In a bold move to redefine B2B marketing, advancreative has launched a new hands-on training program aimed at transforming in-house marketing managers into high-performing digital experts. The program, built around advancreative’s 12-step Marketing Rockstar Framework, equips internal teams with the skills to execute digital marketing and SEO strategies at a level comparable to top-tier agencies.

Founder and Creative Director Julie Stout emphasizes that the initiative isn’t just about providing external support it’s about fostering internal champions who can lead strategy, drive growth, and execute with the efficiency of seasoned marketing professionals.

Empowering In-House Teams with Top-Tier Marketing Skills

With the marketing landscape evolving rapidly, many B2B companies are looking for ways to reduce reliance on external agencies while strengthening their internal expertise. Advancreative’s new training program provides a comprehensive solution by blending strategic consulting, digital execution, and a hands-on curriculum designed to deliver measurable results.

“Our clients don’t just need outside support—they need internal champions,” says Julie Stout. “This program is about creating confident, capable marketers who can lead strategy, drive growth, and execute like pros—all from within the company.”

Participants will dive deep into core areas of digital marketing, including SEO, branding, content marketing, and conversion rate optimization. It’s designed to elevate more than just technical skills—it’s about enhancing the mindset, creativity, and overall approach of marketing teams.

Features of the Training Program

The 12-Step Marketing Rockstar Framework includes a range of modules and tools that cover the essential aspects of modern B2B marketing:

- 12-Step Framework

Focuses on areas such as SEO, digital campaigns, competitor audits, and marketing automation—equipping teams with the comprehensive skills to build robust marketing strategies.

- Creativity Masterclass

Helps participants overcome mental blocks and unleash innovative thinking, making it easier for teams to approach challenges with fresh perspectives.

- Templates & Tools

Provides resources for branding, sales enablement, and content execution, helping teams execute their strategies efficiently.

- Live Coaching & Real-Time Collaboration

Participants will engage in live coaching sessions and work directly with advancreative’s strategy team, ensuring real-time feedback and learning.

- Scalable Results

The program helps reduce reliance on external resources and strengthens internal marketing capabilities, ensuring sustainable growth and efficiency.

Tailored for B2B and Industrial Companies

Advancreative’s program is specifically designed for industrial and B2B companies that are keen to stretch their marketing budgets and build internal marketing capabilities. The real-time coaching and industry-specific insights from the advancreative team allow companies to see immediate, scalable results.

By providing tailored solutions that align with each business’s unique needs, the program ensures that marketing efforts are both effective and sustainable.

A New Approach to Agency Collaboration

Julie Stout’s vision for this initiative goes beyond simply executing marketing campaigns. She envisions a future where companies have internal marketing leaders who can drive results from within, empowering them to lead their own growth strategies. “This is the future of agency collaboration,” she adds. “We’re not just executing. We’re building marketers who can lead—and win—from the inside.”

The program reflects the growing demand for self-sufficient marketing teams that are equipped to meet the challenges of a fast-paced digital landscape. By combining strategic insights with actionable tools and live coaching, advancreative’s initiative aims to foster stronger, more effective marketing teams.

CreatorIQ, the leading platform for creator marketing, has launched a groundbreaking suite of tools designed to measure and benchmark creator performance. The Share Of Metrics Suite and Industry Benchmarks Calculator unveiled at CreatorIQ Connect Europe are setting new standards for accountability, comparability, and results within the rapidly growing creator marketing industry.

As brands increasingly turn to creator marketing for business growth, measurement has become the number one barrier to success. CreatorIQ's new suite addresses this challenge, providing marketers with the tools needed to measure success, justify spend, and achieve tangible outcomes in the creator economy.

Setting New Standards for Creator Marketing Measurement

Creator marketing has quickly evolved from a top-of-funnel strategy to a core growth engine for businesses. According to CreatorIQ, 94% of brands report that creator content outperforms traditional advertising. Yet, measurement has remained a key obstacle in maximizing the full potential of creator strategies.

“Creator marketing has evolved into a strategic growth engine,” says Chris Harrington, CEO of CreatorIQ. “But without standardized measurement, brands can’t fully harness its power. That’s why we’re leading with measurement—solving the industry’s biggest challenge first.”

