members who I don’t always get the chance to work with on a regular basis. There was this great nook in our community floor kitchen where I sat and had so many great conversations with colleagues. Not all conversations were work-related, but all were productive. Those conversations gave us an opportunity to better understand each other, to connect in new ways, and through those newly formed connections, to then be able to collectively look at work challenges with fresh perspectives. 

- Mackenzie Sikora, Senior Account Director

Over the past few years, we have become accustomed to working remotely which is great and creates so much flexibility. Working remotely also means that we don’t have as much face time together. While Zoom is a sufficient tool for connecting virtually, it doesn’t replicate the same level of connection and collaboration. It was a great opportunity to spend time with team members and clients in person. I walked away from the week with excitement and optimism for the rest of this quarter and the new year. Face time is invaluable and this summit was a great reminder of how much collaboration and connection can happen in person. 

- Kyle Murray, Senior Account Supervisor 

I really appreciated the in-person time during Kite Hill’s summit. While I do very much love the flexibility and convenience of remote work, it felt really nice to get some face-to-face interaction with my teammates – and with coworkers, I don’t normally get the chance to chat with! One thing that really stuck out to me during last week’s summit was the benefit of in-person brainstorming and collaboration. It felt easier to jump into a conversation and contribute an idea than it would have over Zoom. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again soon!

- Michael Kocher, Account Executive

One important lesson I learned during our 3-day in-office summit was the value of real-time brainstorming. When working remotely, it can be difficult to bring teams together to openly discuss ideas and roadblocks because everyone is on their own timeline. However, having the team accessible in real-time allowed us to address needs more immediately and efficiently. This reminder was incredibly valuable, and I believe it will help our team maintain open communication in a remote setting.

- Holly Rust, Account Executive

Energy is the word that comes to mind when I reflect on this month’s IRL Summit. Though we are all fantastic at working together in a remote environment, we made huge strides in collaborating in person in just three short days together.

It’s always great to shake up our daily routines and have in-person meetings and brainstorming sessions. We were able to make eye contact and feed off of each other’s energy – connecting in a meaningful and productive way. It reinvigorated my passion for Q4 (and beyond)! 

- Maggie Stasko, Senior Account Manager

The energy level was amazing!! After working from home for more than 20 years, I have learned how to effectively complete tasks from a home office. It was amazing to be in a space where creative ideas were taking place on the fly, in some regards. Being able to grab someone and work through thought leadership abstracts was enlightening and very productive. 

In regards to the collaborative nature of the meeting, it was incredible. I shared a few ideas with a team for an account I had not worked on previously, and I had two mentoring sessions during the summit that had been pushed off due to scheduling issues. Because we were in person, we found the time to sit and talk. 

And learning more about everyone will give me a deeper level of empathy and understanding that I believe is important in the workplace. 

- Charlyne H. McWilliams, Senior Vice President 

Since we’ve transitioned to work from anywhere (WFA), the thing I miss the most is small talk. Water cooler conversations can be sporadic and many of them lead to opportunities for collaboration and creativity that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. The opportunity to overhear things on other accounts allows everyone the chance to more readily collaborate in real-time. The efficiency of in-person collaboration is incredible!

- Rachel Hadley, Chief Operating Officer

I loved having the opportunity to connect with people I didn't get to connect with in our remote environment. It’s so valuable to get a different perspective, but getting a fresh set of eyes on something isn’t always what we think about when we’re working remotely and not physically looking at our other team members. That was my biggest takeaway – to be more conscious in this remote work environment that there are people outside of me, and my usual teams, who are there to help me and be a resource.

- Kerriann Becker, Senior Account Executive

 The retreat was a fantastic opportunity to work together IRL. The ability to collaborate in this way brought us closer together, strengthened working relationships between ourselves and clients, and helped our team build added confidence to raise ideas and speak up more proactively. I believe we took the novelty of working together in person to create a wonderful energy among our team that will carry us forward to the next time we all get together. 

- Kerriann Becker, Senior Account Executive

Gathering together at the Kite Hill office IRL was nothing short of empowering. From the very first day, I immediately realized how effective the little things are that I may not notice as much in a remote workplace, from eye contact to nonverbal communication. I felt invigorated by connecting, brainstorming, and getting to know my colleagues in person, especially ones that I don’t get a chance to work with normally. It was an invaluable experience, and I walked away with incredible momentum to kickstart a successful Q4! 

- Antonia Donato, Senior Account Executive

As much as I appreciate Kite Hill's hybrid work environment – the flexibility! the balance! – when it comes to teamwork and collaboration, there really is nothing that can beat in-person time with the full team. Our Summit in NYC was a testament to that. I watched teammates collaborate whenever the opportunity arose – whether it was a full-on brainstorm or a one-off question, ideas and solutions were flowing. 

- Emma Wolfe, VP 

The KH Summit was a wonderful reminder of how beneficial IRL collaboration can be. While we’re all used to working together remotely, it’s very refreshing to connect in person, spark great conversations and learn fresh perspectives from each other. This time together definitely took our team’s brainstorming and collaboration to the next level, and I’m excited to take what we’ve learned into the rest of this year and the next.

- Alexandra Morrison, Account Manager

The Kite Hill Summit was an amazing opportunity to connect in real time with one another! Looking back, I can truly say that the 3-days spent together in the office showed how agile everyone is. Whether it was catching up through small talk, brainstorming new ideas, or asking questions as items came up, everyone demonstrated agility and collaboration. 

Having the chance to be in the same room allowed us to connect on deeper levels, and I look forward to seeing how this energy is carried forward! 

- Julia Worthington, Account Executive

Marching to Their Own Beat: The Ever-Growing Influence and Global Domination of Latino Culture

I have never been prouder to be a Latina in PR. There is boundless potential for communicators, brands and agencies to delve into this transformative community force that is reshaping our nation’s fabric. I recently had the privilege of attending the virtual event, “Marching to Their Own Beat: The Ever-Growing Influence and Global Domination of Latino Culture.” Hosted by The Museum of Public Relations and featuring comms execs from The Biden Administration, Equis Research, Macy's, and Egami Group, it was the perfect way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month! 

The inspiring panel discussion touched on the surging influence and economic prowess of the Latino population in the US. At 62 million, Hispanic Americans are now the largest minority group in the U.S., contributing $2.8 trillion a year to the U.S. economy. According to recent studies, if U.S. Latinos were in their own country, they would rank 5th in the world's gross domestic product (GDP), surpassing the GDP of France and the United Kingdom. 

Latinos Breaking Barriers in the Communications Industry 

The event kicked off by reiterating the importance of having these critical conversations and opening up a dialogue about bridging the gap and overcoming barriers to entry for Latinos in public relations. The event’s moderator and President of the Hispanic Public Relations Association, led a discussion on, despite the Latino community being the 5th largest GDP in the world, and the fastest-growing in the United States, significant investment in the community is continuing to lack. 

