Mark Allen & Co. Public Relations

When I started Mark Allen & Co. Public Relations nearly 15 years ago after running OK! Magazine and Life & Style Weekly, I knew one thing for sure: Knowing how to edit content would be key for brands trying to stand out. Fast forward to today. AI pumps out content like crazy, but here's the thing—the tech can't do it all. You need editors who know how to guide AI, just like they'd work with any writer. Believe me, it takes patience! Think about Anna Wintour at Vogue. She doesn't just accept what lands on her desk—she shapes it with clear direction. Every company needs someone with that editorial eye to take what AI creates and make it actually worth reading. In this AI world we're living in, the magic happens when you combine smart technology with good old-fashioned editing skills. The best content still needs that human touch. Agree? #AI #content #editing

Can you believe it? The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is less than 3 months away. Time to panic? Well not yet :) Here are the 5 critical things to tackle starting now: 1. Plan ahead What's your Cannes mission this year? New business? Press coverage? Both? Nail down your goals and how you'll measure success. Your future self will thank you! 2. Secure Your Home Base Where will you host your critical meetings? The Carlton? Spots like ADWEEK House at the Majestic will be the place to be. Finding spaces to meet is always hectic, so landing on one regular place will add a sense of calm to your week. 3. Secure speaking spots Panel lineups are being finalized as we speak! Position yourself for key speaking slots by pitching topics that align with 2025's hot themes: AI innovation, industry consolidation, and creativity's evolution. 4. Finalize Your Content Strategy Plan your mix of interviews, social content, and thought leadership. Think about creating shareable moments extending your presence beyond the festival itself. 5. Perfect Your Elevator Pitch When you bump into that dream client on the Croisette, you'll have 30 seconds. Make them count! How are you getting ready? Share below! #canneslions #pr #advertising #marketing

Reflecting on SXSW as we soldier toward #Pride 2025 ...and contemplate new avenues for inclusive marketing. ?? Here, in Part 1 of our clips from PrideNOW's session in Austin, I was proud to tee up an important question for panelists Alia J. Daniels, John Daniel McCourt and Tiq Milan: What if brands completely rethought how they approached #LGBTQ+ marketing? If they are indeed still interested in reaching this (highly profitable) community, what if they didn't put all their eggs in the Pride basket, and instead embedded inclusive efforts into their marketing budget year-round? ??? ?? Would the community feel more seen beyond the knee-jerk brand showmanship in June? Would investors and higher-ups in this torrid political climate be less rattled if they weren't approached with a showy, one-time #queer campaign? ?? They're tough questions, and quite frankly, we're all still figuring them out, but we were thrilled to explore them on a stage as big as #SXSW, with a lovingly engaged audience. ?? More to come from this chat, and indeed this topic, as we all navigate new territory and listen closely to each other. ?? xx Kurt Mark Allen & Co. Public Relations Mark Pasetsky Jason Fink Isha Kamani Julie Farin Melanie Shaw Beth Sobol Olivia Morley Amy Galleazzi

We’re back from SXSW, and I’m reflecting on our PrideNOW panel that kicked off a hugely successful week in Austin! ???? Major thanks and props to my co-panelists Alia J. Daniels, John Daniel McCourt and Tiq Milan, who brought their whole hearts and sharp minds to this #SXSW stage. ?? The facts are simple: ? $4.7 Trillion: The collective global spending power of #LGBTQ+ people ? 1 in 10: The number of Americans who now identify as LGBTQ+ ? 23.1%: The percentage of #GenZ identifying as LGBTQ+ We plainly presented these stats and more at one of the world’s biggest conversation venues, and to brands on the fence: The numbers represent your consumer base, your workforce, your talent pool and BIG money, all of which is trending upward. ???? To brands on board, we also offered an alternative to so-called “Pride budgets,” wherein funds can be more meaningfully allocated to year-round efforts to reach our booming market. ???? Each of us hold deep experience in the ebbs and flows of queer marketing, and we were thrilled to bring that experience to SXSW. ?? I hope the audience learned as much as I did as I continue this awesome journey with PrideNOW and Mark Allen & Co. Public Relations of bringing vibrant and vital discussions to national and global stages! I’m so excited to keep learning, growing, curating, collaborating, imparting wisdom and sharing ideas. ????????♂? . Photos by Sebastian Tenorio. #sxsw #sxsw2025 #events #speaking #pr #moderation #markallenco #pridenow #lgbtq #gay #marketing Mark Pasetsky Jason Fink Melanie Shaw Isha Kamani Julie Farin Olivia Morley Beth Sobol Michelle Castillo Amy Galleazzi Damian Pelliccione Christopher Jon Rodriguez, Esq. Revry Weber Shandwick

The most effective way to stand out? Empower multiple executive voices to share their unique perspectives. ?? Great thought leadership isn't self-promotional—it tackles industry challenges and emerging trends authentically. When leaders across your organization contribute meaningful insights, your expertise shines organically. ? A big impact often comes from targeted vertical media where your audience actually lives, not just mainstream business outlets. ?? Smart organizations leverage these pieces across all channels, creating a ripple effect that builds lasting industry influence. ??

