Posts

ICCO reveals it represents 2,500 PR firms at Global Summit 2015

/in

The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) announced at its Global Summit 2015 this morning that it now represents over 2,500 PR firms and 175,000 PR professionals.

Speaking at the Summit in Milan, ICCO Chief Executive Francis Ingham said: “ICCO is utterly thrilled to be bringing the cream of world PR to the iconic city of Milan.

“We are looking forward to two days of debate in stunning surroundings. The Summit is designed by PR agency leaders, for PR agency leaders, with the sole purpose of advancing the industry through education, networking and collaboration.”

In total, ICCO represents over 175,000 individual PR professionals, working in over 2,500 PR firms and three networks, across 32 countries.

Following the ICCO Board’s decision to open up to direct membership, the UK offices of H+K Strategies, Golin, JIN, MWWPR, Grayling, Sermo Network, thenetworkone, and the GlobalCom PR Network have all directly joined the organisation.

The ICCO Global Summit is being held on the 8th and 9th October at 5* Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan. The theme is ‘Food for Thought’, providing a debate around how consultancies and communicators can survive and thrive in a changing world. The Summit coincides with the Milan Expo.

Ingham spoke on the first day of the ICCO Global Summit, and will be followed by speakers that include Fred Cook, CEO, Golin; Colin Byrne, CEO, UK and EMEA, Weber Shandwick; and David Rockland, Partner and CEO, Ketchum Global Research & Analytics, presenting on the Barcelona Principles 2.0.

The ICCO Global Summit is sponsored by ePress Pack, Augure, Autogrill, Prysmian Group, Ketchum, AMEC, PROI Worldwide, Tint, The Holmes Report, PRWeek, and Question & Retain.

Boilerplate

The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) is the voice of public relations consultancies around the world. The ICCO membership comprises national trade associations in 32 countries across the globe in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australasia. Collectively, these associations represent over 2,500 PR firms. Contact Binta Kristin Hammerich, ICCO General Manager binta.hammerich@iccopr.com

– See more at: http://news.iccopr.com/icco-reveals-it-represents-2500-pr-firms-at-global-summit-2015/#sthash.mQ3kdLTv.dpuf

ICCO announces latest member: Canadian Council of Public Relations Firms

/in

The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) announced at its Global Summit that the Canadian Council of Public Relations Firms (CCPRF) has joined its growing membership.

Speaking at the ICCO Summit in Milan, ICCO Chief Executive Francis Ingham announced that the CCPRF has joined the Organisation, bringing its association membership to 32.

Comprising the senior leadership of Canada’s public relations industry, the goal of the CCPRF is to promote the high value, professionalism and development of public relations consulting and provide leadership in areas that influence industry growth and performance.

Following the CCPRF’s inclusion, ICCO now represents 32 national PR associations, collectively representing over 2,500 agencies around the world.

David Gordon, Chair, Canadian Council of Public Relations Firms, said: “It is a pleasure to be joining this global network of PR consultancy associations, and look forward to sharing knowledge and best practice with our peers from around the world.”

Speaking in Milan, Francis Ingham said: “I am very pleased to welcome the CCPRF, a hugely important association on the world PR stage. As ICCO grows, so does its relevance and vibrancy, and its ability to represent the global PR community with a single unified communications voice.”

About ICCO
The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) is the voice of public relations consultancies around the world. The ICCO membership comprises national trade associations in 32 countries across the globe in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australasia. Collectively, these associations represent over 2,500 PR firms. Contact Binta Kristin Hammerich, ICCO General Manager binta.hammerich@iccopr.com

– See more at: http://news.iccopr.com/icco-announces-latest-member-canadian-council-of-public-relations-firms/#sthash.xrzhSx2a.dpuf

AMEC, ICCO and PRCA launch new version of guide to PR measurement

/in

AMEC, the International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication, the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), and the PRCA,  the UK Public Relations Consultants Association, have today launched a new version of their web-based guide to public relations measurement.

The new-look guide, entitled ‘The PR Professionals Guide to Measurement’ was launched today at the ICCO Summit in Milan.

The simple, easy to use and navigate guide is available online at http://prguidetomeasurement.org/, which can be easily accessed on all platforms, including PC, tablet and smartphone.

Eight of the original 12 chapters have been replaced or refreshed by AMEC, ICCO and PRCA members, featuring case studies and best practice on PR measurement, top tips and latest thinking.

The guide’s authors include brand leaders, senior PR experts, and measurement experts such as ICCO President and Ketchum Europe CEO David Gallagher; Carma CEO Mazen Nahawi; Michael Frohlich, UK CEO / EAME COO, Ogilvy Public Relations and Ketchum Partner and CEO of Ketchum Global Research & Analytics, David Rockland.