“While we make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, we only account for 13% of the PR industry as a whole and a mere six percent at the senior, executive level,” said Sonia V. Diaz, event moderator and President of the Hispanic Public Relations Association and event moderator. “In a profession where knowing your audience is the first rule of engagement, it would make sense to have more, not less, of us in the room when it comes to building a strategic communications plan for our clients or our organizations.”

So, it was only fitting that Sonia then introduced the panel’s keynote speaker who made it his life’s work to address the deep-rooted issues that prevent Hispanic and Latino communities from achieving their full potential: Carlos Odio, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Equis Research. Equis’s mission is to create a better understanding of Latinos, innovate new approaches to reach and engage them, and invest in the leadership and infrastructure for long-term change and increased engagement. At its core, Equis (pronounced eh-keys, which is how the letter "x" is pronounced in Spanish) is meant to invoke Latinos as the X-factor in American politics and society. The X embodies the complex intersection of identities that point to the future of our country, as Equis aims to be a resource that develops actionable recommendations for practitioners seeking to engage the Latinx voter. 

Latinos Gaining Momentum in the U.S. 

Previously an advisor to progressive funders on civic engagement, advocacy, policy, and politics, Carlos served in the White House Office of Political Affairs acting as a liaison for Latino leaders, after working as Deputy Latino Vote Director for the 2008 Presidential Campaign. He spoke to a significant aspect of his role at Equis being focused on Latino leadership, representation, and media/digital innovation. Specifically, he shed light on the Latino Talent Initiative, which aims to secure more Latinos within government, advocating their campaigns from nomination through the finish line. Carlos spoke of how their work really aims to elevate Latinos across “all agencies of government, not just in the predictable roles where traditionally Latinos have been placed.” Most recently, Equis led a historic victory when the Senate confirmed Colombian-American economist, Adriana Kugler, as a Federal Reserve governor, making her the first Latina to join the Fed Board in its 109-year history!

“We [society] used to talk about Latino political impact only in the future tense, and the reality is, that is already happening,” Carlos exclaims. “If you look at the political map in this country (Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, etc.) there are several states that have been transformed by the growth of the Latino population. If you look at the Congressional map, more than ever, the Congressional districts are competitive because they have a large Latino presence. The Congressional Hispanic caucus is bigger than it’s ever been. As we head into the future, Latinos are going to be the last great wildcard in American politics.”. 

How PR Professionals Can Engage Latino Media

At Equis, Carlos and his team focus on filling in the gaps of engagement with Latinos. Part of that is meeting Latinos where they’re at, where they’re spending time, going to get their news, etc. Part of that research involves testing media consumption and what messages are resonating. A great example he provided was with engaging in omnichannel outreach. For instance, Carlos noted that Latinos spend, on average, 20% more time on YouTube than non-Latinos and that their research showed that their interest in cable news is on the decline because they don’t believe those mediums are speaking to them. This is an example of meeting audiences where they’re at, since a lot of the clients that Equis worked with, initially, never even considered YouTube. Radio is another example. In a general sense, we hear that radio is on the decline- a dying medium. But for Latinos across the U.S., radio content is king. Troy Blackwell, Jr., Spokesperson, Biden Harris administration, joined the call for closing remarks to discuss the power of Latino media consumption. 

“[Radio] spans socioeconomic status and generational differences,” Troy states. For example, the Latino Media Network, backed by Eva Longoria, raised 80 million dollars and bought 18 radio stations across 10 major cities. This is tremendous news and shows that radio is not dying among Latinos. According to Nielsen, between 2017 and 2022, 98% of U.S. Hispanics were tuning into radio each month, Troy continues. Between 2020 and 2022, we saw a 44% increase in Latino podcast audiences, and 1 in 5 adult TikTok users are Hispanic. 

Looking Ahead to 2024 

“Latino engagement is imperative for brand strategy; we are a community of over 16 million strong and at least 58% of Latinos are under the age of 34, which is a huge voting block,” Troy concludes. “With 2024 on the horizon, almost 35 million Hispanic Americans are eligible to vote, and 62% of the total growth of new voters are Latina.”
Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a time for reflection on where we have come as a people, and the critical attributes that we have given to this country, but also a time for us to look toward the future, at the areas where we are adding value to, and asking…what more can we add? There is so much more work to be done. At one point a guest speaker on the panel pointed out that research by Mckinsey reveals Latinos are collectively underpaid by 288 billion. As Troy mentioned, “Big problems demand big solutions, and big solutions need Latinos at the table.” In light of increasing spending power and evidence that Latinos are reshaping culture, setting trends, and accelerating positive social change across every industry sector, the panelists recommended that brands and communicators broaden the scope of our campaigns. Engage Hispanics with authenticity and give them a seat at the table. Show you are thinking about the Latino community, you understand them and their complexities, and you want to understand their worldview as well. For the brands that have done this, it “has paid off in spades.”

- Antonia Donato, Senior Account Executive

Kite Hill PR Challenges the Team to a Zero Emissions Day

This year, Kite Hill PR celebrated Zero Emissions Day by closing the office and launching an agency-wide climate challenge: We asked the team to make a pledge to participate in at least one climate-friendly action and spend the day reflecting on how their daily choices make an impact on the environment.

Our 4 Actions

  1. Make all of your meals and coffee at home

  2. Walk or bike instead of drive

  3. Go vegan or vegetarian for the day

  4. Volunteer at a local environmental organization cleanup or similar event

The powerful effect on the team:

It felt incredibly rewarding to realize how much waste we likely contribute to the environment on a daily basis, and how easy it can be to make a few, small changes to correct some of those habits!

 - Mackenzie Gavel, Senior Account Director

I’m so proud of Kite Hill for taking this stance and hope that our actions can influence others to reflect on their own.

- Michael Kocher, Account Executive

Overall, this KH initiative reminded me that my daily eco-friendly practices not only make a difference but have become second nature.

- Maggie Stasko, Account Manager

I used a step counter and ended up walking 8 miles in total- and found I felt happier/healthier than days when I’m stuck in traffic! Win-win for myself and the planet!

- Antonia Donato, Senior Account Executive

Taking part in these initiatives helped me recognize the importance of incorporating more eco-friendly practices into my life.

- Julia Worthington, Account Executive


Looking ahead, I’m excited to incorporate even more eco-friendly habits on a regular basis to reduce my impact on the environment and promote more sustainable living.

- Alexandra Morrison, Account Manager

Small actions can have a big impact, but more importantly, they remind us of our values.

- Rachel Hadley, Chief Operating Officer

Filling up three recyclable take-back bags from For Days, which held about 15 pounds of clothing in each, was a powerful awareness moment for me.

- Geanna Diaz, Account Manager

I am so proud that Kite Hill PR implemented this initiative. 

- Charlyne McWilliams, SVP

I’m grateful working within Kite Hill’s climate tech vertical offers a steady reminder of the effects our societal systems have on the state of the climate, so having the day off to observe our habits on Zero Emissions Day felt important. 

- Veronica Ruth, Account Associate

Love this initiative and knowing that we can all impact change through the things we do every day.

