Kite Hill PR CEO Tiffany Guarnaccia was recognized at PRNews’ Top Women in PR event gala in New York City this week. Tiffany’s commitment to the industry shines through her leadership at Kite Hill and Communications Week. Her dedication to her work continuously inspires her team and other professionals each day.
2017: a year of growth
2017 was a year of growth and many successes, which would not have been possible without our incredible roster of clients and partners around the world. Over the course of the past year, the Kite Hill team has grown substantially, with new hires in our offices, exciting new clients and a diverse range of projects and assignments that have tested our creativity, enthusiasm and communications skills. Bring on 2018!
Kite Hill PR closes out 2017 with multiple industry recognitions
Kite Hill PR ended the year by bringing home two notable industry awards. In December, Kite Hill PR was listed among The Observer’s list of "New York's Top Specialty PR Firms." There are just a few slots on this prestigious list. For the second year in a row, Kite Hill was recognized as a go-to specialty tech PR firms, as a result of its expertise in ad tech, marketing, media and tech industries.
The agency's client roster grew by nearly 50% over the course of 2017. New clients included media companies BuzzFeed and TechRadar, along with ad tech startup DeepIntent. The team’s innovative thinking and commendable work continues to distinguish Kite Hill as a leading specialist agency. We are true experts in our client's industries from B2B tech, to ad tech, martech, media and entertainment.
The year end continued on a high note with Kite Hill PR CEO and Founder, Tiffany Guarnaccia, being named on PRNews “Top Women in PR” 2018 list. Received for her creativity, commitment to the industry and leadership, this award puts her alongside other influential female leaders in the industry. She is also a driving force behind Communications Week, which will be taking place again in October 2018. We hope to see you there!
Happy Holidays from the Kite Hill Team!
Kite Hill PR Joins "Meet the PR Pros Panel" at NYIT Fall PRSSA Event
Kite Hill recently had the pleasure of participating at New York Institute of Technology’s Meet the PR Pros event, organized by PRSSA (Public Relation Student Society of America). As a top specialty PR firm and the organizers behind the week-long industry event Communications Week, Kite Hill is often invited to share best practices at industry events. Kara O’Donnell, Senior Account Executive, spoke alongside other industry professionals, offering career advice, best interview practices, insights into agency life, and other helpful tips on transitioning from life as a college student to a young professional.
As Kite Hill PR’s first intern turned full-time team member, Kara talked with students and faculty on her past experiences and advised students on how to follow a similar path.
Key Tips for Young Professionals:
Learn as much as you can
It’s important to learn as much as possible in your role, no matter what it may be (intern, associate, executive, etc.), and apply it to your everyday responsibilities.
Be a “Life-Long Learner”
Learning certainly does not stop in the classroom or after graduation. As many PR professionals can attest to, there are always ample amounts of new skills and techniques to learn and apply no matter where you are at in your career.
Constantly work to improve your writing skills
Strong writing skills are needed to excel in the PR industry. This not only includes drafting emails and other client documents, but also the ability to write strong pitches, press releases, bylined articles, amongst many other forms of writing.
At Kite Hill, our team members are constantly encouraged to further develop their skillsets and networks through our collaborative environment. We loved sharing our top takeaways and advice with those who will shape the future of the industry!
Thank you to NYIT for having us!
Takeaways from Advertising Week 2017 #AWNEWYORK
Guest post from Moira Shannon, Kite Hill PR Account Associate
As an agency that specializes in ad tech PR, many of our team members attended sessions during the 2017 Advertising Week New York to uncover hot trends under this year’s theme: “great minds think unalike.” The week provided a unique platform for industry leaders to share their predictions on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With so many panelists spread across so many days of programming, it was no surprise that the industry had some conflicting views on hot topics like AI: is it taking over or is it overhyped? However, there were a few findings that everyone could get behind. Here are some themes that stood out as true trends to watch:
“In this golden age of data we know more about our customers than ever before.”
Richard Hearn, GM Global Head of Revenue, Watson Customer Engagement IBM
Several sessions stressed the importance of knowing your customers. In today’s digital landscape, using all available technology is crucial. Panelists agreed that if you don’t invest in a consumer graph and enhancing experiences, then you’re going to be in trouble.
“Mobile is changing because of the new data wave it’s generating.”
Antonio Tomarchio, CEO, Cuebiq
Another thing panelists could agree on? Mobile is the future. Today’s brands are telling stories to thrive and survive, and there’s an increasing set of data that never existed before. It’s an exciting time for brands to tap into new trends like vertical video and voice in order to create new experiences for how consumers engage with content.
