Welcome to our February newsletter. As you’re reading this, we’re stepping into day one of IFEX – a three-day industry event that we love. IFEX is a long-standing client, and this year marks my tenth IFEX. Considering it only happens every two years, I’ve been working on this event for almost two decades…. ouch (how did that happen!).
IFEX, expertly delivered by the team at 365 Events, brings together the very best young talent in hospitality and foodservice alongside with some of the biggest names in the business, and finest food producers. The Salon Culinaire competitions are always a highlight, and they’re supported by hundreds of exhibitors showcasing new products, meeting new contacts, and setting themselves up for a strong year ahead.
Our brief for IFEX is a wide one - just how we like it. It includes:
• Trade press and media relations
• Creation of the show catalogue – a 32 pager!
• Event content development, including sourcing chefs, briefing speakers and working with trade associations
• Organisation of official delegations including liaison with the Ministers’ offices and coordinating ministerial visits
• Press features, videography, photography, and all show related media over the next three days
It’s a big piece of work and one we genuinely look forward to. The next three-days are action packed and it’s all hands-on-deck as we become extended members of the 365 team, helping to deliver what we hope will be the best IFEX yet!
This month, we said goodbye to a client we’ve worked with for ten years - the brand manager of a major global brand. Whilst delighted for her, we are so sorry to see her go. Her departure made me pause…Why? Quite simply because - let’s call her DOB – was a brilliant client.
What made DOB so great…
That trust brought out the best in us. We always want to do a brilliant job for every client, but with DOB, the whole team felt that extra spark of motivation to do a great job for her personally. DOB is a reminder of how to get the very best from your agency: partnership, clarity, and trust.
I’ve long been a champion of ensuring PR professionals get a seat at the boardroom table. Why? PR isn’t about news releases, it takes valuable communications working alongside senior leaders in a business, to move the dial on business goals.
Heard the saying ‘reputation is everything?’ - well, that says it all. PR isnt for when the s*^t hits the fan – your organisation’s reputation is critical – and that’s why your strategic comms plan should be a priority for everyone at the top of a business. Having worked in senior comms for over 15 years – Astrid makes the argument for PR’s place in the board room here with her latest blog: https://rnncommunications.com/blog/from-press-office-to-boardroom-why-pr-needs-a-seat-at-the-table-and-what-happens-when-it-doesnt/
In contrast to senior comms, we encouraged our Apprentice PR Executive, Brianna, to tell us about her journey to mark National Apprenticeship Week. From Contouring to Campaigns, Brianna’s blog post talks honestly about her route into agency life - https://rnncommunications.com/blog/from-contouring-to-campaigns-my-unexpected-journey-into-digital-marketing/
I’m pretty open-minded but for too long, the PR world has been a closed shop for only those with degrees - often in PR, Marketing, English or Law. Our world isnt linear and neither should the routes be into PR and Communications. Mentoring and championing Brianna’s learning is a real privilege, and all of the team here make it a priority to give Brianna as much experience as possible as she develops her skills.
Next month, Astrid and I are delivering a complimentary workshop focused on navigating funding requirements for charities and social enterprises, particularly around Peace Plus funding, which comes with quite stringent communications obligations.
Many charities and social enterprises have just one comms person, if any. Our aim is to simplify the requirements, break them into manageable chunks, and give practical, actionable advice. More details will be announced on RNN’s LinkedIn channel and please do get in touch if you know of someone who would benefit from attending.
Fetch Ireland, our sister company and influencer app, has been quietly ticking along in the background over the past four years, but as I’ve been reviewing our services, it’s time for a focus on fetch 2.0.
If you’re not familiar, Fetch Ireland connects brands with micro influencers. Our community is 500-strong – one of the largest in Ireland by far - and we get fetch enquiries from brands every week.
For brands, Fetch Ireland offers a beautifully simplistic service. All we need is for a brand to complete a brief and send us the products - we do the rest.
For our fetch clients we:
Despite minimal promotion, our SEO work from years ago continues to deliver. In the past month alone, we’ve had 10–15 enquiries and already have ten campaigns lined up in the months ahead.
Fetch isn’t a magic wand, it won’t double your sales overnight, but as part of a broader marketing strategy, it’s a smart, cost-effective tactic that delivers real value. If you’d like to know more, we’re here to chat.
Another month gone in the blink of an eye. As we move into March, I think we’re all ready for brighter days and blue skies. There’s a real sense of optimism in the air, business is good, but as everyone knows, you’ve got to keep your foot on the pedal.
So off I go. The hustle continues.
Over and out!
Riki