- Gina Preoteasa, SVP

Agency Values

As I write this from a commuter train to work, I think about how lucky we are as an agency to be headquartered in NYC. Being climate-friendly comes easier here than in other locations. When a team member comes to our office, it is almost exclusively by public transportation. In the office, we avoid single-use coffee cups, glasses, silverware, and plates and set the thermostat at the recommended temperature to avoid waste. We turn off the office lights every evening, use filtered water instead of bottled and promote a paperless culture. Our office has abundant office plants that help filter the air and provide fresh oxygen for the team. 

We are a hybrid team, and many of my colleagues work remotely with no need to commute at all. I sometimes remind the team to take additional carbon-reducing steps at home like adjusting their thermostats and being aware of any energy vampires lurking around.

While these may all seem like small steps, I think every little bit helps. I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm our team put into this challenge and hope some new environmentally-friendly habits have formed. Who knows, maybe it's the beginning of a change of tide for our planet and future generations.

- Phyllis Beck, Culture & Workplace Experience Manager

Tentpoles Are Back, But With An Intimate Twist

Image via Brand Innovators

For brand marketers, communicators and events executives focused on attracting key business decision-makers, 2023 has marked the year that “tentpole” events and activations returned to being a marketing must-have. That was a huge theme at Brand Innovators Trade Marketing Summit held at Amazon’s brand-new headquarters in New York City.

But more than ever, marketers’ approach to “tentpoles” is designed to perform and return dividends, unlike the “parties” of years past. Now, as movers and shakers descend upon happenings like CES, Cannes Lions, Upfronts or Advertising Week, marketers are creating environments and experiences that are a bit more intimate and aimed at deepening relationships, awareness and understanding. And, in addition to making them memorable, they’re building in ways to make them measurable, by creating ways to track and attribute each initiative.
A new favorite tactic? In addition to investing in sponsorships, bold-faced name talent and splashy experiences for big crowds, they’re also curating intimate dinners for their revenue and creative teams with top targets either weeks before an event or on the ground at week-long gatherings. 

The events are the sizzle, and the dinners are the real ‘steak’ of the deal-making. The primary reason? All sales pitches can start to sound the same. More intimate gatherings are a way to cut through the noise, create relationships, learn pain points and develop very specific solutions. 

“A great dinner with the right people can pay off a lot more than paying for a yacht at Cannes,” said one leading adtech CEO, who added that the new midnight curfew imposed there this year was an unpleasant surprise to the sponsoring companies whose main sales strategy was to entertain prospects until the wee hours.

What Gets Measured Gets…More Budget For 2024 Activations

During a panel on “Tentpoles: From Strategic Vision to On-site Execution,” Carly Zipp, Global Director of Brand Marketing for Amazon Ads says they create intentional "touchpoints" for each activation and track them carefully: number of invites, email opens, number of attendees, numbers of attendees who engaged in an activity or registered to get swag, etc. Their team then tracks which guests "took a high-value action” afterward, say a follow-up meeting, signing an order or increasing business. For Pinterest, even smaller events like dinners have an attribution window that tracks favorable outcomes that drive the business forward, and bigger initiatives like Cannes Lions, continue to track and measure results a year out.

For some communications professionals, a “high-value” action might include writing a positive story about your company, asking for a point of view on an industry matter from one of your company's leaders or simply asking for a 1:1 follow-up meeting.

The conference ended with smart takes from C-suiters who themselves are often the target of an onslaught of sellers. Said rockstar CMO Fernando Machado, formerly of Burger King and Activision and now at plant-based food company NotCo: “Do your homework.” This fundamental advice got heads nodding about what is clearly a pervasive “miss.” He remarked that the people he ends up connecting to and doing business with are those who clearly have bothered to experience, learn and get to know what his brand does. 

For those heading into the big tentpole season, expect more and more brands to go for quality over quantity. And even the big spenders who go all out for over-the-top activations will be layering on more meaning and measurement on top of big confabs.

- Jeanne Meyer, CCO

Payments: A Primary Driver in Fintech Innovation

Fintech is an ever-changing industry and payments is one segment that has fintechs and financial institutions abuzz. The technology, regulations and overall approach to how we exchange money for goods and services are changing every day. During the recent Mobile Payments Conference in Atlanta, industry experts shared insights and discussed trends that affect companies and consumers. Below are some of the hottest trends in the payments industry and how they are changing the landscape of fintech. 

Generative AI - Everyone is talking about it and, according to industry experts, it is here to stay. The distrust of generative AI technology is based on the belief that it will displace people or take their jobs, which is truly unwarranted, according to Russell Moore, director of corporate strategy and development at Global Payments Inc. Moore explained that generative AI is “naive and ruthless” and needs human interaction and input to help it create material that is not biased or non-inclusive. He encouraged everyone to approach generative AI as a technology that will help optimize our work environment and allow professionals to focus on more complex, thought-provoking tasks while AI manages more routine work. As the industry continues to find its footing in the best use of AI, security could be one of the areas that benefit companies and consumers. 

BNPL - The latest form of the growing alternative form of credit, buy now, pay later (BNPL) likely started in the 1980s but actually dates back to the 1800s. Essentially, BNPL allows retailers to offer a multiple-payment option spread over a period of time without interest. The conversations about whether BNPL is taking advantage of consumers who are using the service to buy items they do not need as opposed to necessities like groceries will continue. However, with financial heavy hitters such as Chase and U.S. Bank entering the space, the regulatory scrutiny of BNPL will increase. 

Instant payments - The Federal Reserve launched the first phase of its instant payment platform, FedNow, in July. It is the first phase of the federal payment option that, on the surface, could be seen as competition for other fintech-led instant payment platforms such as Zelle, Venmo, PayPal and CashApp. As more institutions and retailers sign up for FedNow and it becomes commonplace, consumers will have more options to transfer money including paying bills on due dates to prevent late fees and sending money to individuals. The goal of the service is to give consumers instant access to their paychecks and companies instant access to invoice payments. Officials from the agency have said the goal is not to eliminate other instant cash platforms but to supplement and work with them. 

Contactless payments - Tapping or contactless payments is expected to reach $10 trillion globally by 2027. More and more retailers started accepting tap payments as consumer demand for the feature grew during the pandemic. By 2026, 81 percent of all cards will be contactless. Studies have shown that people like the convenience of the option as well as the cleanliness of not having to touch payment devices. The convenience and easy use of these payment options will outweigh consumers’ concerns, industry experts say. This is a great opportunity for fintechs to develop other ways to keep these transactions secure such as the growing use of biometrics at the point of sale.    

The ultimate drivers of innovation in payments are consumers, who will decide their level of comfort with frictionless payments such as contactless. Successful fintechs will learn to work with financial institutions such as banks and credit unions in order to serve consumer needs and develop true co-opetition in the process. As they develop these relationships, fintechs will be better able to navigate regulatory requirements around privacy and data security. This will lead to a fintech ecosystem in which fintechs can lead innovations in partnership with financial institutions that are rolled out to consumers who want a more streamlined payment experience. 
- Charlyne H. McWilliams

Using earned media to get your music noticed: Lessons from a PR Pro

Via Hypebot.com

This article was originally published on hypebot.com

Technology has allowed musicians to make and release music from their bedrooms, but that also means the competition is tougher than ever. Here’s a guide on how you can build your brand to stick out from the crowd.