“Details and specificity are what create authenticity, and authentic brands are winning today.”
Neil Blumenthal, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Warby Parker
With “fake news” cropping up everywhere you look, it’s increasingly important for brands to remain authentic. Truth and transparency in communications is what will make brands stand out. At the end of the day, trusted content is what will benefit your audiences the most.
At Kite Hill PR we look forward to seeing these trends take us into 2018. It’s an ever changing industry, and an exciting time to be a part of it!
In the meantime, we hope to see you the week of October 16 in New York for the fourth annual Communications Week, where we turn our eyes to the communications industry. This year we will be uncovering “Truth in Communications,” addressing issues such as transparency in influencer marketing, truth in the newsroom, the future of the PR industry and more!
Kite Hill PR Goes Inside Refinery29's 29Rooms
Guest post from Sylvie Calman, Kite Hill PR Account Manager
Kite Hill PR recently explored Refinery29’s third annual 29Rooms. As a specialist agency, that focuses on working with traditional and new media companies as clients, we loved seeing how media leaders like Refinery29 leverage interactive events and experiences to connect with their readers. 29Rooms was a truly engaging and interactive experience that brought brands to life for consumers and that left us with more than a few thoughts, and some nail polish! A win/win for these PR pros.
Firstly, it’s important to note the timing of this event, which helps paint a picture of why this experience can be effective for brands. For three years now, 29Rooms has taken place during NY Fashion Week, and has been strategically timed to provide brands with an alternative way to break through during the often cluttered week of runway shows and parties. Not only does this give brands direct access to consumers, it creates a personal and exclusive feeling for those who might not be able to participate in Fashion Week (but want to).
The experience welcomes you with a step-and-repeat - already encouraging visitors to snap selfies and share as they explore. This year’s theme was “Turn it into Art” - with both established and emerging artists and partners including Jake Gyllenhaal, Planned Parenthood, Women’s March, Maisie Cousins and Emma Roberts’ book community Belletrist to name a few, creating rooms aimed to . There were, of course, leading brands sponsors including Casper, Dunkin’ Donuts, Dyson, Juicy Couture, Clarins, Ulta Beauty and Cadillac participating and pushing consumer engagement boundaries.
As a digital media site aimed to serve the needs of millennial women, we felt 29Rooms struck the perfect balance of controversy, education and inspiration. Artists and brands used these rooms to talk with their consumers, rather than at them. This opened the door for consumers to interact with their favorite brands and create a memorable experience they could share across social.
We particularly loved Dunkin’ Donuts room appropriately titled, “Behind the Flavor”, where the coffee brand created a “Dunkin’ at home” experience where consumers could explore and taste test new flavor options and vote for the brands’ next flavor release. In a digital and social environment, it’s crucial for brands to be a part of the larger conversations consumers are taking a part in, and vice versa. Connecting with consumers is so important in this age of ad-blocking, if brands are not having open dialogue with consumers they are missing out on major opportunities. Storytelling is an essential component to any brand’s marketing strategy and 29Rooms was perfectly executed for brands to take their message directly to consumers and further, to inspire action.
Definitely a worthwhile experience for Kite Hill PR, one leaving us motivated and excited for the next level of experiential marketing!
The OTT Advertising Conundrum [Infographic]
NY AdTech Meetup: OTT Advertising & The Future of TV
Kite Hill PR recently held its latest #NYAdTech Meetup panel discussion on the future of TV and OTT advertising trends.
The conversation was led by Adweek’s Digital Media Reporter, Sami Main, and was hosted at Roku’s new office near Times Square. Panelists included OTT advertising experts: Greg Isaacs, chief product & marketing officer, Branded Entertainment Network (BEN); Renee Plato, SVP of media solutions & innovation, Nielsen; Scott Rosenberg, GM & SVP of advertising, Roku; and John Caldwell, SVP of business development & legal affairs, Synacor. Kite Hill PR’s CEO & Founder, Tiffany Guarnaccia, introduced the panelists and kicked off the event.
After a quick show of hands, we noted quite a mix of viewing behaviors in the room. Leading the poll were traditional TV and OTT viewers, followed by cord-cutters and a handful of cord-nevers. Our audience’s answers demonstrate the changing viewing behaviors of consumers and the complexities advertisers now face when trying to reach them.
The panel discussion uncovered some key trends: TV consumption is still on the uptick but the devices on which we consume video continue to vary; there is a massive need for the monetization of content across channels.
