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D S Simon Media launches Metaverse 3.0, which provides Metaverse broadcast services specifically for the PR industry. The new offering’s services include metaverse press conferences, trade shows and events from within the D S Simon Media Metaverse. It can also broadcast live video into a clients’ metaverse or build a custom metaverse for clients. The launch of the service was a response to a survey which found that 45 percent of PR executive were planning to complete projects in the metaverse this year. Of those, 71 percent are creating metaverse environments, 67 percent are conducting B2B events and 43% are broadcasting video into the metaverse—a number the company expects will increase. “While we hear about metaverse environments that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or millions, Metaverse 3.0 events can be completed for far less and still bring accessibility, engagement, and personal interaction at the highest level,” said D S Simon Media CEO Doug Simon.
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Alpha IR Group, an independent consultancy that works with investment brands, launches a new subsidiary, Alpha Advisory Group. Created by Alpha IR founder Chris Hodges, the new unit is focused on helping C-Suite leaders build and enhance their reputations among all critical corporate influencers, including investors, customers, employees, policymakers and other key stakeholders. Former Golin executives Tim Peters and Dave Duschene have joined Alpha Advisory Group as operating partners, working alongside Hodges and agency president Mike Cummings. Peters most recently served as U.S. leader for Golin’s corporate practice and Duschene led Golin’s issues & crisis practice. “Traditional PR firms are increasingly challenged to deliver the right specialties and capabilities in one place to navigate the obstacles today’s corporate brands must overcome,” Peters said. “Alpha Advisory Group has the talent and experience to guide C-Suites with holistic strategic counsel to drive their corporate reputations and investment brands forward.”
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Escalent, data analytics firm, acquires customer insight, strategy and innovation agency C Space and market research firm Hall & Partners from Omnicom. Clients will continue to work with the same teams, and there are no near-term plans to change company locations or merge brand identities. C Space CEO Jessica DeVlieger and Hall & Partners CEO Tim Wragg will continue to lead their organizations as part of Escalent CEO Melissa Sauter’s executive leadership team. “Together the companies create a fantastic combination of depth of expertise with scale and growth capability, while still being focused on one shared core mission. As such, the combined organization will continue to differentiate with their clients through exceptional insights and partnership,” said J.T. Treadwell, managing director at STG, Escalent’s financial sponsor.
Praytell expands its Influence Department—which unites media, creators and social under one team... LRJ PR & Communications and Canopy Brand Group form an alliance that the firms say will bridge the operational divide between high-end brand design and strategic public relations... Twin Minds Media, Hispanic market specialist, increases the scope of its services in an effort to help brands build deeper connections with audiences through culture, storytelling, media and experiences. 
The People Platform, part of Stagwell's The Marketing Cloud, rebrands as Numetrix... Zapwater Communications has earned 17 finalist honors across two PR competitions: eight at the 68th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards, presented by the Publicity Club of Chicago, and nine at the 2026 PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards.. The Florida Public Relations Association presented 122 awards to individuals and teams from across the state at its 69th annual Golden Image and 3rd Annual Pinnacle Awards gala.
The Motion Agency acquires Vehr Communications, a Cincinnati-based strategic communications firm, effective Oct. 1... Lyceus Group, which specializes in financial services, is named a finalist for Public Relations Campaign at the 2026 ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards... IPSY, a curated beauty membership platform, launches IPSY Marketing Solutions, a full-funnel marketing and sales acceleration engine. 
Fire on the Hill, which has offices in London, Manchester, New York and Paris, is providing pro bono communications support to the Intergenerational Foundation, the UK's leading authority on intergenerational fairness... The PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards Gala on Sept. 17 will have Gio Benitez, co-anchor of the weekend edition of “Good Morning America” and ABC News transportation correspondent, serving as emcee... CasePR, a boutique litigation communications firm, launches in Portland, OR.
inFocus, which works with entertainment, media and innovation brands in the US Hispanic market and Latin America, expands into Mexico... Modern Currency Public Relations, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027, launches an AI visibility & generative engine optimization practice... Adfactors PR, India’s largest reputation and critical issues advisory, acquires Australian communication consultancy SenateSHJ.
