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Edelman launches its Counter Disinformation Unit, a dedicated global team intended to help organizations navigate and protect themselves from mis- and disinformation. Simon Paterson has been named US head of the unit. With operational experience in information warfare and psychological operations, Paterson has analyzed and countered sophisticated disinformation attacks. The unit will also be working with external partners to ensure clients have the most up to date intelligence and analysis to understand how the threat is evolving. The launch coincides with the release of the 2024 Edelman Connected Crisis Study, which identifies the rise of artificial intelligence as the fastest-growing area of concern for communications executives due to its potential to cause significant reputational damage. The study finds that while 8 in 10 executives are concerned about these threats, fewer than 1 in 2 are prepared to anticipate, identify and manage them. “Whilst AI offers huge opportunities for business and society, it has also created a new era of reputational challenges that are unpredictable, sophisticated and fast,” said Edelman global chair, crisis & risk Julian Payne. “The launch of Edelman’s Counter Disinformation Unit ensures our clients can take the necessary steps to protect their license to operate and can sustain trust in this fast-evolving environment.”
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Potomac Tech Wire, a tech news platform serving the Washington, DC area, and Capitol Communicator, which provides marketing and communications news to the region, are presenting the Mid-Atlantic MarCom Summit on Oct. 30 at the Convene Conference Center in Arlington, VA. The event brings together more than 500 professionals from brands, associations, professional services firms, government, tech companies and more to discuss industry trends, best practices and challenges. Topics include CMO challenges, AI, analytics, media relations, attribution, social media trends, SEO, marketing automation, content creation, email marketing, Design/UX, crisis communications and video trends. Speakers are set to include Washington Post CCO Kathy Baird, Racepoint Global founder and chairman Larry Weber, Howard University CCO Lydia Sermons and Nestlé North America VP, head of corporate communications Josh Morton. This year’s event hosts the American Advertising Federation DC Chapter’s ADWKDC, which will feature a track of sessions for the advertising community.
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Konnect Agency relocates its Los Angeles office to the Pacific Mutual Building in Downtown LA. The LA headquarters adds to the agency's coast-to-coast presence, which includes offices in New York, Denver and Oklahoma City, as well as team members across 12 states nationwide. The new office space provides a larger footprint for the agency and is designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Konnect is also adding four senior leaders to its team: chief operating officer Kristina Fair, SVP Libby Bollig, senior digital content director Bernell Edwards and associate brand director Megan Busch. "With our move to a larger office space at the historic PacMutual Building and the addition of highly talented new team members, Konnect Agency is stepping into a new chapter as we celebrate our 15th anniversary," said Konnext founder and CEO Sabina Gault.
PKPR, a New York-based boutique shop, launches a book publicity division focused on nonfiction authors... Palantir Technologies and Stagwell form a partnership to create an AI-driven platform for marketers... The Conference Board is presenting a Nov. 18-19 event at the Brooklyn Marriott that will look at the priorities, challenges and opportunities facing AI decision-makers today.
Gregory FCA is marking its 35th anniversary with a comprehensive rebrand... Madden Media, a Tucson-based agency, teams with Denver-based Karsh Hagan... Jasper, an AI content automation platform, launches Jasper Grid, an interface that allows marketing teams to create and orchestrate content across a range of channels, audiences and regions.
Sommerfield Communications, a corporate, financial, and crisis shop that was acquired by Allison Worldwide in early 2021, re-launches as an independently owned firm... D S Simon Media launches a broadcast media tour designed to enhance Generative Engine Optimization... The Public Relations Society of America’s ICON 2025 Conference brought together close to 2,100 in DC from Oct. 28-30.
CorpBridge Advisors is launched by Bob Christie (Brunswick and Alibaba Group veteran) and Russ Rubino (Nasdaq and Intercontinental Exchange/NYSE alum)... Golin marked its 30th anniversary in Miami with an Oct. 23 gathering that celebrated its new outpost in Coral Gables... The Notability Company debuted at the PRSA annual ICON Conference in Washington.
Padilla launches Padilla GEO 3D, a service that aims to improve generative AI search results for brands and organizations... Bader Rutter, a Milwaukee-based B2B marketing agency, unveils the Chef Advisory Network, an initiative designed to bring the voice of the kitchen into food company boardrooms... Dilenschneider Group founder and principal Robert Dilenschneider’s new book, Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time, was released on Oct. 28 by Wiley... Blue Highway Advisory and Blue Highway Global, founded by former Mercury Public Affairs managing director Ian McCaleb in 2022, rebrands.
