I had the honor of representing Mekky Media at the recent International Public Relations Network (IPRN) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Porto, Portugal. There, I had the incredible opportunity to join over 50 members from 30 leading agencies around the world to mark a major milestone: IPRN’s 30th anniversary. It was an unforgettable four days of learning, sharing and celebration set against the stunning backdrop of a city known for its history, innovation and international spirit. This year’s AGM was personally meaningful, as I was elected to serve on the IPRN Executive Board, joining an exceptional group of agency leaders from around the world. I’m thrilled to have this leadership role and help shape the vision of the organization going forward.
The event kicked off with a welcome reception and strategic planning sessions. This was followed by robust discussions on organizational growth, recruitment and future meetings scheduled for Rome in 2026 and Tokyo in 2027. A major highlight was the day of case study presentations. I was proud to present Mekky Media’s campaign for Giordano’s, showcasing our national media successes. This included a mouthwatering video featuring our client’s legendary deep dish pizza and an amazing TODAY Show placement we landed during the Democratic National Convention here in Chicago last year. For many attendees, this was their first taste (visually) of Giordano’s – and generally deep dish pizza – and I loved seeing their reactions. It was a proud moment for our team to demonstrate the level of creativity, culture tapping, strategy and results we deliver.
On the final day, we heard eye-opening keynote speakers at the Porto Business School. The presentations focused on geopolitics and international relations, addressing the ripple effects of shifting global leadership, especially the implications of the U.S. political landscape. Another keynote delved into the impact of AI on our industry. These dynamic conversations truly sparked thought about the evolving future of PR. We also celebrated powerful campaigns from other agencies across North America, Asia, Europe, South Africa and Latin America. A standout moment was watching the winning campaign from Puerto Rico: “Pancakes Against Breast Cancer,” a powerful awareness initiative recognized as IPRN’s Best Campaign of the Year. It served as a reminder of PR’s power for good.
Beyond the professional programming, the conference also fostered deeper connections. From a private wine experience overlooking the Douro River and a formal reception hosted by the Mayor of Porto to a gala dinner in Foz do Douro, the event celebrated the spirit of global partnership and cultural exchange.
As Mekky Media celebrates nine years in business, this experience gave me space to reflect on where we’re headed and how we can keep innovating for our clients. I returned home invigorated by the people I spent time with and case studies I saw, with stronger bonds forged with our North American IPRN partners, and a clearer path ahead for our agency. I am also deeply honored to be named the Regional Chair of North America, tasked with leading the collaboration of our partners in North America and also encouraging growth for the organization. These global gatherings inspire me not just as a CEO, but as a storyteller, collaborator and changemaker. I’m more committed than ever to ensuring Mekky Media continues to deliver bold, impactful work that reflects our capabilities and forward-looking vision.