Streaming Is Evolving Rapidly but TV is Still Coming Out On Top
Our experts began the conversation with the infamous industry debate, “is TV dead?” With the increased adoption of streaming, many have argued that the TV industry is coming to an end. Plato explained, “TV is being consumed at higher levels than ever before. When looking at all screens and devices, TV is on the uptick."
While most agreed with Plato, Isaacs shared an opposing view with the audience encouraging brands to act now to alter their OTT advertising approach, “Product integration is key for advertisers. The world of advertising is changing. There is a small window of opportunity for brands to take advantage of this land grab. Amazon is doing it now with 100% of Amazon originals incorporating product integration. Brands need to start experimenting with product integration now."
Rosenberg was in agreement with Plato on the healthy state of TV advertising but also agreed with Isaacs, "If you’re betting on transition and investing in new advertising models or producing content, you’re on the right side [preparing for the future]."
Content Is Still King and Distribution Is Queen
Panelists were quick to note just how rapidly the media landscape is changing. As Isaacs said, “Platforms aren’t emerging, they’re winning.” He went on to address the changes occurring saying, “People will consume media in a lot of different ways and in ways we haven’t even thought about yet.”
The quality of content that exists today is greater than ever before. Caldwell explained the appeal of OTT saying, “OTT enables consumers to access video content where they want when they want and on what platform.” Rosenberg added that the changes taking place could lead to the idea that, “OTT and TV will be synonymous in just a few short years.”
As our experts discussed the importance of this, they also noted that brands and advertisers must adapt quickly to these changes. Rosenberg addressed the importance of the 18-34 demographic, “[This demo] watches traditional TV with much less frequency. We should be thinking about when this demo is the dominant purchasing power and how to best reach them.”
Isaacs offered another solution saying, “Product integration is key for advertisers. The world of advertising is changing. There is a small window of opportunity for brands to take advantage of this land grab."
It’s a Great Time to Be a Consumer
It’s a great time to be a consumer with nearly endless options of what to watch, when and where. TV has created great opportunities up and down the value chain. Isaacs again stressed the “dynamic media landscape” and the importance of placing smart bets on the future of OTT, because “no one really knows what’s going to happen next.”
As the discussion came to a close, all participants agreed that one thing the future of viewing experiences must accomplish is a simplification. As Plato said, “being able to navigate devices is clunky today.” Instead, we need to find a “more elegant viewing experience across a single device platform.”
Rosenberg ended by addressing the importance of tech in OTT saying we must, “crack the code around monetizing user attention in this new world.”
Kite Hill Team Fun: Bowling At Chelsea Piers
As we prepare to head into a busy fall season, the team from Kite Hill PR's New York office took time out to bowl at Chelsea Piers. It was a great afternoon spent together with some friendly competition and a toast to a successful summer 2017!
Kite Hill has much to celebrate. We've recently won new clients in the advertising, media and AI industries. We're excited to grow our client roster and our team.
Interested in joining the Kite Hill PR team? Check out the open roles on our careers page!
Bringing 'Work-life Integration' Policies to Life
In today’s fast-paced PR world, maintaining a work-life balance is increasingly important in achieving success, happiness, and productivity. Kite Hill PR’s policy is to give team members the flexibility to work both how and where they need to. We’ve found that having a work from home policy can contribute to achieving organizational objectives and employee well-being.
Kite Hill PR client, Goodway Group, has a notable approach to work life balance. Goodway Group has a company of 400-plus and a workforce that is completely remote. Jay Friedman, COO of Goodway, recently spoke with Fast Company about how this company is an innovative example of a flexible work culture. Read the full article on Fast Company.
Friedman outlined some key benefits that working from home can provide, which include:
Allowing everyone to get important “life” things done. “By allowing people the flexibility to tend to their lives during the workday, you award people an incredibly valuable benefit that they grow to cherish.”
Keeping employees and internal communication organized. “Department notes, leadership team meeting notes, and most all other meeting agendas and notes are left open. This inspires trust and accountability, too. There are follow-up tasks on every page with the assignees called out.”
Making seasonal meetups productive and something to look forward to. “When people arrive, they’re genuinely excited to see each other - hugs abound because we literally haven’t seen each other in six months. For remote employees, seeing their work family can be as exciting as seeing extended families.”
What all of these benefits demonstrate is that creating flexible work environments and providing a positive approach to work-life integration can ultimately lead to better results for everyone involved.