Getting noticed in the press as a record label or new player in the music industry isn’t easy. The common belief is that it is all about networking and while that’s an important part – it’s just that –  a part in a bigger picture. Earned media and building brand awareness can play a critical role in a new player’s success. So what are the absolute essentials you need to know when trying to get in front of the media? 

  • Have a clear vision of who you are and what your story is – Even if it’s day one and you are just starting out, you have a story to tell. You have a platform you are looking to own. Put down on paper what makes you unique and how you want to define your personal brand and stay true to that message. 

  • Use the P.E.S.O. model – Trying to figure out where to begin when it comes to PR can feel overwhelming. The P.E.S.O. model can act as a guide as it breaks all elements of PR into pieces.

    • P = Paid media, when a brand pays to have their message spread (sponsored content, paid ads, etc.) 

    • E = Earned media which is content that is secured through pitching efforts and spreads a brand’s message organically (pitched interviews, reviews, feature articles)

    • S =  Social which are your social channels where a brand can post photos or messages spreading awareness

    • O = Owned which are channels that are dependent on the brand to control, such as a blog or website. 

This is a tried and true framework to help you identify channels to distribute your key messages.

  • Be thoughtful in your outreach – You have to read the news in order to be in the news. If you have an amazing story to tell – you want to be telling that story to the right reporters. Do your homework before you start pitching. When you find a journalist you think might be interested in your news, read a few of their pieces to 1) confirm they’d be relevant and interested and 2)  personalize your pitch. A news hook is great but if you can’t make the why connection – why the reporter, the publication and their audience should care about the story you’re pitching – you’re not going to strike the right chord. 

  • Build a relationship with reporters – Going hand in hand with being thoughtful in your outreach is building relationships with reporters. Don’t only reach out when you have news to share. Reach out to provide feedback on recent articles.  Build rapport. Then offer yourself to them as a resource. Reporters are humans too and it’s important to remember that and to connect with them on another level than consistently cold pitching them your news. 

Breaking through the noise of the music industry as an emerging player can be difficult. It boils down to raising brand awareness and that starts with securing earned media coverage. To achieve that, you need to first know the story you’re going to tell and how you want it to be told. From there, identify who you want to tell that story and be thoughtful in your approach to them – do your research and build a relationship. 

If you follow these steps, you’ll find yourself getting in front of the right people at the right time. 

By Tiffany Guarnaccia, CEO and founder of Kite Hill PR

Authenticity is Key: Backing up Sustainability to Help Credibility

Creating a legacy of sustainability will take more than writing one report and sharing it with consumers and investors. More consumers are adamant about doing business with a company that has a meaningful presence beyond their products and services. Doing good for people and the environment is not only about ideating on and executing a green tech PR campaign or putting up the right social posts. Instead, it’s about acting authentically, and consistently. That is the way to build long-standing trust with consumers, and ultimately please investors and advisory boards. 

There are arguments on both sides of whether efforts to improve diversity, equality and inclusion (DE&I) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) at companies are politically driven. A recent article in The Economist questions the correct measurements of ESG data and states that the focus should squarely be on emissions. However, a rebuttal article in Forbes points to this being too narrow of a scope and that some asset managers are already customizing offerings for investors interested in focusing on the environment and those interested in social issues. 

The recently signed Inflation Reduction Act, which has $369 billion earmarked to address climate change, makes it clear that more companies will need to set clear sustainability priorities as the area becomes more and more important to investors/advisory boards.   

There are several ways to ensure a company’s sustainability is positively linked to inclusion and growth. An article from McKinsey & Co. considered how “sustainable and inclusive growth can be a dynamic self-reinforcing combination, but achieving will require addressing counteractive forces.” 

Companies looking to validate their sustainability pledge should consider the following: 

Identify a meaningful purpose that resonates with employees, customers and investors Determine what purpose aligns with all of the company’s stakeholders and create a plan for that one purpose. Focus and alignment are key to ensure that the company can continue efforts for the long term. 

Conduct periodic internal reviews

Once a company has ensured that the purpose-driven campaign aligns with the mission and messaging of your company, conduct regular internal audits of the campaign to ensure it is on track. This will help a company determine if the initiative is producing the desired result and where adjustments might be needed. Timely reviews show employees the company is committed to making positive strides and this can translate into improved productivity and efficiency. This ultimately increases profits

Consult professionals

No company has all the answers and enlisting the help of DE&I and ESG consultants can help a company reach its goals without the headache and cost of failed attempts. More reputable companies as well as government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and its framework for sustainability offer companies a plethora of information and best practices for successful on-going campaigns. 

It is crucial that companies’ sustainability efforts are built for the long haul. This commitment to positive change in company, people and the environment may seem costly at the onset but the value of the credibility built and the increase in revenue will prove to be worth the investment.  

– Charlyne H. McWilliams, SVP  

Q&A with Arbor, Kite Hill PR’s 2023 Tech for Good Winner

The team at Kite Hill wrapped up work with our latest Tech for Good winner, Arbor earlier this year. The program is a continuation of our collective effort to address the glaring industry need to amplify the growth and success of purpose-driven technology companies led by those who have historically been marginalized. 

We held our second annual “pitch-off” in December 2022 and were thrilled to learn about all the innovative companies that applied. Working with Arbor, a data science platform that enables brands to increase profits and save the planet, over the 4-month program enabled us to identify stories and strategies that would elevate the company’s mission. We asked Arbor’s Co-Founder and CPO, Danny Grande, a few questions about our partnership and their recommendations for companies thinking about applying to Tech for Good in the future. 

What were some of your biggest learnings during the PR program?

In working with Kite Hill, the Arbor team got a front-row seat to witness how difficult it can be to earn media coverage! Watching PR professionals in action showed us the amount of time and dedication it can take to get a company’s name and message out to its targeted audience. 

Our partnership also reiterated just how important storytelling is. A good story captures the attention of journalists and makes them a lot more likely to feature the company behind the story. It’s also very important to be able to highlight what makes us unique by using our own data to support our story.  

We also learned how critical it can be to build and maintain relationships with journalists covering sustainability. This involves researching and understanding their areas of interest and expertise, reaching out to them with relevant news and story ideas, and being responsive and helpful when they need information or quotes. Thankfully, we had the Kite Hill team build relationships on our behalf.

What was the most impactful part of the partnership?

There were multiple things that were impactful for Arbor. Learning more about the world of public relations was very interesting. The team at Kite Hill proved to us that with the right skill set, high-price tag media features are not the only option. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to be featured in some of the biggest columns in the world. 

We also learned how impactful high-quality thought leadership is. It solidified Arbor’s thinking that people aren’t just buying a product or service, they are interested in investing in the people and brand behind it.

How has your perception of the value of public relations changed?

