Chicago PR Agency Owner and North American IPRN Chair Michelle Mekky Shares Key Takeaways from Global Forecast
CHICAGO – A recent survey by the International Public Relations Network (IPRN) revealed significant growth opportunities for PR agencies in 2025, particularly in strategic communications and crisis management.
The IPRN survey, conducted among members across 22 countries, found that 69% of agencies anticipate growth in 2025, despite ongoing global uncertainties. Key growth areas identified are Strategic Communications & PR Consultancy, followed by Issues & Crisis Management. This optimism is driven by the increasing demand for expert communication strategies in a complex and rapidly evolving environment.
“This survey confirms what we’re already seeing: businesses–particularly in key sectors like finance, healthcare, technology and hospitality– are prioritizing strategic communication, especially in the face of economic uncertainty and rapid technological advancements,” said Michelle Mekky, Founder and CEO of Mekky Media and Chair of IPRN’s North American region. “By focusing on strategic communication, crisis management and innovation, agencies can better serve their clients and contribute to the success of local businesses.”
Businesses and organizations have increasingly turned to PR agencies for guidance in navigating reputational challenges, from crisis response to digital brand management. At Mekky Media and other agency members in North America, this has meant a growing demand for services such as media training, executive visibility and brand storytelling.
As the world’s largest organization of independent PR agencies, IPRN comprises over 50 members spanning 100+ cities and 30+ countries worldwide, underscoring its global reach and significance in the industry.
“At Mekky Media, we’re committed to staying ahead of these trends and providing our clients with the communication strategies, innovative ideas and crisis counsel they need to succeed in this market,” Mekky added.
About Mekky Media Relations, Inc.
Mekky Media Relations, Inc. is a boutique public relations agency dedicated to delivering powerful publicity for a diverse roster of business and nonprofit clients in Chicago and beyond. Michelle Mekky, a veteran, award-winning broadcast journalist and PR executive, launched the agency in 2016, to provide clients with PR strategy, media relations, media training, event promotion, social media strategy and influencer outreach. To meet demand, the agency has added integrated digital and PR programs, personal branding and internal communications, and has increased its media training capabilities. The agency emphasizes personal attention and creative storytelling and has been widely recognized for its tremendous growth and success in its first eight years. In 2024, Mekky Media earned a Golden Trumpet Award and a PRSA Chicago Skyline Award for Hyde Park Summer Fest 2023. In 2022, the agency received the Publicity Club of Chicago Golden Trumpet Awards for client work for Adalina and Abt, as well as a Bronze Stevie Award for Media Relations PR Campaign of the Year for Abt. Honors in 2021 included Gold and Silver Stevie’s for PR Agency of the Year and PR Campaign of the Year, as well as Ragan’s Workplace Wellness Award. In addition, Michelle Mekky was named PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards 2023 Professional of the Year, Niles West High School’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni, a 2020 PR News Top Women in PR Honoree and a 2019 Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Entrepreneur, and she won the 2023 Daily Herald Entrepreneurial Excellence Award along with a 2018 Bronze Stevie Award for Women in Business, in the Entrepreneur of the Year category. Mekky Media is a member of the Forbes Agency Council, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and International PR Network (IPRN). Based in Chicago, the agency has a team of nearly 20 PR professionals who come from top firms and leading media outlets. To learn more, visit www.MekkyMedia.com.