Calling All Rising Stars: Kite Hill is Looking for an International Intern
Kite Hill PR, a growing tech and B2B specialist PR agency based in NYC, is looking for an intern interested in learning all aspects of the public relations field to join our growing UK team. The intern who fills this position should expect to learn the field from top to bottom. It's essential that applicants to this position have excellent communication skills, demonstrate creativity, and understand the importance of attending to even the smallest details. This is a hands-on role at a fast-paced agency with room for advancement.
Responsibilities
Research journalists, influencers, events, news moments or industry trends relevant to our UK clients and/or international clients
Compile client coverage and activity reports
Create or update press databases
Draft a variety of content, from blog posts to bylined articles
Please note that this is not a full-time position.
Requirements
2:1 or equivalent degree (with a preference for arts & humanities degrees)
Applicants should also have strong writing skills, as well as a solid understanding of social media
Only interns proficient with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications should apply
Benefits
This is a paid position. Flexible hours with the option to WFH and from One Alfred Place and/or Kite Hill PR’s coworking office in London. Kite Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Hear what a former intern, Moira Shannon, had to say about working with Kite Hill PR! Moira was recently hired as an Account Associate as a part of the NYC Kite Hill team.
Communications Week Summer Internship Opportunity
Kite Hill is the agency behind the leading industry week, Communications Week. The week takes place every October, but we're already in planning stages for our 2017 events.
Description
Are you interested in learning about event planning as well as all aspects of the public relations field?
We're looking for an intern interested in event management to join the Kite Hill Experiences team in planning for Communications Week. It's essential applicants have excellent communication skills, organizational skills, demonstrate creativity, and understand the importance of attending to even the smallest details. This role will mainly assist in planning the weeklong event series, Communications Week.
Responsibilities
Research event partners and sponsors
Draft social media copy promoting the event and event partners
Draft website or email copy promoting Communications Week
Monitor all forms of media for mentions of Communications Week
Research journalist contact lists and industry trends and news
Requirements
Students applying for this internship must have strong communication skills and should be majoring in Public Relations, Communications, or Marketing. Applicants should also have strong event planning skills, as well as writing skills and a solid understanding of social media. Only interns proficient with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications should apply.
Majors
Preferred: Public Relations, Marketing, Communications
To apply for this summer 2017 internship opportunity, email Kara@KiteHillPR.com.
No phone calls please.
Kite Hill Founder & CEO Named PRNews Top Women in PR
Each year, PRNews names its coveted list of the "Top Women in PR." This year's list was a particularly exciting one. Kite Hill PR was recognized among many other movers and shakers in the industry, including powerful female leaders at some of the biggest PR agencies in the nation.
It is a commendable achievement to be recognized by one of the industry's top industry trades. The official announcement from PRNews and full list is available here.
2016 in Review: Onward and Upward!
Wrapping Up Communications Week 2016
What an exciting year for the public relations industry!
At this year's Communications Week, we examined how the industry is being reinvented as we embrace different mindsets and encourage PR professionals of the future to develop new skills. Traditional PR is a thing of the past, as we make way for influencer marketing, content marketing and new ways to connect brands and consumers.
As the founding agency and the organizer of Communications Week, the Kite Hill team was excited to see hundreds of PR professionals come out to our events during the course of the week. Did you miss some of this year's sessions?
Check out the Communications Week blog for full session recaps or follow us @CommsWeekNY on twitter throughout the year.
A Reflection On My Summer Internship At Kite Hill PR
This past summer I had the opportunity to intern at Kite Hill PR. Since this was my first internship I had no idea what to expect. I came into it hoping to gain experience in PR and expand my knowledge of the industry, but I was able to do so much more. This internship wasn’t about coffee runs and “busy work,” instead it consisted of hands-on projects and the opportunity to communicate directly with members of the entire team, including Tiffany Guarnaccia, the Founder and CEO of Kite Hill.
From my very first day everyone welcomed me as a member of the Kite Hill team and allowed me to make my own contributions. I quickly learned the importance of research in PR. My daily tasks included research of all forms. I had the chance to explore various news outlets in advertising, technology and business, comprise media lists based on these outlets, monitor industry events and awards within the tech industry and lay the groundwork to draft releases for multiple clients.
I witnessed firsthand how the world of PR is a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment. Seeing this made me realize the importance of always paying close attention to every detail. I saw that the work I was responsible for was an integral part to the planning and implementation of all projects in the office. Seeing the direct impact that my work had on the entire team, as well as the positive results that it produced made the experience worth so much more.
