The PR Net, the premier global network for marketing and communications professionals, hosted its second annual ‘Next Gen Awards’ gala at Bar Blondeau, the Wythe Hotel’s stunning rooftop venue. The event celebrated agency excellence and recognized the next generation of communications and marketing firms that foster a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and creativity. The glamorous event brought together some of the brightest and most talented minds in the industry and the location offered guests remarkable views of the New York City skyline, enhancing the ambiance of the evening.
The PR Net Next Gen Awards champions agencies that have been in business up to and inclusive of 8 years, as the program’s aim is to highlight newer companies in the industry. The submissions were assessed by a committee of highly esteemed industry leaders who reviewed entries against the criteria of innovation, creative thinking, business acumen, and growth.
Lisa Kay Smith, founder of The PR Net, said, “We love to celebrate emerging talent in the marcomms field - there’s so much disruption and innovation going on, with these younger agencies ushering in new ways of operating, both on the client servicing side and their internal and external social impact. It’s exciting to see who makes the list each year and have our eyes on the future of the industry”.
The honorees and category winners of ‘The PR Net Next Gen Awards’ were celebrated at the event, with the top prizes of Next Gen ‘Agency of the Year’ going to Rachel Harrison Communications (US), J / PR (UK) and 1Milk2Sugars (Canada). Category winners included Gia Kuan Consulting (Arts & Culture), Studio Beauty (Beauty), 5th Column (DEI), The Consultancy PR (Design), OGAKI (Digital), Partners + Associates Agency (Entertainment & Culture), Savoir Agency (Experiential), Platform (Fashion), PRZM (Gen Z), CURICH|WEISS (Hospitality), SEEN Connects (Influencer Marketing, UK), Talent Resources (Influencer Marketing, US), Hello Human (Innovator), Battalion PR (Jewelry & Timepieces), Words + Pixels (Lifestyle, UK), The Lifestyle Co. (Lifestyle, US), Carfrae Consulting (Luxury), The Last Agency (New Agency), Scout Lab (Purpose-Driven Marketing), Optimist Consulting (Real Estate), SAVI (Society & Culture), Revolver PR (Sports & Entertainment), 20Two Studio (Travel) and Articulate Productions (Wine & Spirits).
Leaders from various agencies took in sweeping views from the extraordinary indoor-outdoor rooftop bar while Roman Chappelle DJ'ed. Guests enjoyed celebratory drinks including the Haku Vodka Dry Martini from The House of Suntory, the Veracruz featuring La Gritona Tequila, and a selection of wines from Wölffer Estate Vineyard.
Notable guests from the evening include:
Cindy Krupp, Owner, Krupp Group; Co-founder, Studio Beauty and 28 Row
Steven Wilson, Co-Founder, Scenario
Rachel Harrison, Founder & CEO, Rachel Harrison Communications (RHC)
Akbar Hamid, Founder & CEO, The 5th Column
Hannah Gottlieb-Graham, Partner, Alma Communications
Daniel Redgert, Founder & CEO, Redgert Communications
Stephanie Gotch, Founder, Partners + Associates Agency
Lara Eurdolian, On-camera Host, Writer, Speaker, Founder of Pretty Connected
Tania Cavallo, Founder, The Lifestyle Co.
Amanda Kasper, Founder & Managing Director, Alpha Kilo
Image credit: Miguel McSongwe/BFA