Jeremy Thompson, Managing Director, Cision EMEA and Chairman of AMEC, said: “We are delighted to again partner with ICCO and PRCA in this comprehensive update of the PR Professionals Guide to Measurement.

“We know we are making real progress in educating PR professionals of the business benefits of using measurement. The new Guide is an important part of that work.”

PRCA Director General and ICCO Chief Executive Francis Ingham MPRCA said: “I am very happy to be launching this, the second edition of the PR guide to measurement. Coming soon after the launch of the Barcelona Principles 2.0, this guide places ICCO, the PRCA and our members alongside AMEC as key players in the effort to improve standards in evaluation across the PR industry.

Earlier this morning, ICCO launched the World PR Report in conjunction with The Holmes Report. The research that surveyed nearly 500 PR agency principals found the gap between the Americas and Europe narrowing. Last year, North American agencies were considerably more optimistic than those in Western Europe (8.46 compared to 7.28 on a scale of one to 10) but this year optimism levels were more similar (7.89 for North America, 7.44 for Western Europe).

Global optimism levels declined just a little from last year’s survey, with agency principals averaging a 7.62 when asked whether they were optimistic about the future of public relations in their market (compared to 7.69 last year and 7.50 in 2013) and a 7.52 (down from 7.6) when asked whether they expected profits to increase this year.

Notes to editors
The PR Professionals Guide to Measurement is available at http://prguidetomeasurement.org/.

About AMEC
AMEC, the International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication has grown to become a global trade body for agencies and practitioners who provide media evaluation and communication research. AMEC’s purpose is to define and develop the industry on an international scale with better professional standards for both companies and individuals. AMEC has a membership base in over 40 countries.

About ICCO
The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) is the voice of public relations consultancies around the world. The ICCO membership comprises national trade associations in 32 countries across the globe in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. Collectively, these associations represent some 2,500 PR firms.
www.iccopr.com

About the PRCA
Who we are: Founded in 1969, the PRCA is the largest PR association in Europe, representing 18,000 people in agencies, in-house communications teams, and individuals. The PRCA promotes all aspects of public relations and internal communications work, helping teams and individuals maximise the value they deliver to clients and organisations.

What we do: The Association exists to raise standards in PR and communications, providing members with industry data, facilitating the sharing of communications best practice and creating networking opportunities.

How we do it and make a difference: All PRCA members are bound by a professional charter and codes of conduct, and benefit from exceptional training. The Association also works for the greater benefit of the industry, sharing best practice and lobbying on the industry’s behalf e.g. fighting the NLA’s digital licence.

Who we represent: The PRCA represents many of the major consultancies in the UK, and currently has more than 350 agency members from around the world, including the majority of the top 150 UK consultancies. We also represent over 250 in-house communications teams from multinationals, UK charities and leading UK public sector organisations.
www.prca.org.uk

– See more at: http://news.iccopr.com/amec-icco-and-prca-launch-new-version-of-guide-to-pr-measurement/#sthash.eMkJBL7y.dpuf

Connecting PR Women Around The World #agencypublisher

/in

Written by: David Gallagher

dgPrint@TBoneGallagher

GLOBAL WOMEN IN PR To Launch At ICCO Summit In Milan

I have learned a few things about the PR business over the years: it’s global, it’s highly interconnected and it’s powered by women.

The global part has happened recently, with PR consultancy now thriving around the world and contributing significantly to business, government and civil society in economies just about everywhere.

The connectivity goes without saying; every industry event is a homecoming and a reminder of how small the PR world is.  We all owe our careers to a surprisingly small number of people, and as anyone who has ever attended a PR conference or awards dinner, it’s hard to be heard over the buzz (roar?) of memories shared and friendships re-established.

And the powered by women bit – that’s a sign of our collective strength and a reflection of work yet to do.  It’s no surprise that a service industry built on empathy, insight and, well, communicating, would be one in which women thrive.  But while many PR agencies are largely populated by females, the numbers in senior management positions remains disproportionately underrepresented.

The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) has enjoyed considerable success in recent years in all three areas – nurturing international expansion of the consultancy business, creating opportunities to network and collaborate and, now, playing a small role in helping PR women meet, mentor and shape the future of the industry.

A new organization – Global Women In PR (GWPR) – committed to furthering the industry by helping women meet, share, mentor and shape our future.  GWPR will launch at the ICCO Global PR Summit in Milan, Italy this week, and here’s the official announcement:

Milan, October 6th 2015 – A new international association, linking independent networking groups of senior women working in PR, is being launched at the forthcoming ICCO (International Communications Consultancy Organisation) Global Summit in Milan (October 8th – 9th).

