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ICR releases a report that says the SPAC IPO market has been trending upward—and is likely to stay on that track. According to the April 2026 SPAC Market Update & Outlook, the first quarter of 2026 saw the pricing of 62 IPOs, raising a total of $13.2 billion. That beats the average of 47 (raising $10.1 billion) over the last four quarters. More than half (approximately 58 percent) of the first quarter’s deals were from serial SPAC issuers. ICR’s report says that a rise in the number those of serial sponsor IPOs, coupled with higher average deal sizes, are behind the surge in the market. “With a large backlog of SPACs currently in the IPO pipeline, many led by experienced sponsors, and deal flow being driven by disruptive sectors like AI, robotics and quantum, and in some cases areas of national interest like critical minerals and defense tech, we believe SPACs are well‑positioned to play an important role in 2026 and beyond,” said ICR Capital chairman Don Duffy.
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Washington Women in PR is sponsoring an April 15 event that looks at how women can change the dynamics that often keep them in lower-visibility positions through strategic self-advocacy and organizational awareness. Susan Matthews Apgood, who founded media relations firm News Generation and now teaches at American University's Kogod School of Business, will provide participants with practical tools for articulating the value of their work, demonstrating impact to leadership, and building professional paths that align with both ambition and sustainability. Running from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., “Advocate for Your Work: Strategic Visibility and Boundary-Setting for Communications and PR Professionals” will be held at Florida International University (601 New Jersey Ave. NW. Suite 103, Washington, DC 20001).
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Life Science Cares Boston, an organization supported by LaVoieHeathScience (LHS founder Donna LaVoie is on its board), will convene leaders, employees and partners from across the life sciences industry for its annual Impact Breakfast on April 13 at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport. The program will highlight the unique role the life sciences sector plays in strengthening the region’s nonprofit ecosystem. The event will also set the stage for Life Science Cares Boston’s 10-year anniversary celebration this November. Over the past decade, the Boston chapter has invested more than $13.8 million and contributed nearly 40,000 volunteer hours. “We’ve always believed that the strength of this work comes from the people behind it across companies, across roles, and across our community,” said Rosie Cunningham, executive director of Life Science Cares Boston.
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.