One of the hottest topics at SXSW 2025? Surprise, surprise... It Was Cannes Lions 2025! ?? That's what I love about this industry...everybody is always thinking about what's next! ?? Can you believe it? Cannes Lions 2025 is just three months away! Here are my 12 steps to maximize your Cannes 2025 experience: ? 1. Establish Clear Goals ??: Define your focus and develop specific KPIs to justify the investment. 2. Secure Your Home Base ??: Book consistent meeting locations - Carlton, Palais, or the ADWEEK House at the Majestic. 3. Strategize Press Coverage ??: Request the media list early and focus on connecting at panels moderated by journalists. 4. Lock Down Partnership Deals ??: Negotiate trade publication partnerships now - premium spots are already being discussed. 5. Secure Speaking Opportunities ??: Focus on big themes: AI innovation, industry consolidation, and creativity's evolution. 6. Plan Evening Events: Reserve dinner venues now and research industry parties for strategic networking. 7. Develop Pre-Festival Content ??: Create thought leadership on industry themes to spark conversations. 8. Craft Your Content Strategy ??: Design a comprehensive approach with interviews, bylines, and social content. 9. Launch a Podcast Series in Cannes ???: Feature potential clients and partners, generating content and business opportunities. 10. Design an Impactful Stunt ??: Create one simple, visual activation that clearly communicates your brand. 11. Secure Production Support ??: Book your video and photography team early to ensure top talent. 12. Perfect Your Pitch ??: Practice a compelling 30-second elevator pitch relevant to 2025's key themes. Early preparation isn't just an advantage—it's essential! Feeling overwhelmed? I'll be on the ground with the Mark Allen & Co. Public Relations team. Reach out today via DM or email [email protected] for help! What's your Cannes Lions PR strategy this year? Share your priorities in the comments below! ?? Julie Farin Melanie Shaw R. Kurt Osenlund Isha Kamani Jason Fink Olivia Morley Chris Hayes #CannesLions2025 #AdvertisingIndustry #CreativeMarketing #AgencyLife #PR #PublicRelations #Communications #marketing #press #mediarelations #Tech

SXSW Speaker Tips Share this post ?? :) Whether you're speaking on a panel, joining a fireside chat, or giving a keynote, here's how to stand out today: ?? Own your expertise! You were invited for a reason. Trust your knowledge and share your unique perspective without apology or qualification. ?? Speak in soundbites! Create quotable moments that are perfect for social sharing. These memorable phrases will help your message spread beyond the room and across platforms. ?? Stop preparing! You got this. You've done all the prep work. Time to show up, smile, and speak slowly. ? Bonus tip: Enjoy the moment. You got this! What's your favorite speaking tip for big events like this? ?? #SXSWSpeaker #PresentationTips #PublicSpeaking

Had an incredible dinner with our exceptional PrideNOW panel last night - what a great way to kick off SXSW! ??? **HAPPENING TODAY at 10 AM CT!!!???? "Pride Campaigns vs. Proud Campaigns: The New Queer Marketing" ??????? ??? Today, March 8th ? 10:00 AM CT ?? SXSW, Austin ?? Don't miss our exceptional panel of voices reshaping LGBTQ+ brand engagement: ?? Alia J. Daniels (Revry) John Daniel McCourt (Shandwick) Tiq Milan (Activist & Thought Leader) R. Kurt Osenlund (Mark Allen & Co./PrideNOW) PrideNOW, the LGBTQ+ PR consultancy and division of NGLCC-certified Mark Allen & Co. Public Relations will explore how brands can build authentic, year-round connections with the LGBTQ+ community. ?? Join us this morning in Austin! See you there! ?? #SXSW2025 ?? Julie Farin Melanie Shaw Isha Kamani Jason Fink Chris Hayes Olivia Morley

It's an understatement to say I'm PROUD of our latest PrideNOW panel, which debuts at SXSW this Saturday, March 8! ?? ?? "Pride Campaigns vs. Proud Campaigns: The New Queer Marketing" features my brilliant friends and peers Alia J. Daniels (Revry), John Daniel McCourt (Weber Shandwick) and Tiq Milan. ?? We'll unpack the current state of #LGBTQ marketing, while breaking down compelling facts about this vital consumer market, and offering an alternative way to reach us. ?? Make no mistake -- we are here to empower EVERYONE. We understand there are A LOT of choices at #SXSW, and a lot of sessions to visit. We're honored by those who'll give their time to ours, and we will NOT waste it, baby! ???? We'll see you there at 10 AM CT at the JW Marriott!! ?? Facilitating these bold narratives and brand opportunities is what we're all about at PrideNOW and Mark Allen & Co. Public Relations. (LINK to session in comments.) ??? See you soon! xx Kurt Mark Pasetsky Isha Kamani Julie Farin Jason Fink Olivia Morley Beth Sobol Melanie Shaw Amy Galleazzi Damian Pelliccione Christopher Jon Rodriguez, Esq. Frances Alban