The PR Net

Industry news: Melissa Crane-Baker has joined Journey as Chief Brand Officer, bringing her experience to the loyalty and rewards technology platform serving independently owned hotels. Founded in 2024, Journey combines a network-wide points program, direct-booking technology, curated travel experiences, and partner rewards. The platform currently includes more than 2,500 carefully chosen properties worldwide and over 200,000 members.

📸: Courtesy of Melissa Crane-Baker

We are pleased to announce that the 2026 Marcomms’ Most Influential celebration will be hosted at Casa Cruz New York, the Upper East Side destination from Santa Cruz Co. Housed in a beautifully restored townhouse, Casa Cruz features thoughtfully designed interiors, seasonal cuisine by acclaimed Chef John Fraser, and inviting spaces across its dining rooms, rooftop bar, and lounge. Returning for its fifth year, Marcomms’ Most Influential celebrates senior marketing and communications leaders who are making a lasting impact on the industry through their leadership, innovation, and work. We look forward to gathering with this year’s honorees in New York City.

📸: Courtesy of Casa Cruz

New York members: Explore the third New York edition of COLLECTIBLE, the international fair dedicated to contemporary collectible design, taking place November 6–8 at 210 East 86th Street on the Upper East Side.

This year’s edition features “Human Resources”, an exhibition curated by Alex Tieghi-Walker of ALEX TIEGHI-WALKER, and a Fashion Section curated by Lynette Nylander (lynette), Executive Digital Director of Harper’s Bazaar. PR Net members can enjoy 20% off general admission with code THEPRNET2026 at the link featured on our stories (https://collectible.design/)

YoungExecs is back next week! Join us Tuesday, November 10, at Deux Chats in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Our November 10 host committee is ready to welcome emerging marketing and communications professionals for an evening of cocktails and networking at the latest destination from Golden Age Hospitality, the team behind Le Dive and The Nines.

Secure your spot at the link in our bio and on our stories.

AI has moved beyond the novelty stage. The conversation is now about what works, what does not, and what comes next. We brought together industry leaders for a discussion on AI’s evolving role in marketing and communications, moderated by Andy Pray, Co-Founder & CEO of Wild Signal, with Nick Loui of PeakMetrics, Jessica Spar of HUNTER:, and Mariam Asmar of Higgsfield AI. From everydHiggsfield AIns and emerging tools to the rise of AI agents and the importance of human oversight, the conversation explored what these shifts mean for the industry. Read the rest at theprnet.com/journals

AI has moved beyond the novelty stage. The conversation is now about what works, what does not, and what comes next. We brought together industry leaders for a discussion on AI’s evolving role in marketing and communications, moderated by Andy Pray, Co-Founder & CEO of Wild Signal, with Nick Loui of PeakMetrics, Jessica Spar of HUNTER:, and Mariam Asmar of Higgsfield AI. From everyday applications and emerging tools to the rise of AI agents and the importance of human oversight, the conversation explored what these shifts mean for the industry. Read the rest at theprnet.com/journals

Venue report: Caviar Club has opened on Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard, introducing a new American steakhouse and late-night destination to the area. Designed by Garrett Singer Studio, the interiors blend Art Deco influences, rich velvet textures, and gold accents with a menu featuring dry-aged steaks, tableside Dover sole, caviar service, and an extensive Ch*****ne and w**e program. Open to the public, the restaurant transforms into a high-energy lounge nightly at 9 PM.

📸: Courtesy of Falsetto Hospitality Caviar Club

Sports marketing today is about more than sponsorships—it’s about cultural relevance, community, and creating moments fans actually connect with.

We hosted a conversation on the new rules of sports marketing with Paul Anastasiadis from , Leah Macko from , and Andre Gray from , exploring how brands are showing up around major moments like the FIFA World Cup in ways that feel authentic, socially fluent, and built for today’s fan culture. Swipe to see the key takeaways and read the full recap at https://theprnet.com/journals

As Memorial Day weekend ushers in another summer season out East, the Hamptons are welcoming a fresh wave of hotel debuts, restaurant openings, stylish retail pop-ups, and can’t-miss seasonal happenings. From new hospitality concepts to returning favorites and buzzy arrivals, at https://theprnet.com/journals read what’s new, noteworthy, and worth having on your radar for summer 2026.

Venue report: Solei Beach Club debuts this May in Miami at the recently renovated Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel on South Beach, introducing a new oceanfront beach club inspired by the chic ease of coastal Spain, reimagined through a Mediterranean lens and set across a sun-drenched, ocean-facing setting designed for long lunches, poolside lounging, and golden hour cocktails. Opening May 16, 2026 and open to the public, Solei blends plush seating, shaded palapas, and direct beach views with a shareable menu from Executive Chef Gastón Javier Sanchez spanning a raw bar, pintxos, and larger Mediterranean-meets-South Florida dishes like paella and tahini salmon, alongside a coastal cocktail program and reservable cabanas for group gatherings and celebrations, positioning the venue as a new social anchor for relaxed, elevated days on the water.