While the work was meaningful, it was the work in addition to the hands-on atmosphere and innovative environment that made my internship experience so great. The lessons I learned and the wonderful team that I had the chance to work so closely with are what had the biggest impact on me.
As I was able to work on multiple projects throughout the summer, I learned to not be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions, and most importantly to work hard no matter what the project may be. My time at Kite Hill was a great learning experience and a chance for me to grow as a thinker and communicator.
This is all thanks to the team I was fortunate enough to work with. Working directly with my mentor, Kara O’Donnell, and having contact with every member of the Kite Hill office allowed me to receive feedback from everyone, work on projects with each team member and truly gain hands-on experience in the field of PR.
This was certainly a memorable summer and I am eager to see where the knowledge and experiences I have gained will take me in the future!
- Moira Shannon, St. John's University
Calling All PR Interns: We want to FALL for YOU
Kite Hill PR is looking for candidates for our fall PR internship.
This is an important role that will span both Kite Hill PR as well as our industry leading week, Communications Week during the week of October 17th, 2016.
This internship position will be responsible for working across both agency accounts and assisting with event management. You'll jump right in and help the team with the creation of media lists, media tracking, press clipping and more. This will be a hands-on position. You should have strong writing and editing skills as well as an interest in the PR industry.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This part-time position will be responsibility for account and event support, including communications related assignments and administrative responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be available at least two days per week. Our hours are 9:30am-5:30pm, but we can accommodate your class schedule.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Conduct research and build media lists
• Research client industries and accounts
• Monitor for media placements and client mentions
• Draft and format documents and other communications materials
• Planning and assistance on Communications Week events
• Work closely with the agency team to develop and coordinate projects
• General office and administrative duties
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Pursuing a course of study in Communications, Journalism or a related area
• Minimum of two to three years of college experience
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills
• Experience with MS Word and Excel is a must. Cision experience is a plus.
• Clear understanding of social media platforms
• Good analytical and organizational skills
If you feel you meet these qualifications, please send your resume to Account Executive, Kara O'Donnell at Kara@KiteHillPR.com. No phone calls please.
We're Hiring!
KITE HILL is expanding and has an immediate opening for a rising PR star to join us as an AE. Applicants should be able to hit the ground running. We’re looking for a goal-oriented, creative individual who wants to advance their career quickly and grow with KITE HILL.
We have experienced tremendous growth both domestically and internationally, introducing a satellite office in the heart of London in 2015. The agency specializes in the advertising, media, music and ad tech industries. KITE HILL is also the agency behind Communications Week, a weeklong series of events that celebrates the PR and media industries. The ideal candidate must have relevant PR agency experience.
Position Summary:
Responsible for media outreach and executing on integrated communications campaigns
Responsible for drafting client communications, including press releases, client reports and meeting agendas
Responsible for drafting client speaking and award submissions
Work closely with senior team to execute on strategic public relations programs
Qualifications:
1-2 years of public relations experience, PR agency experience required
Excellent research, writing and editing skills
Strong verbal and written communications skills
Must have client-facing experience
Creative problem-solving, organization and strategic planning skills
Goal-oriented approach to client work
Track record in securing press coverage
Ability to work well with others and take direction
Creative, energetic and polished personality
Positive attitude, proactive and creative
Benefits:
Unlimited vacation time
WFH days
Summer Fridays + paid holidays
Competitive salary + healthcare package
Annual bonus package
Requirements:
B.A./B.S. in Marketing, Public Relations or related discipline
1-2 years in a public relations position
Application:
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, KITE HILL does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, national origin, or ancestry.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter via email directly to Tiffany Guarnaccia at Tiffany@KiteHillPR.com. No phone calls please. While we appreciate the interest of all candidates, we will only respond to those with whom we have a greater interest.
Our Take On Brand Tributes
When is it appropriate for a brand to “pay tribute” on social media to departed public figures and those affected by tragedy?
n the wake of Prince’s death, KITE HILL CEO and founder of Communications Week, Tiffany Guarnaccia was quoted in Momentology, imparting the following advice:
“If a brand doesn’t have a direct connection to Prince, they shouldn’t try to force themselves into the conversation. It feels inauthentic and can cause a negative backlash,” she said.
Negative backlash was indeed felt by several brands, for their attempts to incorporate their own branding into their tributes to the music icon, even if the brand did have an allowable connection to Prince. As Lisa Lacy says in the aforementioned article, the line between an authentic tribute and shameless self-promotion can be hard to judge in these cases.
o read the full article, How To Solve The Brand Tribute Problem, by Lisa Lacy, click here.