Wachsman

Wachsman opens an office in Los Angeles to join its outposts in New York, Dublin and Singapore. The Los Angeles office is led by Ally Norton, who was previously director of communications at SpinLab Communications, leading consumer and corporate communications for such businesses as Pandora, Beatport and Create Music Group. "As perhaps the first consultancy to launch NFTs with the metaverse, we have a deep understanding of where this industry is headed," said Wachsman founder and CEO David Wachman. "Wachsman's opening in Los Angeles is a reflection of its newest frontier: entertainment."

H+K

Hill+Knowlton Strategies launches a commerce practice, which is focused on helping brands succeed in omnichannel retail. The practice, which the firm says is a response to increased client demand, will provide specialist commerce expertise across H+K's London sector teams, consulting across existing clients and new business briefs. It will work with clients across bricks and mortar, eCommerce, apps, B2B, D2C, eRetailers and marketplaces. A key ambition will be to capitalize on technological innovations such as Web 3.0 and the metaverse. "Our team has the perfect mix of skills to meet the changing needs of brands in this space," said Charlie Hopcraft, managing director of H+K London's technology, entertainment and commerce practices.

Tusk

Tusk Strategies puts Jackie Zupsic in charge of Los Angeles operations. The EVP will spearhead the effort and serve as head of the new office, which will create and execute strategies in all areas of public affairs, including public policy and advocacy, public relations, digital media, thought leadership ideation and event creation, trade association management, restructuring and M&A support and crisis communications. "Establishing a formal presence in California is a natural next step in our growth as a firm," said Tusk co-CEO Matt Yale.

Magellan

Travel Weekly has added a Communications/PR category to its newly re-launched Magellan Awards, which are now accepting entries. The awards will honor design, marketing and services in the following segments: airlines and airports, cruise lines, ground transportation, hospitality, online travel services, travel destinations, travel advisors and tour operators. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another but are judged against a standard of excellence developed over the history of Travel Weekly. The early-bird deadline for submission is May 13. "Resilience in our industry has led to so much innovation, and the Magellan Awards look to reflect that this year," said Travel Weekly senior vice president of marketing, Mary Pat Sullivan.