Prior to this opportunity, Arbor’s marketing team thought that PR was mainly focused on crisis management and press releases when negative things occurred. The Kite Hill team helped show us that we can use public relations as a positive way to showcase all of Arbor’s benefits and uniqueness.

What lessons will you continue to apply to sustain momentum?

We learned that PR needs to have consistency to be the most successful. With everything we build, we’re actively considering what a press release would look like, and working to implement a monthly press release cadence. 

We’re also keeping an eye on the news cycle for any developing stories in which Arbor can contribute to the conversation. 

What advice would you give other startups considering applying for Kite Hill's Tech for Good program? 

Do it! Kite Hill’s team was absolutely wonderful to work with. They provided us with so much information, guidance, and education on how to successfully run PR and earned media campaigns. Arbor really enjoyed and benefited from our time with Kite Hill.


For more information or questions, please contact TechForGood@KiteHillPR.com.

Four Top Takeaways From Cannes 2023

Pictured (L to R): Allison Schiff, AdExchanger; Tiffany Guarnaccia, Kite Hill PR; Sarah Sluis, AdExchanger; Katie Hicks, Morning Brew

This article was originally published on CommPro.biz

The Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity was in full swing this year, hosting tens of thousands of marketers, advertisers and public relations professionals. The weather was hot and the energy, hotter. Between the panels, industry conversations, networking, and of course, croissants, I took a moment to reflect on why we were all there in the first place – to listen to new perspectives and continue to drive our industry forward. Below are my top four takeaways for PR professionals.

Events Matter, Maybe Now More Than Ever.

Running between in-person meetings to an industry panel would not have felt so out of the ordinary a few years ago, but post-pandemic, it does. We may be a little out of practice, but this year’s Cannes reminded us that it’s time to dust ourselves off and fully embrace the return to industry events. With more than 35,000 people in attendance and 100+ events offered, Cannes proved the appetite for in-person events is thriving once again – and competition is high. The difference between now and then? Events with crystal-clear purpose, diverse perspectives and valuable insights will persevere amidst a stacked conference agenda.

Now is the time to start planning for events happening in the latter half of the year. And dare I say it? It’s not too early to start formulating a strategy for Cannes 2024 either. Doing research and having a game plan in place to ensure all bases are covered is critical. For PR professionals with clients who plan to attend in-person events in the near future, make sure they have carved out their space there. What are the unique points of view they are going to bring? Where are the pockets where they can make the most noise? 

Preparation is key but remember to always stay agile. In-person events change every second. 

While Strides Have Been Made On DEI, There’s More To Do.

DEI was an important topic at this year’s event. Notable speakers participated in buzzy events with Black at Cannes, a group dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the advertising industry. Events included a Business Brunch and fireside chat with News UK and panel with Shelley Bishton, Head of diversity, equity, and inclusion from News UK, who is an advocate for diversity and inclusion. 

Watching Spike Lee receive the inaugural Creative Maker of the Year award was an honor. He was welcomed to the stage to talk about creativity, his first film, and more. The CROWN Act, created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, delivered a powerful call to action for allies ahead of its National CROWN day on July 3.

Representation matters. It is important to be an ally and champion for underrepresented voices. Strive for progress and more will come through dedicated allies, supporters and partners. 

Avoid The Jargon.

As PR professionals, we aid clients and brands with crystallizing their internal and external messaging. Post-Cannes one observation was abundantly clear: the need to eliminate industry jargon. 

The billboard advertisements along the Croisette were a great example of impactful promotions. The Weather Channel’s billboard read “Weather: The Original Influencer.” Short, sweet, and no lingo needed. The message, written in plain English, was clear enough to be effectively conveyed to all.

And it continued throughout the festival – from panels to yacht events. This reinforced the importance for us as PR professionals to caution our clients about getting too “in the weeds'' on any given topic. Being clear and concise in messaging will get clients a lot further than focusing on industry nomenclature that only other industry experts understand. 

Evolve With Your PR Tech Stack. 

While this year’s PR Lions finalists had an earned-first approach, the top awarded campaigns also featured earned media amplification strategies – a tell-tale sign that the worlds of PR and paid media continue to merge. This is led by the fact that the PR tech stack is evolving and resulting in new ways to measure and track the performance of integrated communications campaigns. 

With more opportunities for measurement, PR strategies are evolving past the “just earned” approach and moving into cross-platform territory.

Another evolution of the PR tech stack – surprising no one – is AI. While the implications of AI in PR are still widely unknown, one thing is for certain: it is here to stay. We are going to continue to see AI being used for content creation, media monitoring and research purposes. And as demonstrated through this year’s Cannes activations – the companies unwilling to adopt AI will be left behind. 

The beauty of Cannes lies within bringing a plethora of events and a multitude of different industry professionals together to connect, to network and to participate in meaningful and innovative conversations. Now that the event has concluded, we get to witness how the key trends stemming from those meaningful conversations evolve until next year’s festival.

- Tiffany Guarnaccia, CEO and Founder of Kite Hill PR

Perspectives from Cannes 2023: More influencers, brand experiences and candid conversations

This article was originally published on PRDaily.com.

This year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity showcased the power of brilliant ideas, the desire for IRL connections and truly engaging experiences. After being canceled for two years, 2023 is the year that the Lions came roaring back to the Croisette. Tens of thousands of attendees from the advertising, media, marketing and communications world came together to highlight key trends, share insights and get deals done.

Some of the key trends that were discussed at the conference could be pinpointed even before the sessions started on Monday just by looking up at the billboards surrounding the Palais des festivals, which featured ads for sustainability, marketing and adtech solutions. Insiders estimated that 80% of attendees were from the adtech industry this year. Double clicking on the adtech discussions, one of the biggest talking points at the show should not come as a surprise –  AI! Executives debated the impacts of AI in performance marketing and programmatic advertising.

 While there were a few events geared towards PR pros and opportunities to meet with leaders from GWPR and ICCO, media and tech brands drew the most attention. Pinterest brought more influencers to the show with their Manifestival, which included activations that showed what it was like to step into the consumer journey on the platform. Attendees could get a tattoo, try a food trend or make custom merchandise. It was a well-produced and engaging experience that brought a diverse range of influencers to the show, many of whom were in attendance for the first time. They also hosted a journalist meetup with MuckRack which drew some attention and served as a welcomed pause in jam-packed schedules.

Stagwell’s vertical approach was well received. Their “Sports Beach” with Axios had some of the best attended sessions overall. It was a great example of the power of aligning to purpose and passion. Athletes and stars graced their stage, including a session with Spike Lee who was named as Cannes Lions’ first Creative Maker of the Year. The Stagwell team tapped into passions but brought it back to the business at hand including the touting of their marketing cloud solutions that includes a PR tech layer.

CEOs at an intimate Kite Hill PR-hosted roundtable shared that the conference served as an opportunity to discuss broader trends but was a good reminder about why we were all there – to showcase our passion for the work and the brilliant ideas that power campaigns.

The beauty of Cannes is that it is not one event but many that give attendees the chance to connect in a variety of settings conducive to candid conversations and genuine connections. All in all, the attendance was up. The buzz was tangible. Let’s see if Cannes Lions 2024 roars as loudly.

