Mar 19, 2024, New York  —   The PR Net, the premier global network for marketing and communications professionals, hosted its second annual ‘Next Gen Awards’ gala at Bar Blondeau, the Wythe Hotel’s stunning rooftop venue. The event celebrated agency excellence and recognized the next generation of communications and marketing firms that foster a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and creativity. 

The PR Net hosted its second annual ‘Next Generation Awards’ gala at the Wythe Hotel’s Bar Blondeau. The event gathered the industry’s talented marketing and communications agencies worldwide, fostering an incredible culture of innovation, creativity, and inclusivity among today’s brightest minds. 

The Next Gen Awards champion agencies that have been in business for at least eight years, as the program aims to highlight newer companies in the industry. The submissions were assessed by a committee of highly esteemed industry leaders who reviewed entries against innovation, creative thinking, business acumen, and growth criteria. The location offered guests remarkable views of the New York City skyline, enhancing the ambiance of the evening.

Among its prestigious candidates, Great Social Club PR and Productions, helmed by Natalie Steger, was named as one of its honorees for its innovative approach to tackling traditional PR techniques with a touch of flair and modernity. Since its inception in 2020, Steger has been changing the landscape of the industry by creating a nurturing environment for clients and fellow creatives, coining the term “holistic public relations.

”Great Social Club feels there is a value and need for them as an agency to work with the client or brand by understanding the whole picture, business, or person in all aspects to see where they or the company is physically, spiritually, and emotionally. My strategic approach is not just placement or having media eyes on the client, but it is more intentional in terms of strategy for long-term goals, meaningful success that matters, that brings pride and joy, and most importantly, purpose to their lives. I also lead with my intuition, it is something I have always gone by, and it always brought me purpose and success”  – Natalie Steger

Steger and her team recently launched an in-house publication called ELETOM, a lifestyle and art magazine built around thought-provoking narratives. In addition, the firm recently landed several new clients in various realms, such as top model and wellness coach Severine Keimig, who is signed with Elite Models, the up-and-coming creative agency Made In Soho by Stephanie Pekic, and The Last Resort, a new bar in the highly desired East Village neighborhood of NYC.


Lisa Kay Smith, founder of The PR Net, said, “We love to celebrate emerging talent in the marcomms field – there’s so much disruption and innovation going on, with these younger agencies ushering in new ways of operating, both on the client servicing side and their internal and external social impact. It’s exciting to see who makes the list each year and have our eyes on the future of the industry”.

Leaders from various agencies took in sweeping views from the extraordinary indoor-outdoor rooftop bar while Roman Chappelle DJ’ed. Guests enjoyed celebratory drinks, including the Haku Vodka Dry Martini from The House of Suntory, the Veracruz featuring La Gritona Tequila, and a selection of wines from Wölffer Estate Vineyard.