💌 From Brandi’s Desk

Hey there,

Welp… it’s official — all the Texas teams are out of the NBA Playoffs, and I’m still emotionally recovering. 🥲 No Spurs miracle run, no Mavs magic, no Rockets redemption arc. Just vibes and reruns at this point. BUT — if your group chat is anything like mine, the playoff debates are still hot and hilarious. (IYKYK.)

Speaking of hot... did y’all catch Met Gala Monday a few weeks ago? The 2025 theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,”was a masterclass in Black dandyism and tailored excellence. Zendaya turned heads in a custom white Louis Vuitton suit by Pharrell Williams, channeling Bianca Jagger's 1971 wedding look . Lupita Nyong'o brought ethereal glam in an all-aquamarine Chanel ensemble, complete with a matching chiffon cape and hat. And the legendary Diana Ross made a stunning return in a Ugo Mozie gown with an 18-foot train embroidered with the names of her children and grandchildren . Fashion was fashioning, and we were here for every moment.

Meanwhile, the PR world didn't pause. From brand pivots to campaign chaos, we've got the latest scoops and lessons to keep you in the know.

Let’s dive in! 💼🔥

Cheering you on always,
Brandi ✨
CEO | Media Wrangler | Hype Queen of Headlines

🔥 This Week in PR, Comms & Culture

Here’s what went down while you were building empires:

📣 PR Power Moves & Industry Buzz

• PRNEWS Platinum Awards Deadline Hits: The initial entry deadline for the 2025 PRNEWS Platinum Awards closed on May 9. Late entries are accepted until May 30, so there's still time to showcase your standout campaigns.PRNEWS+1PRNEWS+1

• PRWeek Global Awards Shortlist Announced: The PRWeek Global Awards revealed their 2025 shortlist, with the ceremony set to take place in London on May 15. PRWeek

🎤 Pop Culture & Celebrity Sightings

• Timothée & Kylie Courtside: Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were spotted courtside at a Knicks playoff game, fueling both romance rumors and brand buzz. People.com

• Mother's Day Moments: Victoria Monét and Sophia Bush attended a Mother's Day charity event in L.A., while Mariska Hargitay and Ben Stiller were seen at Madison Square Garden. People.com

🎶 Music Industry Highlights

• Benson Boone's Tour Sells Out: Benson Boone's 29-date "American Heart" tour sold out in just nine seconds, demonstrating the power of fan engagement. Page Six

• Post Malone's Immersive Experience: Post Malone launched his "Travelin’ Tailgate" pre-show experience, adding a new dimension to his worldwide stadium tour. Page Six

🌍 Global Cultural Moments

• First American Pope Elected: Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, held his inaugural Mass, marking a significant moment for the Catholic Church.

📚 What We’re Reading

Because smart PR people are always in the know:

🔁 HBO is in its “rebrand era” — again.
After yet another name shuffle, HBO pokes fun at itself for its identity crisis. A solid reminder that brand equity is more than just logos and names.
👉 Read the full story on PR Daily

🛒 Target’s CEO is on an apology tour.
With morale slipping and public trust in flux, Brian Cornell is trying to steady the retail ship post-controversy. Internal comms pros — take notes.
👉 Catch the full recap via Ragan

🤖 Trust fall? Consumers are side-eyeing media — and AI.
New research shows that public trust in media and generative AI tools is not giving what it used to. Time for brands to double down on authenticity and transparency.
👉 Dive into the PRmoment breakdown

💬 Got a campaign win, viral moment, or client feature you want us to share? Reply to this email and let’s amplify it!

Free Speaker Opportunity

🎤 Calling All Mic-Droppers!

Think you’ve got the insight, strategy, or story that can shake up the industry? The 2025 NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange is officially on the hunt for dynamic speakers (yes, you!) to hit the stage. From mainstage moments to podcast appearances, this is your shot to shine among business leaders, creatives, and change-makers tackling the new norms of our fast-shifting world.

🗓️ Submit your session idea by June 6, 2025 and get ready to bring the heat to one of the most impactful biz events of the year.

💡 Apply here: nmsdcconference.com 

Making It Make Sense (For Real) w/ Gresham Harkless

This week, we chopped it up with entrepreneur and content strategist Gresham Harkless about building brand authority in niche markets. We’re talking SEO, storytelling, and not sounding like a robot while doing it.
[Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your audio fix.

🗓️ Calendar of Events to Watch

• May 21–23: PR Daily Conference (Washington, D.C.)

• May 20: TikTok World 2025 – Global marketing trends & ad products

• May 29: Ragan Webinar – Ditch the Legacy Platform: It’s Time for Future-Ready Comms (Virtual)

• May 27: PR Power Hour 

• May 29: PR Story Accelerator

Tools We Love (& Recommend)

Ready to take control of your brand’s PR strategy in 2025? Our PR Plan Bundle gives you a step-by-step framework to develop an effective, efficient PR plan tailored to your business. From crafting a compelling media strategy to pitching like a pro, this bundle includes everything you need—plus a bonus workbook and PR tips sheet to keep you on track! Whether you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, this is your go-to guide for PR success.

Before You Go 🚀

Forward this to a PR bestie who needs a reminder that May is for making moves — not just margaritas. (But hey, both can coexist.) ✌🏾