Tiffany Guarnaccia is CEO and founder of Kite Hill PR.

Key Takeaways from Pride 2023 and Moving Forward

Historically brands come together to show their support during June to celebrate Pride Month — initiated with the Stonewall riots in 1969. Now, in 2023, a record-breaking amount of anti-LGBTQ+ bills are quickly moving through state legislation causing the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to issue a “state of emergency" for LGBTQ+ Americans. This shift in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is causing a political divide for many, including calls to boycott well-known brands.

PR professionals know it’s best practice to genuinely consider how political issues align with brand values and act accordingly. However, when it comes to discrimination against marginalized groups, leaders must revisit how they show up to support the LGBTQ+ community this June and beyond.  

Stay Consistent 

There is no denying that brands supporting the LGBTQ+ community through campaigns or activations should prepare to face potential backlash from extreme far-right groups. Brands should prepare to stand with their campaigns and continue to pledge support. Companies that cancel activations or give in to criticism risk facing backlash and losing support from the LGBTQ+ community, as it can appear inauthentic.  

The North Face is a prime example of a company slaying how it handled its Pride campaign criticism. After facing backlash for its “Summer of Pride” collection, the face of which was well-known drag queen and environmental activist Pattie Gonia, the outdoor brand stood by its Pride activation. Instead of pulling the campaign, it issued a statement of inclusivity. “The North Face has always believed the outdoors should be a welcoming, equitable, and safe place for all,” the brand stated, noting that the Summer of Pride series is now in its second year and has helped “individuals from all backgrounds” experience the outdoors. “Creating community and belonging in the outdoors is a core part of our values and is needed now more than ever. We stand with those who support our vision for a more inclusive outdoor industry.” Others should take note and have a reactive statement at the ready. 

Lean Into Core Values 

A brand that has always supported the community should remain true to its core values. Consumers tend to respond well to authentic brands. And it's not just external stakeholders to consider — employees want to know they work for a company that supports equality. A brand or company that decides to stay silent this year after showing previous years' support must consider the risk to brand credibility.

Remember the Data

In PR, we love data. Brands must remember that most of the backlash this year comes from smaller extreme groups. Recent data from GLAAD found:

  • 53% of Americans expect CEOs to inform conversations and policy debates about LGBTQ+ rights

  • 59% of respondents shared that they believe it would have a positive impact if businesses devoted resources to protecting LGBTQ+ rights

  • 18-34-year-olds are nearly twice as likely to say, “Protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community should be a top priority for brands” 

  • U.S. employees 18-34 are 5.5 times more likely to want to work for a company that publicly supports the community 

  • Americans are twice as likely to buy from a brand that publicly supports LGBTQ+ rights

While a brand should never slap a rainbow over its logo to cash in on a moment, now is the time for companies to remain authentic to their values and the causes they support. Brands planning Pride campaigns must ensure they are thoughtful and remember there is a chance of backlash. As with any PR campaign, be prepared to address any criticism and remember consumers and employees are watching. Inclusivity is always the right move.

- Kyle Murray, Account Supervisor

Kite Hill PR at Cannes - In Review

The Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity brought to light the importance of live events and the opportunity they create to make new connections. 

Kite Hill PR was in attendance, taking note of emerging trends, differing perspectives and conversations that will take us into next year. I recently recapped our thoughts on the festival for PR Daily and CommPro. 

Below are a few more key takeaways and how they can be applied to upcoming industry events.

Key takeaways from 2023 

  • Adtech dominated Cannes. This year’s Cannes featured more adtech attendance than previous years. Adtech companies were placed predominantly on Yacht Row (although expected to change next year due to construction) and in cafés along the Croisette such as Kerv’s L’Avenue takeover next to Café Roma. We saw these locations become popular meeting spots for Cannes attendees.

  • Fringe events were key in networking. With over 100 events hosted at Cannes, it’s easy to overbook your schedule. This year, there were plenty of fringe events, ones not officially on the schedule or hosted through Cannes, which proved to be the key to great networking. Events that led to an organic connection had the most impact.

  • Avoid industry jargon, especially with reporters. Being in the business of PR, I made some time in our Cannes schedule to sit down with a few reporters and pick their brains on what they’re looking for from sources. The biggest takeaway: stay away from the jargon and don’t get too in the weeds. 

Looking ahead to 2024

There are a few key takeaways from Cannes from an event-planning perspective that I’m taking with me in the second half of 2023 and into 2024.

  • Leverage strategic partnerships. There were a lot of companies that had speaking opportunities through other companies with their own stages and activations. For Cannes, and other industry events, we recommend looking for strategic partnerships to help mitigate costs. 

  • Avoid programming that misses the mark. At all events, but especially one like Cannes where there are hundreds of events for attendees to choose from, it’s important to ensure that you’re aligning to a focused topic – one that people are passionate about – and then bringing it back to the business at hand. 

Now is the time to start planning for events happening in the latter half of the year. With Advertising Week right around the corner, these lessons can be applied to your approach for that key industry event and others. 

And dare I say it? It’s not too early to start formulating a strategy for Cannes 2024 either.

Kite Hill PR is here to help ensure you have a game plan in place, your talk track is set and your impact is powerful. To get in touch with our team to discuss your event needs, reach out to us at Hello@KiteHillPR.com. 

- Tiffany Guarnaccia, CEO

Tiffany Guarnaccia Recognized as a 2023 Top Women in Media and Ad Tech 

Kite Hill PR’s CEO and founder was named by AdMonsters and AdExchanger in the Entrepreneurs category

New York, NY — June 5, 2023 — Tiffany Guarnaccia, founder and CEO of Kite Hill PR, the award-winning agile tech PR and B2B communications agency, was recognized as a Top Woman in Media and Ad Tech by AdMonsters and AdExchanger in the Entrepreneurs category. The Top Women in Media & Ad Tech Awards recognizes, celebrates, inspires and brings together the women who are making an impact in the greater digital media and advertising technology community.

Having led the firm to its 10th anniversary milestone after founding Kite Hill PR in 2013, Guarnaccia is not only known for her work with some of the world’s most-known businesses and launching innovative new companies, she is recognized for driving the PR industry forward. Guarnaccia launched Communications Week in 2014 and built it into a preeminent event and thought leadership brand for communicators and marketers worldwide. Under Guarnaccia’s leadership, Communications Week was acquired by Ragan Communications in 2021, and Guarnaccia joined as co-chair of Ragan’s Communications Week board. 

Guarnaccia rewrote the traditional PR blueprint in 2019, launching the PR Sprint ® Workflow. Drawing inspiration from the agile sprint model leveraged by major tech companies, the model enables agencies and teams to create stronger, more nimble PR programs.  

Kite Hill PR celebrates its tenth year this year with a #ModernMentorship content series, in which Guarnaccia speaks with leading women executives about career advice for emerging women just entering the workforce. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a top entrepreneur in media and ad tech alongside such forward-thinking women,” said Guarnaccia. “Since the beginning of my career, I’ve made it a priority to push the needle forward in the industry when it comes to creating more opportunities for women. I am humbled to be named to the list this year and extend my sincerest congratulations to my fellow honorees.”

