Hot Paper Lantern

In celebration of Employee Appreciation Day last week, a handful of HPL?team?members gathered for a fun round of Jeopardy-style questions about?our?colleagues. We always love an opportunity to connect and challenge our knowledge of each other! #employeeappreciationday #coworkers #workfriends

?? In a crowded and complex industry, how you make your organization stand out is just as much about what you offer as how you communicate that offering. For emerging vendors and tech providers looking to partner with data center operators or expand their footprint, a clear, compelling value proposition is essential. And yet, too many companies enter the market without fully defining what sets them apart. Without a strong, strategic message, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. Our CEO Ed Moed breaks down why articulation matters, and how to do it effectively, in a recent blog post. Read it here:?https://lnkd.in/gbE__8j7 #datacenter #communicationsstrategy #b2bmarketing #valueproposition #corporatemessaging #techinnovation #marketpositioning

?? Today is Employee Appreciation Day! At HPL, celebrating our wonderful team isn’t just a once-a-year event — it’s part of our everyday culture. Whether shouting someone out for a big earned media win or recognizing the tireless dedication of another, we make sure great work never goes unnoticed. A positive workplace culture is built on genuine, ongoing support, not just in a one-off post. We walk the walk and we talk the talk, because we know our team deserves it! We couldn’t be prouder of our entire staff at HPL and everything we accomplish together. #corporateculture #employeeappreciationday #communications #employeeengagement

When it comes to data centers and energy projects, local communities can either be your biggest advocates or your strongest opponents. The outcome depends on how you communicate with the community and whether they feel their concerns and needs are being addressed. ?? All politics are local, and so are the concerns of residents. Meeting them where they are — literally — helps build credibility and trust. Engaging with communities directly, listening to their concerns, and proactively educating them about the benefits and impact of new developments can make all the difference in whether your project is met with resistance or open minds. Our CEO Ed Moed dives into why localized engagement is a must-have in any communications strategy and more in his latest blog. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gbE__8j7 #commsstrategy #publicrelations #communityengagement #corporatereputation #datacenters #energyinnovation

A singular issue can escalate into widespread public fear in the blink of an eye—especially when communities don’t have the facts. As data centers expand and energy demands evolve, companies can’t assume consumers understand the complexities at play. Without clear, proactive communication, misinformation and uncertainty can take hold. The solution? A strategic, forward-thinking communications plan that educates, informs, and builds trust before concerns arise. Because when the narrative is left unchecked, speculation fills the gaps. Read more from CEO Ed Moed on how to manage your company's reputation and avoid public fear in his latest blog: https://lnkd.in/gbE__8j7. #CommsStrategy #CrisisPrevention #PublicAffairs #CorporateCommunications #DataCenter #EnergyInnovation #ReputationManagement?

?? Client Spotlight! ?? Big news in decentralized finance! Our client, Unit Network, has raised $18 million to expand its platform, making tokenized asset trading more accessible for businesses, creators, and communities worldwide. ?? Michael Healy 麦克李, CEO of Unit Network: "A strong, engaged community fosters creativity, strengthens economic collaboration, and opens new pathways for participation. This investment moves us closer to a world where financial access is open, ownership is shared, and opportunities are available to all." ?? Read more in Dean Takahashi’s VentureBeat article: https://lnkd.in/eSH_-ydY

Today is National Leadership Day. ? Naturally, it makes me think back to great leaders I've had the pleasure of working with and who influenced how I would inevitably lead others. ? Very early in my career, I had a boss who told me to never walk into a meeting or conversation without thinking about two things: ? 1?? What do you want to get out of the meeting? (The response) 2?? What is the stimulus you need to communicate to successfully achieve that response?? ? That may not define leadership on its own, but it highlights a crucial aspect: understanding what matters most to those you work with (empathy), and then using strong communication skills to foster alignment. In my view, these are two essential pillars of effective leadership. ? A dear friend from my college days, who went on to become a client multiple times, was one of the most naturally gifted leaders I have ever met. For years I watched as he effortlessly built confidence, motivated teams, and developed programs that consistently drove toward a singular goal (and nearly always succeeded). One night over dinner, I asked him what his secret was. He leaned in and told me there wasn’t one. The key, he explained, is simple: great leaders are consistent—in their actions, communication, values, expectations, and unwavering support for their teams, even in moments of failure. That consistency builds lasting trust and inspires people to follow. ? That certainly made a lot of sense to me. ? Leadership isn’t easy. One must be introspective and have the ability to adapt when needed. It’s a never-ending learning experience, and one I continue to work at each and every day. ? #NationalLeadershipDay

?? Valentine's Day is upon us, making it the perfect time for an annual reminder that the best relationships, whether personal or professional, are built on a foundation of mutual respect and trust. When engaging with media and influencers, think long-term instead of treating it as a one-time transaction. How can you support their work beyond only reaching out when you need coverage? ?? Like any successful partnership, media relationships thrive on meaningful interactions, not just requests. By offering valuable insights, remaining engaged, and cultivating genuine connections, you can create a foundation for lasting collaboration — leading to better results for everyone. When we foster authentic relationships, everyone wins. ?? Read on for more from our CEO Ed Moed on how relationship building contributes to a successful reputation management strategy amid the data center boom: https://lnkd.in/gbE__8j7 #relationshipsmatter #mediarelations #publicrelations #thoughtleadership #valentinesday #reputationmanagement #datacenter

?? Employee spotlight ?? Please join us in congratulating Remi Yuter on her promotion to Senior Communications Specialist! Remi has been with Hot Paper Lantern for nearly three and a half years, during which time she has skilled up three times since joining the firm as a Graduate Associate right out of college. In her new role, she will continue to hone her media relations capabilities in the retail, data center, and wealth management spaces while tackling the added responsibilities of managing one of our winter interns and supporting the new business strategy team. "I have found such a great home at HPL over the past few years, and I can't imagine a better place and better people with whom to start and grow my public relations career. I'm incredibly grateful for everything I've learned so far, and I look forward to learning and growing even more in this new role!" ?? Congrats, Remi! #employeespotlight #promotion #corporatecommunications #communicationsspecialist #publicrelations #mediarelations?

The Super Bowl is?about more than just?the football teams that compete for the Vince Lombardi Trophy or the artist performing at the halftime show. It's an occasion that unites people across the nation for a day of eating, drinking, and merriment. With New Orleans set to host the Super Bowl this weekend, the Chiefs and the Eagles won't be the only two cities represented in the game day festivities! According to new survey data from our client,?Advantage Solutions, nearly?2 in 5 people plan to include foods inspired by New Orleans-based culture at their Super Bowl gatherings – think po'boys, gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish and more. ???Are you planning to include any team- or city-specific food items in your Super Bowl celebration? Let us know in the comments! ???For more great insights from Advantage Solutions, check out the full survey results in this blog:?https://lnkd.in/emF9ZjDP #superbowl #clientspotlight #survey #superbowlsunday #kansascitychiefs #philadelphiaeagles