BOSTON — March Communications has launched a contest aimed at finding the most innovative AI startup in Boston and Atlanta, which the firm will award with free PR services to drive awareness and competitive advantage. Entrants will be judged on the technology’s, product’s or service’s innovation and impact on solving real-world problems. The Rising Star in AI contest is open to companies whose leadership and employee base span a broad range of cultural, social and professional backgrounds and are as diverse in their personal experiences and perspectives as they are in their AI technologies and basic criteria, including having a minimum of Series A funding. More information is available here.

NEW YORK — PRSA will be hosting this year’s international conference, ICON 2020, a fully digital experience, taking place October 26-29. The event will feature all of the same hallmarks of the organization’s annual conference, including industry leading keynoters, an exhibit hall, topic-specific professional development programs, sessions for PRSSA students and a wide variety of networking and social opportunities. Keynote speakers include Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian, Jon Meacham; CEO of DiversityInc Media, Carolynn Johnson; Freedom Forum Fellow for the First Amendment, Lata Nott; and other thought leaders who will discuss the importance of strategic communications amidst disruption.

NEW YORK — Magrino has added a new suite of services to its offerings, with a focus on shorter-term engagements designed for maximum efficiency and measurable results. They include a 90 day launch or relaunch offering to help companies needing quick results; brainstorming sessions focused on PR and social media opportunities; short-term crisis communications; supporting events and initiatives that are now being held virtually; and a social media audit.

CHICAGO — Heron Agency has added a new fleet of digital and creative services to accompany their existing portfolio of integrated communications services. The agency is now expanding into virtual events, SEO, influencer campaigns with an emphasis on SEO, website development, reputation management within online communities, photography, video production, and blog writing.

NEW YORK — Ciro Dias dos Reis, president of Brazil’s Imagem Corporation, has been named global chair of PROI Worldwide. He succeeds Clare Parsons of UK-based Lansons as chair of the PROI, a network of 78 independent agencies in 50 countries.

NEW YORK — Rubenstein Public Relations has reopened its midtown Manhattan headquarters following a three month hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to  New York City’s Phase 3 reopening, which went into effect July 6th, the Rubenstein Public Relations management team reorganized the company’s office space to be in full compliance with all federal, state and local mandates, including social distancing, PPE, sanitation, as well as CDC, NYS and OSHA guidelines. 

NEW YORK — Omnicom University dean Karen van Bergen and former Kantar CEO Eric Salama have joined Morning Consult’s board of directors. The two business leaders joined the board following the data intelligence company’s May Series A funding.