The Share Of Metrics Suite: A New Era of Benchmarking

The Share Of Metrics Suite introduces competitive benchmarks across four key marketing outcomes, each representing a different stage in the customer journey:

1. Share of Voice (SOV): Measures the volume of creator content and brand presence.

2. Share of Exposure (SOX): Estimates the impressions generated by creator content for visibility.

3. Share of Engagement (SOE): Tracks audience interactions and resonance.

4. Share of Influence (SOI): Measures earned media value and overall business impact.

Powered by a proprietary dataset of over 2 million social accounts and 20,000+ brands, these metrics give marketers a detailed look at how their brand performs relative to competitors in terms of visibility, engagement, and influence.

Expanding Global Coverage and Customization

CreatorIQ’s competitive benchmarking dashboard will integrate the Share Of metrics in June 2025, offering expanded filters by region, platform, and creator tier. Later in the year, the coverage will extend globally to 50+ countries, up from 13, further enhancing the tool’s ability to provide granular, actionable insights.

These Share Of metrics will complement existing KPIs, allowing for full-funnel planning and reporting that includes competitive context and performance outcomes.

The Industry’s First Open Access Benchmarking Tool

Alongside the Share Of Metrics Suite, CreatorIQ is launching the Creator Marketing Industry Benchmarks Calculator, the industry’s first open-access benchmarking tool for creator marketing. This free, web-based tool offers unparalleled transparency and allows brands to benchmark their performance across:

• 27 industries

• 17 regions

• 5 social platforms

• 4 follower tiers

Marketers can generate more than 9,000 unique data views and align their KPIs with standardized, outcome-driven metrics. The calculator democratizes access to competitive intelligence, setting a new standard for creator marketing performance measurement.

Explore the Creator Marketing Industry Benchmarks Calculator at https://www.creatoriq.com/creator-marketing-benchmarks.

Fit-for-Purpose Metrics for Every Business Level

The Share Of Metrics Suite reflects a broader, purpose-built measurement framework that spans:

• Campaign level: Optimize short-term activations and creative strategies.

• Program level: Monitor long-term creator health and relationship value.

• Business level: Track ROI, allocate spend, and measure creator impact on market share.

Bhavin Desai, Chief Product Officer at CreatorIQ, emphasizes that the suite was designed with the needs of marketers, strategists, and executives in mind. “For too long, creator marketing has lacked the measurement standards needed to match its impact,” he said. “CreatorIQ was built to provide the clarity, accountability, and insights marketers need to scale with confidence.”

Vital, a leading AI-powered patient experience platform used by top U.S. health systems, has selected Amendola Communications, part of the Supreme Group, to lead a comprehensive PR and thought leadership program. This partnership is designed to elevate Vital's presence within the healthcare IT and clinical sectors, focusing on the platform's transformative impact on the patient journey.

With healthcare technology evolving at a rapid pace, Vital's platform offers critical advancements in patient communication, helping health systems improve operations, reduce costs, and enhance patient satisfaction. This strategic initiative will spotlight the tangible benefits of Vital Emergency, Vital Inpatient, and Vital Care, the key products in Vital’s expanding suite.

Enhancing Healthcare Communication with AI-Powered Real-Time Updates

Vital’s platform is designed to simplify and improve the healthcare experience by providing real-time updates and actionable information to patients and their families. Through an intuitive system that doesn't require logins or app downloads, patients receive updates in their preferred language, whether it's about hospital procedures, emergency care, or routine treatments. This streamlined communication approach ensures that patients remain informed and engaged throughout their healthcare journey.

As Aaron Patzer, founder and CEO of Vital, explains, “Vital’s platform delivers concrete improvements in financial, operational, and patient experience outcomes for health systems. We want to make sure the industry understands the tremendous value we bring to healthcare providers.”

The Role of Amendola Communications

Chosen for its strong healthcare expertise and deep connections within the health tech media landscape, Amendola Communications will lead Vital’s PR efforts. The agency’s program will focus on media outreach, thought leadership, and targeted content development aimed at healthcare decision-makers.

“We’re excited to work with Vital to amplify their mission,” said Jodi Amendola, CEO of Amendola Communications. “Vital is fundamentally changing the way healthcare communicates with patients, aligning with the consumer-driven expectations for real-time alerts, much like those seen in package tracking or travel notifications.”

Features of Vital’s Platform

1. Real-Time Communication: Vital enables healthcare providers to deliver timely updates and instructions to patients and families, enhancing the overall patient experience.

2. Simplified Access: No need for app downloads or logins, ensuring a seamless and accessible experience for everyone.

3. Multilingual Support: Updates and information are delivered in the patient’s preferred language, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

4. Integrated Solutions: Vital’s platform integrates seamlessly into existing healthcare systems, supporting a smooth patient journey from emergency care to inpatient services.