Global Women in PR (GWPR) has been formed to act as an umbrella organisation to enable groups of senior PR women worldwide to come together to share ideas, contacts and experiences and to campaign on the major issues directly affecting women working in the PR industry today.

The development of GWPR is fully supported by ICCO and their President David Gallagher had this to say about the new initiative “women are the heart, soul and mind of PR consultancy all over the world, and we at ICCO are pleased to be associated with GWPR’s ambitious global plans.”

Following the recent success of Women in PR (WPR) in the UK and its resurgence as a significant and powerful networking organization; former Joint-Presidents Angela Oakes and Susan Hardwick felt that the time was right to encourage other countries to form their own WPR associations.

“The widely reported gender pay gap and the lack of women in the boardroom are two major issues which are not limited to the UK PR industry, but affect those working in PR worldwide. Coupled with what we believe to be an important vehicle for senior women to meet in a non-competitive environment, WPR also offers its members a chance to help shape the future of the industry and to act as mentors to the next generation. We want our successful networking blueprint in the UK to be rolled out globally and are taking the first steps to make this happen,” commented Angela and Susan.

The launch of GWPR is being supported by Business Wire (a Berkshire Hathaway company) and a major sponsor of WPR in the UK. “We are delighted to be supporting this important launch,” said Kim Deonanan Business Wire Regional VP, Northern & Central Europe.

————————————-

David is a senior partner and CEO for Ketchum in Europe, and outgoing president of ICCO.

What's Keeping PR Agency Bosses Awake At Night? #agencypublisher

/in

dgPrint@TBoneGallagher Last week’s annual summit of the International Communications Consultancy Organization (ICCO) drew PR agency heads from nearly 40 countries to discuss the opportunities and challenges in front of the industry. This meeting is particularly known for its candour; the fact there are no clients in attendance reduces the showboating we’re famously fond of, and the speakers (from independents and the big networks alike) are especially generous and open with their insights. The good news: PR consulting continues to grow worldwide.   This is partly from new markets joining the global pool.  Partly from new clients adding PR for the first time to their wider business consulting and marketing communications investment.  Partly from agencies adding new services to their proposition, particularly in digital and social media. And partly, I think, from clients shifting a (small) share of their large ad budgets to PR. The bad news: well, there’s not much bad news, but there are a number of challenges keeping agency chiefs from feeling complacent.  Specifics vary by market, but the main anxieties follow common themes. Here’s a quick look:

  • Talent:  How do we attract talent from ‘non-traditional’ backgrounds to manage the new services and technologies our evolvling propositions require? How do we keep, develop and inspire our established talent – especially ‘millennials’?  And how do we leverage our senior talent in a fast-changing market?
  • Business models: How do we move from hourly rates and retainers to value-based service propositions (payment for business results)?  How do we structure teams to include more flexible solutions?  How can we integrate with ad agencies and other consultancies to meet complex client problems, without giving the farm away?
  • Competition: How do we manage in an environment in which we compete with each other on some engagements, while working as partners on others?  Are ad agencies our friends (for leads), competitors (for budget) or somewhere in between – frenemies?  Are digital and social media agencies potential poachers? Or acquisition candidates?  And how many unseen / disruptive competitors are there beyond our line of sight, waiting to Uberize our industry with wholly new approaches?  Does “PR” have value with the client community as a description of our proposition? Or is it need of modernization?
  • Creativity:  Are we sufficiently creative compared to other disciplines and channels?  Is it something we can teach, or is it found in talent to hire?  Are awards good indications you have it? How do you measure it?
Obviously a lot of the discussion revolved around what’s changing in our business, and how to address these developments in ways that make sense for our people, clients and shareholders.  Some of it focused on where – with a strong delegation from Africa discussing the remarkable growth and opportunity for PR consultancy there. But maybe it was the theme of why PR advice is now more needed than ever that offered participants the greatest comfort.  Knowing that you play a role in connecting people – helping them understand each other and the world around them – can be a strong incentive to work through the operational challenges. I’ll share some of the solutions and experiments presented in future posts, but for now, it’s good to know that as diverse as our industry is, we’re all worried about similar things. See you in Istanbul for the ICCO Global Summit 2016!

What’s Keeping PR Agency Bosses Awake At Night? #agencypublisher

/in ,

Written by: David Gallagher

dgPrint@TBoneGallagher

Last week’s annual summit of the International Communications Consultancy Organization (ICCO) drew PR agency heads from nearly 40 countries to discuss the opportunities and challenges in front of the industry.

