The 2024 PRISM Awards marked an important milestone for Brand Influence, as our agency took home its first-ever Bronze Award at the prestigious event. Recognised for our role in introducing Prime Hydration Energy Drink to the South African market, this accolade for the launch of a new product highlights our innovative approach to influencer marketing and our unique storytelling methodology to drive authentic influence in the public relations landscape.
The PRISM Awards, hosted by the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), are the most significant recognition of excellence in public relations and communications in Southern Africa. The awards were held on 21 September 2024, celebrating outstanding PR campaigns under the theme of ink, a powerful metaphor for the art of storytelling, which lies at the heart of the profession. As Plato famously said, “Those who tell the stories, rule society”.
Brand Influence’s Prime Hydration campaign, #DrinkPrimeWithCheckers, in partnership with The Shoprite Group of Companies, stood out for its ability to not only introduce a new product but also create a strong cultural connection with South African audiences. Activating and connecting communities of conversation using 150 nano and micro-influencers who opted-in to the Prime project with Brand Influence, created unique and relatable storytelling, successfully positioned Prime Hydration as a must-have beverage for Gen Z consumers, and demonstrated the buying power delivered by social proof.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised at the PRISM Awards. This award is a testament to our dedication to creating authentic and impactful campaigns that celebrate the credibility of individual storytelling and the power of consumer-generated content when scaled with a community of influencers. The success of the Prime Hydration launch reflects our belief in the power of human-driven narratives and genuine stories to drive brand awareness, engagement, and growth,” says Lori Mauerberger Weiner, Founder & Managing Director Brand Influence.
The 2024 PRISM Awards featured 148 winners across a variety of categories, with the ultimate Campaign of the Year awarded to The Friday Street Club for their work on the GoSolr Light Paper. Other standout winners included PADDINGTON STATION INC. as Grand Prix Agency of the Year and Flow Communications (South Africa) as Best Large Agency. This award speaks to Brand Influence’s growing presence and reputation in the South African market. The agency delivers innovative PR strategies and builds bespoke audiences to connect brands to consumers who are already actively engaged with a higher propensity to convert – driving real-time sales uplift.
“With this Bronze Award, we celebrate our growing expertise and ability to move with the times. Gen Z has flipped the marketing funnel and we understand that it’s not the brands who shout the loudest that win. Today, brands must be brave enough to have conversations that place consumers at the centre of an unfolding social story. It’s the power of these stories that launch new products the most effectively,” concludes Lori. As the public relations industry evolves, Brand Influence is committed to pushing the boundaries of creative storytelling and engagement by giving this new generation of consumers a voice and a means to connect with brands meaningfully. Visit Brand Influence’s three omni-channel B2C platforms to see recruitment in action, Beauty Bulletin, Brand Advisor, and Service Insider.
Watch our video to learn more about our campaign for Prime
The Future of PR and the Role of Storytelling
The PRISM Awards also coincided with the inaugural PRISMS Summit, where industry leaders gathered to explore the future of public relations. Topics covered included the integration of artificial intelligence, responsible communication, and how the industry can tackle issues like climate change and greenwashing.
PRISA also used the event to unveil its rebrand, signalling a renewed commitment to innovation, leadership, and growth in the communications sector. Paul Reynell, Chief Judge of the PRISM Awards, noted, “The campaigns we saw were not just communications efforts but works of art, using the power of storytelling to drive change, engagement, and connection in the market. These award-winning campaigns blend creativity with strategic intent, reflecting how our industry continues to evolve and influence the world.”
For Brand Influence, this first PRISM Award is just the beginning. As we continue to work with brands across multiple sectors, and with the art of storytelling firmly at the heart of everything it does, the agency is well-positioned to further establish itself as a leader in the evolving world of PR and digital communications.
For more information about Brand Influence and to request a complimentary consultation and campaign strategy, email us at [email protected].
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For more information on the PRISM Awards, this year’s winners, and the PRISA rebrand, visit www.prisa.co.za.
