Weber Shandwick's "First Edible Mascot" campaign for Pop-Tarts shatters barriers, becoming the first PR win in the Brand Experience & Activation Grand Prix at Cannes Lions 2024.This win marks a high point for PR at the prestigious festival, following Golin's "The Misheard Version" for Specsavers, which secured the PR Grand Prix and showcased PR agencies' creative leadership potential.The "Edible Mascot" campaign ?Çô a collaboration between Weber Shandwick, Kellanova, Florida Citrus Sports, Publicis, and others ?Çô was a massive success. It involved creating a giant, limbed Pop-Tart mascot for the Pop-Tart Bowl and treating players with edible versions after the game. The result? A viral sensation:Over 4 billion impressions$1 million in first-party data acquired15 times more brand mentions than all other non-sponsored bowl games combined.Industrywide TriumphWeber Shandwick's win wasn't the only PR highlight. Ogilvy also secured a Grand Prix for social & influencer with the "Michael CeraVe" campaign, demonstrating PR's growing influence in multi-platform campaigns.Additionally, PR agencies played a key role in securing Gold Lions for:Edelman's "Bar Experience" for HeinekenWeber Shandwick's "Translators" for U.S. Bank (part of IPG's Area 23 network's "In Transit" for NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project)Zeno's support for Rethink Toronto's "Heinz Ketchup Fraud" campaignThis year's Cannes Lions is a testament to the evolving role of PR agencies, showcasing their ability to drive creative, impactful brand experiences.

Racepoint Global has appointed Amy Palladino as Executive Vice President of Strategic Services, in a move to strengthen its employee communications and change management capabilities. Palladino will spearhead the growth of RPG Prism, the company's newly expanded practice dedicated to these critical areas.A seasoned communications professional with a proven track record, Palladino brings a wealth of experience to Racepoint Global. Throughout her career, she has held senior positions at leading organisations like Ketchum and Heineken, where she honed her expertise in executive communication, change management, and internal communications. Most recently, Palladino served as a Vice President at Gartner, and also boasts experience running her own change management consultancy and leading people & change initiatives at FTI Consulting."The modern workplace presents a multitude of challenges for businesses," says Bob Osmond, President of Racepoint Global. "From navigating the complexities of hybrid work to harnessing the power of AI and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, leaders need effective communication strategies to drive engagement and innovation.""Amy Palladino is a recognized leader in the communications industry," Osmond continues. "Her extensive experience partnering with renowned brands to guide them through major transformations makes her an invaluable asset to Racepoint Global. We are confident that under her leadership, RPG Prism will empower our clients to create a more informed, inspired, and collaborative workforce."Palladino's appointment underscores Racepoint Global's commitment to providing clients with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today's dynamic business environment.