Thought Leadership and Strategic PR Program

Amendola Communications will help Vital strengthen its position as a leader in healthcare technology, emphasizing the value of AI in improving the patient experience. The program will focus on building awareness of Vital’s innovative approach and showcasing its impact on health systems' operational efficiency and patient satisfaction.

By creating valuable content, thought leadership articles, and media placements, Amendola will support Vital's mission of transforming healthcare communication, making it more efficient, transparent, and responsive.

Cision, the global leader in consumer and media intelligence, has unveiled its 16th annual State of the Media Report, providing critical insights into the evolving relationship between journalists and PR professionals. This year's report, which surveyed over 3,000 journalists across 19 global markets, dives deeper than ever before into the dynamics shaping modern journalism. The findings reveal the pressures and opportunities that are influencing the media landscape, from AI disruption to the continued demand for relevance, accuracy, and genuine human connection in PR outreach.

As the media landscape continues to shift at an unprecedented pace, the 2025 State of the Media Report offers valuable guidance for PR teams navigating these changes. In particular, it emphasizes the importance of precision, empathy, and adaptability in an era where journalists face mounting pressures and audience behavior becomes more fragmented.

Insights from the 2025 Report

1. Relevance is Key

One of the most striking takeaways from the 2025 report is the critical importance of relevance in PR outreach. A staggering 86% of journalists report that they will immediately reject a pitch that is not aligned with their beat or audience. This underscores the need for PR professionals to do their homework and tailor every outreach to the journalist's specific focus. As Jim Daxner, Chief Product Officer and Head of Strategy at Cision, emphasizes, “PR teams must focus on precision to become valuable collaborators in a rapidly evolving media environment.”

2. Press Releases Remain Essential

Despite the rise of digital media and AI-generated content, 72% of journalists still consider press releases the most useful resource PR teams can offer. The report highlights that when press releases are paired with multimedia content, their impact is significantly amplified. PR teams that leverage a mix of text and visual content are better positioned to capture journalists' attention in an increasingly cluttered media landscape.

3. AI Adoption and Caution

The report also sheds light on the growing role of AI in content creation. Over half of journalists globally now use generative AI tools like ChatGPT to assist with their work. However, 72% of journalists expressed concerns about factual inaccuracies in AI-generated content. Transparency and human oversight remain essential to maintaining the credibility and accuracy of PR messaging. PR teams are advised to be cautious when incorporating AI tools into their workflows, ensuring that all content is fact-checked and aligned with journalistic standards.

4. Building Strong Relationships with Journalists

Despite technological advancements, the most effective way to build a relationship with journalists is still rooted in personal connection. 85% of journalists report that the best way to establish a rapport is simply to introduce yourself via email—even without an immediate story to pitch. This highlights the ongoing importance of relationship-first PR, where building trust and credibility is a long-term investment. PR teams should focus on nurturing genuine relationships with journalists over time, rather than relying solely on transactional pitches.

5. Social Media Usage is Fragmented

The 2025 report reveals that while LinkedIn remains the most-used social media platform globally, the use of region-specific platforms is growing. WeChat dominates in China, while WhatsApp is widely used across EMEA, and BlueSky has gained traction in North America. PR teams should be mindful of these regional variations and tailor their social media strategies accordingly to engage effectively with journalists in different markets.

A Global Perspective on Media Trends

The 2025 State of the Media Report highlights the need for PR professionals to understand the unique media dynamics of different regions. For example, APAC markets are embracing AI more rapidly, while North America remains focused on media trust and credibility. PR teams must balance global best practices with regional realities to craft strategies that resonate across diverse media environments.

The report also provides tactical guidance on best practices for pitching, multimedia preferences, AI use in content creation, and building long-term media relationships in a digitally fragmented world. These insights will help PR professionals adapt their strategies to meet the evolving demands of journalists and ensure successful media engagement.

Dr. Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn, was recently honored with two major accolades for her exceptional leadership and groundbreaking contributions to the public relations industry. On May 6th, 2025, she was awarded the Outstanding Individual Achievement at the PRovoke SABRE Awards, followed by her recognition as a 2025 Pinnacle Award Honoree at the Medical Marketing + Media (MM+M) Pinnacle Awards on May 7th, 2025.

Both awards underscore Bloomgarden’s lasting impact on the industry, particularly in driving global growth, innovation, and the adoption of new technologies in communications. As CEO of Ruder Finn, one of the world’s largest independently owned PR agencies, Bloomgarden has been a trailblazer, leading her agency into new markets and pioneering cutting-edge practices like AI integration and data infrastructure optimization.

