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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
Brunner, a Pittsburgh-based integrated marketing agency, acquires AdSkate, an AI-powered creative analytics and marketing intelligence platform that helps brands and agencies optimize advertising performance... Augustine Agency launches Flavor Theory, a foodservice marketing practice aimed at helping restaurants, food manufacturers, distributors and institutional dining organizations grow their brands and businesses... The Acceleration Community of Companies releases a report finding that almost half (49 percent) of Gen Z sports fans say they have become interested in a new sport or athlete because of fan-created content or something entirely outside the sport. 
VPE Communications, which helps organizations authentically connect with diverse audiences, celebrates 38 years in business and announces a new ownership structure... Praytell expands into the Asian market with the opening of a new office in Singapore... The International Public Relations Network unveils a new visual identity and redesigned website. 
SourceCode Communications launches SourceCode Germany, establishing the agency's first office in continental Europe... Clario Group acquires Ted Miller Group, a Miami-founded agency focused on clients in the technology, travel & leisure and financial services sectors... Global Situation Room’s Global Risk Advisory Council is hosting a July 23 webinar that will go over the results of its new Reputation Risk Index.
Havas acquires MUT, a Barcelona-based firm focused on experiential marketing and sustainable events... IPREX lauches its AI Task Force...D S Simon Media, one of the first companies to produce a satellite media tour, celebrates its 40th anniversary... Washington Women in Public Relations is sponsoring an event that shows communications pros who work with associations how they can get their messages across clearly, credibly and courageously. “How Associations Lead with Strategic Storytelling,” at 6 p.m. on July 16.
TEAM LEWIS starts up its AI Practice... Thunderly launches a year-long storytelling campaign focused on how franchising can provide a pathway to business ownership... JIN, a European communications consulting group, introduces "AI Campaigning", a corporate offering designed to model and anticipate stakeholder behavior.
