Gay Games

Ruder Finn Interactive Asia is named the official marketing partner for the 11th Gay Games, which will be held in Hong Kong and Guadalajara, Mexico from Nov. 3-11, 2023. The agency will handle all aspects of the Gay Games Organizing Committee’s communications, including branding, media relations and social media. RFI Asia managing director David Ko has been appointed as director of marketing and communications for the Games. Originally scheduled to take place in Hong Kong in November of this year, the Games were postponed due to COVID-19 complications and travel restrictions. “Their communications expertise and background align well with the Games’ ambition to promote a diverse and inclusive society,” said co-chair of Gay Games Hong Kong Lisa Lam.

Marino

Marino adds several women-led companies to its growing roster of cannabis clients. For Latina-owned puffware and smoking accessory brand House of Puff, Marino is tasked with building brand identity, creating buzz around new product launches, and establishing company founder Kristina Adduci as a leading expert voice in the cannabis and business world. Online CBD marketing platform Poplar has engaged the agency to elevate the brand’s visibility through strategic media relations and position founder Beryl Solomon as a leader of the opt-in movement on Long Island, where cannabis business owners are hoping to convince local municipalities to opt into retail cannabis sales. The agency is also working with Cann Strategy, Leafsheets and Cannaspire.

Rally

We Are Rally and Lucky Break PR, both LGBTQ-owned and operated media, communications and events firms, are retained by the National LGBTQ Task Force to guide the organization as it marks its 50th anniversary year. The anniversary will officially kick off at the organization’s annual Creating Change conference, February 17-21, 2023, at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Thousands of LGBTQ+ and allied activists will come together in person for the first time since 2020. “Our firm has deep roots working on issues of importance to the LGBTQ community,” said Rally principal Manny Rivera. “Through this new partnership, we are excited to recognize the progress of the movement, while setting the groundwork for another momentous 50 years for the Task Force.”