This meeting is particularly known for its candour; the fact there are no clients in attendance reduces the showboating we’re famously fond of, and the speakers (from independents and the big networks alike) are especially generous and open with their insights.

The good news: PR consulting continues to grow worldwide.   This is partly from new markets joining the global pool.  Partly from new clients adding PR for the first time to their wider business consulting and marketing communications investment.  Partly from agencies adding new services to their proposition, particularly in digital and social media. And partly, I think, from clients shifting a (small) share of their large ad budgets to PR.

The bad news: well, there’s not much bad news, but there are a number of challenges keeping agency chiefs from feeling complacent.  Specifics vary by market, but the main anxieties follow common themes.

Here’s a quick look:

  • Talent:  How do we attract talent from ‘non-traditional’ backgrounds to manage the new services and technologies our evolvling propositions require? How do we keep, develop and inspire our established talent – especially ‘millennials’?  And how do we leverage our senior talent in a fast-changing market?
  • Business models: How do we move from hourly rates and retainers to value-based service propositions (payment for business results)?  How do we structure teams to include more flexible solutions?  How can we integrate with ad agencies and other consultancies to meet complex client problems, without giving the farm away?
  • Competition: How do we manage in an environment in which we compete with each other on some engagements, while working as partners on others?  Are ad agencies our friends (for leads), competitors (for budget) or somewhere in between – frenemies?  Are digital and social media agencies potential poachers? Or acquisition candidates?  And how many unseen / disruptive competitors are there beyond our line of sight, waiting to Uberize our industry with wholly new approaches?  Does “PR” have value with the client community as a description of our proposition? Or is it need of modernization?
  • Creativity:  Are we sufficiently creative compared to other disciplines and channels?  Is it something we can teach, or is it found in talent to hire?  Are awards good indications you have it? How do you measure it?

Obviously a lot of the discussion revolved around what’s changing in our business, and how to address these developments in ways that make sense for our people, clients and shareholders.  Some of it focused on where – with a strong delegation from Africa discussing the remarkable growth and opportunity for PR consultancy there.

But maybe it was the theme of why PR advice is now more needed than ever that offered participants the greatest comfort.  Knowing that you play a role in connecting people – helping them understand each other and the world around them – can be a strong incentive to work through the operational challenges.

I’ll share some of the solutions and experiments presented in future posts, but for now, it’s good to know that as diverse as our industry is, we’re all worried about similar things.

See you in Istanbul for the ICCO Global Summit 2016!

ICCO Global Summit: Message from the President

/in

DG

 

Dear PR agency leader,

Running a successful PR consultancy is not getting any easier, is it?

Clients want more for less. Good people are hard to find and harder to keep. Competition is relentless, and from unexpected quarters.  And technology continues to disrupt business models for clients and agencies alike.

Which is why we are pleased to present the 2015 ICCO Global Summit, Food For Thought – A PR Perspective, in Milan, Italy, 8-9 October in conjunction with the Milan EXPO 2015. Unique among international conferences in our field, the ICCO Summit is designed by PR agency leaders, for PR agency leaders, with the sole purpose of advancing the world of PR consultancy through education, networking and collaboration.

Whether you run an independent agency you started yourself or have responsibility for part of a large global network, the ICCO Global Summit is the best opportunity on the calendar to exchange ideas, make new contacts and learn from your colleagues from around the rapidly changing nature of PR agency management.  We’ve arranged for top leaders to share their perspectives in an open forum, with a program designed for plenty of networking.  And of course, opportunities to enjoy the splendours of beautiful Milan, a global centre for business, fashion and design, and home of the extraordinary Milan EXPO 2015.

You’ll want to book early to avoid disappointment.

See you in Milan!

David Gallagher, Ketchum CEO & ICCO President

 

REGISTER HERE TODAY!

 

 

 

ICCO Global Summit 2015 – tickets now on sale!

/in

Welcome to the 2015 edition of the ICCO Global Summit, a unique event that brings together senior practitioners from public relations consultancies around the world to explore the issues and opportunities affecting our industry.

We are very excited to bring the Summit to Milan, a metropolis known for its global business, fashion and design. The general theme is “Food For Thought”, debating how consultancies and communicators can survive and thrive in a changing world. We aim to unite director-level and above to spark debate, share best practice and strengthen our community.

The Summit will be held in conjunction with the EXPO 2015, and should attract the best and brightest from the global PR community!

More information here: http://www.iccosummit.org/

David Gallagher,

ICCO President

David Gallagher