Ruder Finn’s Global Growth Under Kathy Bloomgarden’s Leadership

Since taking the helm of Ruder Finn, Kathy Bloomgarden has spearheaded multiple groundbreaking initiatives, helping the agency expand its footprint and influence worldwide. Under her leadership, Ruder Finn launched its China office, built a strong healthcare practice, and introduced rf.TechLab, a technology innovation hub. These initiatives, among others, have played a crucial role in positioning Ruder Finn as a forward-thinking agency ready to adapt to the evolving demands of the global market.

Bloomgarden’s vision of the future of public relations has positioned Ruder Finn as an agency at the intersection of traditional communications and emerging technologies. This forward-looking mindset has made Ruder Finn a key partner for global clients navigating economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. Kathy’s ability to stay ahead of trends, like the rise of AI, has been a significant factor in the agency’s success.

Leading Innovation with AI and Data Infrastructure

Kathy Bloomgarden’s commitment to innovation is perhaps best exemplified by her leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. When OpenAI released ChatGPT, Ruder Finn was already ahead of the curve, preparing its clients for the new AI landscape. Bloomgarden has consistently brought together industry leaders to shape strategies for building AI-ready data infrastructures and addressing challenges such as LLM hallucinations.

In the past year, Bloomgarden established the RF AI Advisory Council, which is led by the former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, ensuring Ruder Finn stays at the forefront of AI advancements. The agency also introduced rf.aio, a tool designed to optimize large language models (LLMs) at scale, offering brands a more efficient way to utilize AI technology.

As a result, Ruder Finn has become a leader in AI-driven communications, helping brands navigate the complexities of this fast-evolving technology while simultaneously driving industry conversations on AI’s ethical use and impact.

Praise from Industry Leaders

Kathy Bloomgarden’s leadership has earned her the admiration of many in the communications and PR industries. John Chambers, former Executive Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, lauded Bloomgarden for her exceptional ability to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. “Every time, without exception, she and her team execute flawlessly,” Chambers said. “She’s wicked smart and is able to read her client’s strengths and limitations and adjust appropriately to handle the most exciting and challenging opportunities.”

Michael Schubert, long-time Chief Innovation Officer at Ruder Finn, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Kathy is the reason I am still at Ruder Finn today. While I may have ‘Innovation’ in my title, she has it in her soul.” Schubert praised Bloomgarden for her ability to put PR in the C-suite and redefine how communications can be a powerful driver of innovation.

Kathy Bloomgarden's Vision for the Future

Bloomgarden’s approach to PR is rooted in anticipating trends and acting decisively to shape the future. Whether through the launch of Ruder Finn’s AI Advisory Council or the development of cutting-edge tools like rf.aio, Bloomgarden is positioning her agency—and the broader PR industry—to harness the transformative power of technology.

In accepting her awards, Kathy Bloomgarden shared her optimism for the future of communications. “We are in the midst of a pivotal moment for our industry,” Bloomgarden said. “It’s the communications function that is instrumental to the adoption of new technologies for the future. I am profoundly optimistic about our collective abilities to accelerate innovation and I’m excited to be a part of it.

MikeWorldWide (MWW), the leading reputation-first communications agency in the U.S., has achieved a landmark recognition by being named the most awarded PR agency at the 2025 American Business Awards®. This distinction includes receiving a Grand Stevie Award, reflecting the agency’s outstanding execution, cultural relevance, and strategic foresight across multiple brand campaigns and categories.

Award-Winning Achievements and Campaign Highlights

• Top Honors for Agency Excellence

  • Gold Stevie for Company of the Year - Advertising, Marketing & PR

  • Bronze Stevie for Public Relations Agency of the Year

  • Recognition across multiple campaign-specific categories, reinforcing MWW’s leadership in integrated, content-driven, and crisis-focused communication.

• Kentucky Derby: 150 Campaign

  • Fused tradition with modern storytelling for a historic year

  • Gold Stevie: Communications/PR Campaign of the Year - Sport

  • Silver Stevie: Communications/PR Campaign of the Year - Integrated Communications

• Nikon Creators Camp Campaign

  • Empowered emerging creators and highlighted Nikon’s modern relevance

  • Gold Stevie: Brand Experience of the Year - Consumer

  • Bronze Stevie: Branded Content Campaign of the Year

  • Bronze Stevie: PR Campaign of the Year - Content Marketing

• Red Lobster Crisis & Reputation Campaign

  • Delivered expert counsel and protected brand trust during critical challenges

  • Gold Stevie: PR Campaign of the Year - Brand/Reputation Management

  • Gold Stevie: PR Campaign of the Year - Issues Management

  • Gold Stevie: PR Campaign of the Year - Crisis Communications (Online)

MikeWorldWide’s sweep at the 2025 American Business Awards underscores its role as a pioneer in culturally aware, results-driven PR. The agency’s ability to combine strategic insight with exceptional execution continues to define its influence on brand reputation, stakeholder trust, and modern communication. CEO Michael Kempner credits this success to the team's foresight and disciplined creativity, which consistently produces award-winning, culture-shaping outcomes.

