Mekky Media Relations has been recognized as a 2024 PRSA Skyline Award winner for Best Earned Media Relations in Consumer Services for its outstanding work on Hyde Park Summer Fest. The PRSA Skyline Awards celebrate the top public relations campaigns and professionals in Chicago, showcasing excellence and innovation in the industry. This recognition highlights Mekky Media’s success in positioning the festival as a premier cultural event, earning both local and national attention. The awards ceremony took place on September 26, where Mekky Media stood out among leading agencies.
The 2023 Hyde Park Summer Fest featured headline acts such as Clipse, Vic Mensa, Lil Kim and Twista, as well as celebrations marking hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Mekky Media implemented a comprehensive media relations strategy, securing over seven billion impressions and 204 media placements in prominent outlets, including The Chicago Tribune, The Source and Ebony. The campaign’s success helped reshape perceptions of the southside, highlighting the festival as both a community celebration and a national attraction.
Through targeted media outreach, strategic influencer partnerships and extensive community engagement, Mekky Media drove significant awareness and media coverage, resulting in a sold-out event and widespread praise. The festival’s story was featured in 48 media outlets within the first month alone, followed by further coverage that spanned the entirety of the festival weekend.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award for a campaign that not only amplified Hyde Park Summer Fest, but also contributed to the conversation about Chicago’s culture,” said Michelle Mekky, founder and CEO of the agency. “Our team’s dedication to driving meaningful, positive media coverage for this event demonstrates the impact that earned media can have on both community engagement and national recognition.”
Mekky Media’s work on this project is a testament to the agency’s expertise in delivering results-driven campaigns that elevate client visibility and influence public perception.