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DKC Analytics is teaming up with digital marketing firm Stripe Theory (both of which are part of ACC) to launch AI Evolution, a cross-functional team that identifies the conversations happening across the AI search landscape, surfaces the information sources feed the answer matrix, and generates strategic communications recommendations to rapidly shift the LLM landscape in a brand’s favor. The new offering, which is offering a free audit to brands, will leverage PR, data and SEO expertise to design a clear process for effectively positioning brands. It is targeting sectors that include consumer electronics; beauty and skincare; travel; dining; banking; health + wellness; home improvement; pet care; gaming; and legal.
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The American Marketing Association’s San Diego chapter is hosting its fourth Art of Marketing Conference on Friday, Oct. 24 at the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business. Open to both AMA San Diego members and non-members, the conference runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, followed by a networking reception and happy hour from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The conference will look at the future of marketing through immersive sessions, panels and hands-on networking opportunities. Topics addressed will range from tourism and sports marketing to AI and new media. It will culminate in a keynote fireside discussion led by brand strategist Matt Prince, head of earned media and brand social at KFC and formerly with Taco Bell and Disney. “This event is more than a gathering; it’s a catalyst for the future of our industry in not only San Diego, but nationally,” said AMA San Diego board of directors president and SolarTech chief strategy officer Nick Hofer.
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The AXIS Agency, a Los Angeles-based, minority-owned multicultural marketing firm, marks its 20th anniversary by expanding its profile as a full-service agency working to redefine how brands connect with an increasingly diverse and fragmented marketplace. The agency has moved its focus to what it calls the “New American Consumer”— younger and dynamically shifting between identities, platforms and communities. Previously a unit of the Interpublic Group, AXIS became an independent company in 2020. It has worked with clients including ALDI, The Clorox Company, AbbVie, General Motors, Covered California and Kaiser Permanente. “Demographic lines haven’t just blurred — they’ve dissolved,” said AXIS CEO and co-founder Armando Azarloza. “AXIS helps brands thrive at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce — where real growth happens.”
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.
PSC (Princeton Strategic Communications) acquires Nonprofit Partners... CG Life launches 24/364, a cultural brand platform intended to drive awareness, connection and action aimed at keeping rare disease at the forefront of the health and social conversation... Interluxe Group, which focuses on brand experiences and in-person activations; Quinn, a strategic communications agency; and media and digital agency North & Warren are uniting under the Interluxe Group banner.
KITH, which provides corporate reputation and crisis preparation services, is now owned by CEO Stephanie Craig, who has been with the firm since 2021... The Marketing Cloud, a part of Stagwell, introduces several expansions to Agent Cloud, the platform it launched in October 2025 to simplify access to its AI tools and marketing assistants.... Notified launches its AI Press Release Optimizer.