Guarnaccia founded the agency with a speciality in the media and advertising industry. More recently, Kite Hill PR has expanded its practice areas, continuing to service adtech, media and entertainment clients, and broadening into work across the broader technology industries, including enterprise tech, climate tech, fintech, mobility, data, retail and cybersecurity arenas. 

About Kite Hill PR

Based in New York City with team members in the UK and across North America, Kite Hill PR is a leading B2B communications and tech PR agency specializing in connecting enterprise technology, media and advertising businesses with key stakeholders. The company's winning approach combines thought leadership, strategy and media relations to drive clients' businesses forward. Kite Hill PR has been recognized as a “B2B PR Agency of the Year,” one of the "Top Tech Specialist PR Agencies in NYC,” “Most Powerful PR Firms,” and a “Top 50 PR Firm in America” by the Observer, a “Best Place to Work” by PR News and one of "America's Best PR Agencies" by Forbes.

###

PR Agency Investment in an Uncertain Economic Climate — Is It Worth It?

The global economic landscape remains uncertain midway through 2023, amid concerns about inflation and the rising cost of goods and services continuing to rise. How can businesses meet pressure to grow and keep their sales funnel healthy while being challenged with the need to maintain or trim expenses?  

In the face of challenging financial times, for businesses seeking to reduce overhead, marketing budgets – in particular, external agencies are often the first place to go. And yet, at a time when it is more important than ever to attract new customers and keep a steady revenue stream and manage a reputation, PR is the marketing discipline that is potentially the external expense to keep on in order to weather the storm. Here's why:

Buyer behavior has changed

It is a known fact that modern consumers will only engage with brands that resonate with them on a personal level and share the same ethos or ethical standpoints. To stay competitive, businesses must build a valued brand message that reflects their product, their people and their raison d’etre. More than that, they must get their message across to raise brand awareness throughout the different stages of the customer purchasing process and actively demonstrate their product or service value.

The AIDA model is a well-known marketing model that demonstrates the customer journey through the stages of the purchasing decision-making process:
Attention – The consumer becomes aware of a product or brand

Interest – The consumer becomes interested by learning about brand benefits and how the brand fits with their lifestyle

Desire – The consumer develops a favorable disposition toward the brand

Action – The consumer forms a purchase intention, shops around, engages in a trial, or makes a purchase

Engaging with a PR Agency to showcase your business’s knowledge of the industry, brand values and product prowess interestingly and educationally will go a long way in attracting leads and guiding them through the decision-making process.

Relationships matter

Human relationships are the building blocks for business success. Hiring a PR Agency means buying into the agency/journalist relationship nurtured over time. A journalist that has worked with an agency on mutually beneficial pieces historically is arguably more likely to read an email from those contacts rather than from unsolicited sources.

Additionally, a business’s relationship with its PR Agency can provide significant industry expertise, allow for a certain objectivity over content and recommendations, and provide the agility that might not be possible with an in-house team. Finding a trusted partner that can provide expertise while allowing your employees to focus on their roles is always a valuable alliance.

The results are measurable

Proving the ROI for media relations can be challenging since it's not always easy to directly tie media coverage to specific business outcomes. However, by choosing specific measurable goals, you can prove the value of your PR Agency. 

For example, web analytics tools can track website traffic from unique links in your coverage where included, and using media monitoring tools can provide statistics on the reach of media coverage.

Also, calculating advertising value equivalency (AVE) can estimate the value of earned media coverage for comparison with the cost to purchase the same amount of advertising space or time.

Similarly, conducting surveys can help demonstrate the impact of media coverage on awareness, attitudes, and behavior by providing comparable statistics over a period of time.

As businesses continue to navigate this tough economic climate, there will be tough choices to make to balance the books. Those who want to attract repeat and loyal customers must provide them with holistic and continual evidence as to why they should sign up — using a PR Agency is the best way to do this.

- Caroline Brunton, Senior Account Manager

Top Trends From Fintech Nexus USA

Disruption in financial services continues to make headlines. This has not stopped industry experts from believing that fintech will be a vital part of a healthy financial future. Representatives from the entire fintech ecosystem attended the Fintech Nexus USA 2023 conference earlier this week. The Javits Center buzzed with lessons on how fintech will help companies weather the storms of change successfully. 

Some of the hot topics at the conference, previously LendIt Fintech, included the future of embedded finance, payment innovations (buy now pay later [BNPL] and frictionless, fast options) and of course, the role of generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT. As digital transformation continues in the finance industry, more companies are considering new standards for data and will be watching the use of generative AI platforms from Google, OpenAI and IBM that are jockeying for a piece of the financial pie. From enhancing identification verification to helping create opportunities for the underbanked, AI can help propel the industry into a positive future of growth. 

Another topic that was hot: fraud. From how to detect it early to reconciling funds to customers, financial-related companies are curious on how to most effectively address the age-old problem.     

“Identity theft is the natural progression as more companies expand their digital offerings,” said Wayne Brown, managing partner in The Walker Group and host of monthly virtual lunches for fintechs. Brown, who advises companies in banking, financial services and fintech, has attended this conference since 2016. “That is why more companies are looking to identify and mitigate fraud early.” 

In addition to the uptick in identity fraud and digital fraud, there has been a resurgence in old fashioned check fraud. Banks reported nearly 250,000 cases of check fraud nationwide in 2021, according to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a division of the U.S. Treasury Department. In 2022, that number nearly doubled to 460,000 check fraud cases reported. “If consumers have a preference for using checks, fraud in this area will remain an issue,” Brown added. While criminals rely on platforms such as Telegram to recruit people in committing check fraud, financial institutions are using fintech to return stolen funds in a timely manner. 

Several other fintech trends got airtime during the Fintech Nexus conference, including blockchain, data security and inclusive and responsible lending. It was clear during the conference that companies should have two attributes to survive in any economic climate:  the need to be agile and open to the possibilities created by fintech.  

– Charlyne H. McWilliams, SVP

Kite Hill PR Reaches 10-Year Milestone

In honor of a decade in business, the agency is launching a campaign, Modern Mentorship, highlighting women leaders as well as celebrating being named a Top B2B PR Agency by PR Daily

New York, NY — May 9, 2023 — Kite Hill PR, the award-winning agile tech PR and B2B communications agency, celebrates 10 years of business and has been named a Top B2B PR Agency by PR Daily. The award honors agencies that deliver on their promises to clients and raise the bar on effective communications strategies and tactics. 

The agency credits its success to its award-winning culture of collaboration, which has prioritized and operationalized mentorship. To celebrate this notable business milestone, the agency is launching a “Modern Mentorship” campaign highlighting advice from top female leaders on innovation, agility and collaboration.