In a major move to reshape the future of home service marketing, Florida-based digital marketing leader Mr. Pipeline has acquired GutterWise Marketing, a rising force in AI-powered lead nurturing for the rain gutter industry. This acquisition gives birth to Customer Closer, a new entity designed to help home service businesses lock up more jobs by combining intelligent lead generation with advanced automation and AI-driven engagement strategies.

Strategic Highlights of the Customer Closer Launch

• A Strategic Acquisition with Complementary Strengths

  • GutterWise brings advanced automation and lead nurturing to the table.

  • Mr. Pipeline contributes its expertise in SEO, Paid Ads, Web Design, and Live Chat.

  • Together, they form a unified powerhouse built to serve home service providers.

• From Lead Generation to Lead Conversion—All in One Platform

  • Customer Closer ensures leads don’t just arrive—they convert and remain engaged.

  • Combines AI with automation to optimize every stage of the customer journey.

  • Enhances ROI by maximizing value from existing databases and cold prospects.

• Empowering Home Service Businesses with Technology

  • Tools designed to nurture leads, reactivate dormant databases, and pursue cold outreach.

  • Increases closed job rates through automated engagement workflows.

  • Supports sustained growth with minimal manual intervention.

• A Shift Toward AI Integration in the Industry

  • Reflects a growing trend of AI adoption in home services.

  • Provides businesses with a competitive edge in a crowded marketplace.

  • Establishes a new industry benchmark for tech-enabled marketing and customer retention.

The creation of Customer Closer marks a pivotal moment for home service businesses aiming to scale efficiently. By merging Mr. Pipeline’s lead generation strength with GutterWise’s automation technology, the new platform is set to redefine customer acquisition and retention. As AI continues to permeate the industry, Customer Closer positions itself as the go-to growth engine for service providers looking to close more jobs and outperform competitors.

MJH Life Sciences®, North America's largest privately held, independent full-service medical media company, has announced its acquisition of NewBeauty®, the premier beauty and wellness media brand previously owned by SANDOW Media. This strategic move brings together MJH’s clinical authority and NewBeauty’s consumer influence, redefining the future of aesthetics, wellness, and health communication.

Highlights of the Acquisition

• NewBeauty: A Trusted Authority in Beauty and Wellness

  • Established in 2005, NewBeauty offers expertly curated content across print, digital, and experiential channels.

  • The brand is renowned for TestTube® and BeautyPass®, immersive programs engaging beauty-conscious consumers.

  • Collaborates closely with certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and dentists to deliver credible, expert-driven content.

• Strategic Synergy Between Clinical Expertise and Consumer Media

  • MJH’s healthcare communication capabilities strengthen NewBeauty’s editorial integrity and scientific insight.

  • Enhances the credibility of beauty content by aligning it with medically reviewed and clinically supported information.

  • Combines inspiration and information, offering a complete 360-degree perspective on beauty, skincare, and wellness trends.

• Expanding Reach and Engagement Opportunities

  • Opens up new avenues for digital, experiential, and professional education initiatives.

  • Brands gain access to a broader and more diverse audience—ranging from healthcare professionals to beauty consumers.

  • Creates cross-platform opportunities that integrate NewBeauty’s lifestyle content with MJH’s specialty medical verticals.

• Aligned with MJH’s Growth and Vision

  • Supports MJH’s mission to deliver specialized, high-impact media across multiple sectors.

  • Strengthens MJH’s positioning in the aesthetics and wellness landscape.

  • Backed by strategic support from BDT & MSD Partners, reinforcing long-term investment in innovation and expansion.

The acquisition of NewBeauty® by MJH Life Sciences® represents more than a portfolio expansion—it is a transformative step toward integrating medical accuracy with consumer beauty aspirations. With both companies bringing unique strengths to the table, this partnership is set to reshape how information and influence converge in the evolving world of health, aesthetics, and wellness.