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PRophet, a comms tech suite of AI-powered software and services that is part of The Marketing Cloud (formerly Stagwell Marketing Cloud), launches a university initiative designed to prepare the next generation of PR and communications professionals for an AI and data-fueled industry. The initiative, which will roll out in three phases over the next two years, is starting up with a pilot program at the NYU School of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Corporate Communication Graduate Program. It provides students and faculty with access to the full PRophet suite, along with comprehensive training and a new communications engineering certification. "This partnership represents a critical step in ensuring that emerging communications professionals are equipped with the practical knowledge and hands-on experience they need to succeed in an AI-powered communications landscape," said PRophet global CMO, Jason Brandt. "By starting with NYU, we're creating a model that can scale to help universities nationwide prepare students for the future of our industry."
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Matter Communications, which works with clients across high-technology, healthcare, consumer technology and consumer market, opens a new office in downtown Boston. The new space is designed to foster collaboration, spark creativity and welcome clients, community partners and peers. An open house event on Sept. 11 showcased the office as well as highlighting Matter’s investment in the city and its future growth. “This new space isn’t just about walls and desks — it’s about creating the right environment for our clients, our team, and our community,” said Matter principal and CEO Scott Signore.
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Marino launches Marino Intelligence, a proprietary business intelligence platform designed to transform how brands harness data to drive growth, optimize marketing performance and forge deeper audience connections. The platform offers three core service areas: data enrichment and audience optimization, marketing infrastructure and lead intelligence, and strategic nurture and engagement campaigns. It is built to help brands to uncover new opportunities and connect more strategically with target audiences, ensuring that the right message reaches the right audience. The launch of Marino Intelligence also reflects the firm’s broader commitment to AI-integrated strategy. “Marino Intelligence is only chapter one,” said Marino president John F. Marino. “Later this year we will integrate AI that predicts intent and personalizes at scale, helping brands act before needs even surface.”
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AMP3 hosted its annual Gifting Suite and Media Lounge as part of New York Fashion Week. The Sept. 16 and 17 event, which was held at the Virgin Hotel, provided a platform for AMP3 clients to gain further exposure and display their current and upcoming product ranges for the Fall/Holiday season. Brands participating in event included Wrangler, TruSkin, Brahmin, Dingo 1969, Delsey Paris (for Florence by Mills), CAT Apparel, COOFANDY, Neuvian, Feetures, Hayejin and KAHI. “This annual event has become a major tentpole moment for our agency, our clients. and our team members,” said AMP3 PR co-founder and managing partner Alyson Roy.
Mark Allen & Co. acquires Alban Communications, establishing its first Miami office... Buchalter, a business law firm, launches a crisis management and strategic response group... 5W PR expands its beauty practice to include TikTok Shop-aligned PR campaigns and creator amplification strategies.
Caster Communications is acquired by long-time agency leaders Alexandra Crabb and Peter Girard... DiGennaro Communications launches The Authority Studio, a freestanding content strategy and production offering... The Brandman Agency, which specializes in luxury travel and lifestyle, rebrands as Brandman.
Public Inc., a social impact agency based in Toronto and New York, acquires Rocket Social Impact, an advisory firm that works with nonprofit and corporate social impact organizations... Ruder Finn launches “What’s Next: The Ruder Finn Podcast,” a new platform hosted by CEO Kathy Bloomgarden... Crowe PR joins United Partners Network, a network of independent PR agencies with members across more than 65 markets worldwide.
Ruder Finn launches rf.Voices, an integrated influence offering that brings together AI-powered influencer marketing, customer advocacy and paid amplification under one measurable framework... The Pollack Group is accepting applications through March 31 for The Big Red Grant, a $40,000 pro bono strategic PR and marketing engagement program awarded to a nonprofit organization ready for growth... D S Simon Media releases a report that says almost seven in ten producers (68 percent) are more interested in airing a story when they know it has been optimized for AI.
Precision Strategies, an integrated strategy and marketing agency with offices in Washington and New York, acquires Firehouse Strategies, a DC-based public affairs firm... AVENIR GLOBAL acquires London-based Thinks Insight & Strategy... Good Company, which bills itself as a “cultural engineering firm,” is launched by DJ Hardy, a veteran of Johannesburg-based communications consultancy arxna and M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment and Casey Stickles, who has worked at 5WPR, Rubenstein and MWW.