Helmed by an all-female leadership team, the agency has worked with over 180 clients in the last decade, organized and managed 30+ industry events and won 18 awards for its culture, leadership and the results it drives for clients. Over the last five years, Kite Hill PR has consistently increased topline revenue by an average of 30% per year. The company’s notable organic growth was bolstered by the acquisition of Cutler PR in 2018. With a history of working with tech innovators, the agency’s practice areas include Adtech, Martech and creative agencies, media & entertainment, B2B tech, healthtech, fintech, climate tech, cybersecurity and mobility. 

Kite Hill PR’s founding team launched Communications Week® in 2014, a preeminent event created to inspire, inform and connect those in PR and communications, which was acquired by Ragan Communications in 2021. The company’s innovative approach to agile PR, the PR Sprint ® Workflow, was launched in 2018 and the company was awarded a US trademark for this unique approach to managing PR campaigns in 2021. 

“I attribute our continued success to our culture of innovation, collaboration and learning. Over the last decade, we have focused on supporting our team through robust learning and development resources to fuel growth and encourage innovative thinking,” said Tiffany Guarnaccia, CEO and Founder of Kite Hill PR. “Mentorship plays a huge role in my life and in our agency. In the spirit of collaboration, we’re marking our anniversary by celebrating modern mentorship.”

The anniversary video series “Modern Mentorship” highlights perspectives from industry luminaries on mentorship and features reflections from the last decade along with actionable tips for professionals seeking career advice. Interviewees include Janet Balis, Partner, CMO Practice Leader - Business Transformation, EY; Shannan Herbert, EVP, Inclusive Credit; Tameka Kee, Deputy Managing Director, Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement; Bonnie Kintzer, President and CEO, TMB; Linda Ong, CEO and founder, CULTIQUE; Tiffany Ricks, CEO, HacWare; Diane Schwartz, CEO, Ragan Communications; Patrice Tanaka, founder, Joyful Planet; Tonia Wellons, President and CEO, Greater Washington Community Foundation and Lisa Marrocchino, CEO of Proteus Ocean Group. Videos will be released on the Kite Hill PR website, LinkedIn and YouTube today through July 2023. 

“As we continue to shape a best-in-class work from anywhere culture, we have operationalized our L&D program to make mentorship a part of our DNA. We cultivate peer-to-peer relationships based on various parameters, encourage reverse mentoring, and create opportunities for department levels to problem solve and learn from one another,” said Guarnaccia. “The campaign is a natural extension of Kite Hill PR’s ethos as we seek to strengthen the PR industry at large and empower the next generation of leaders.”

To learn more about Kite Hill PR’s unique approach to mentorship and its Modern Mentorship visit https://www.kitehillpr.com/modern-mentorship 

About Kite Hill PR

Headquartered in New York City with team members in the UK and across North America, Kite Hill PR is a leading B2B communications and agile tech PR agency with practice areas in adtech, martech and creative agencies; B2B and enterprise tech; climate tech; cybersecurity; fintech; healthtech; media and entertainment and mobility . The company's winning approach combines thought leadership, strategy and media relations to drive clients' businesses forward. Kite Hill PR has been recognized as one of the "Top Tech Specialist PR Agencies in NYC,” “Most Powerful PR Firms,” and a “Top 50 PR Firm in America” by the Observer, a “Best Place to Work” by PR News and one of "America's Best PR Agencies" by Forbes.

Kite Hill PR on Building Strong Futures: The Power of Mentorship

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” — Oprah Winfrey

There is no denying the importance of mentorship. Developing positive and affirming relationships allows individuals to flourish in both professional and personal development. These types of relationships are especially helpful for those in the beginning stages of their career, but at Kite Hill PR we have seen firsthand that mentorship provides growth both to mentor and mentee no matter the career stage. The support and guidance garnered in a mentor/mentee relationship can help identify strengths outside of one’s career scope and highlight passions that can become powerful tools for professional growth. 

Because we feel so strongly about fostering strong relationships among our team, Kite Hill PR’s mentorship model was built into the structure of our recent company retreat in New Orleans. Everyone on the team was paired up into “Retreat Buddies” for the duration of the trip to learn about and from one another on a more personal level than might be available in a virtual environment. This exercise was a great learning experience as many were paired up with people they haven’t yet had the chance to work with, including our Senior Leadership Team. As a result, we found that as we got to know each other’s passions, hobbies, dreams and more, the stronger our working relationships became. Check out what our SLT team learned about their retreat buddy and how their motivations, passions and joys are incorporated into their work at Kite Hill PR. 

What did you all learn about your retreat buddy in terms of their motivations, passions and joys that could be incorporated into their work at Kite Hill?

I have always embraced the mindset of being a lifelong learner. When you are a mentor, you can learn so much from your mentee. One of the things that impressed me the most about my retreat buddy was that she was curious. She asked deeper questions about each experience. She had an open mind and was an active listener. That is something she applies to client work on a regular basis as she learns about new clients and industries. We should all embrace that mindset and be curious! 

– Tiffany Guarnaccia, CEO  

There is so much you can learn about someone simply by being in their presence and having an open dialogue. I loved getting to know my retreat buddy and having this unstructured time together. In our conversations, I learned about her love of travel and independent nature. While some people would shy away from taking big trips solo, my retreat buddy is planning a European trip to a country she has never visited. I love this motivation and adventurous spirit, which translates to driving motivators at work. A sense of self and accomplishment are key. 

 – Gina Preoteasa, SVP

I was so excited to be paired with my buddy for the retreat because she and I had shared a few Uber rides while we were in NYC for the Christmas party, and I learned how witty and engaging she is. During the retreat, I learned a bit more about her including her first job working as a hostess and table “busser” at an Italian restaurant. That made perfect sense to me because I have often seen her use those strong communication skills effectively with clients and behind the scenes with her teammates. I learned that her love language is spending time with her loved ones, which resonates with me as well. Her face lit up when she talked about celebrating her grandmother’s 90 birthday soon after the retreat. Her passion for helping people translates into her willingness to share her knowledge and information to anyone who needs it. She is a self-starter who is as determined as she is kind. I never doubt that she will get the job done and get it done well. I am so glad to work with her and know her. 

– Charlyne McWilliams, SVP

My retreat buddy and I don’t work together on a daily basis so I was thrilled when we were partnered up! We talked about our favorite music, travel plans for the year and the places we dreamed of going in the future, and what we would be doing if we weren’t in PR. I learned that when she’s excited about something, her passion for it really shines through. For example, because of the Ticketmaster debacle, she recently traveled from New York to Tampa to see Taylor Swift – her favorite artist – in concert. Passion is a core value at Kite Hill and I can see how this drive and tenacity carries over to the work she does for the company and our clients. 

– Emma Wolfe, VP

I cherish our in-person times because it’s a chance to really learn more about our team members individually and understand what makes them tick and brings them joy. Understanding our team as human beings can really surface cues on how best to work together. My retreat buddy let me know she is a cinephile and would love to write a screenplay someday. That unlocked so much for me and cued me into how much of a visual thinker she is! I also loved learning that her first job ever was at a local newspaper. A person after my own heart. 

– Jeanne Meyer, CCO