US and UK-based tech PR specialist Hotwire has launched a new pop-up office in Chicago.
Hotwire’s Windy City digs, which is officially open, is located in The National building in the heart of the Loop. The new outpost will allow the New York headquartered agency to support its roster of regional clients, strengthen its portfolio of consumer and tech companies and attract area top talent.
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Hotwire currently maintains a growing base of Midwest clients, including project44, named one of Chicago’s five hottest tech startups, as well as inRiver and Calabrio.
“Chicago has been top of our list for possible expansion cities for some time,” Heather Kernahan, president of Hotwire North America and Australia, told O’Dwyer’s. “It is recognized as a top city for innovation brands, consumer leaders and as a tech hub. Global companies are coming to Chicago to connect with customers, influencers and industry leaders. There’s also a lot of communications and marketing talent based in Chicago who want to work with a progressive global agency like Hotwire. We’re proud to now be part of the Chicago business community.”
Leading the agency’s Chicago team will be senior director of media strategy Sharon Kane, director Austin Weedfall and account manager Tammy Olson.
Hotwire said the pop-up model allows the agency to attract talent who want to work with global companies without a need to relocate. Hotwire currently operates additional pop-up offices in Minneapolis and Mexico City and plans to continue to expand across North America with additional forthcoming locations.
Hotwire accounted for nearly $37 million in technology-related net fees in 2018, according to O’Dwyer’s rankings. The agency, which was founded in 2000, is a subsidiary of Australia-based marketing and communications network Enero Group Limited.
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