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Sanji Moore, SVP, people and operations, Praytell, says, “It took a pandemic, rapidly changing economy and a social movement to light a fire under us all to really ask ourselves what we want from our lives.” The pandemic, Moore says, was “a moment in time that hadn’t been presented before...staying at home gave us all a chance to pause and think.” Praytell responded when staff feedback indicated burnout during the pandemic. It implemented a 4-day work week. Yet additional steps are needed. “I think moving away from the 9-to-5 hustle culture is a helpful tool to manage stress and burn out, but it’s not a one-and-done trick,” says Moore. “It has got to be part of a larger system of change, one that comes with richer mental health management benefits, de-stigmatization of mental health in general, and more awareness.”

The 4A's (American Association of Advertising Agencies), a membership-based U.S. trade association for the advertising and marketing communications industry, announced changes to its National Board of Directors. The officers who have been selected by the Board's Nominating Committee include C-Suite leaders from member agencies of all sizes and disciplines, who have demonstrated their commitment to serving the best interests of the 4A's members across the marketing industry. Sharon Napier, Executive Chair and Founder of Partners + Napier, a Project Worldwide agency, has been named the new 4A's Board Chair, (a two-year term), a post previously held by Barry Wacksman, Chair and Co-Founder Proto, who remains on the Board as past Chair. Napier has been a Director since 2005 and for the past four years, has served as Co-Vice Chair of the Board and was previously Secretary-Treasurer.

Creative agency Spinifex will be highlighting artwork by various artists during Sydney's Vivid Festival, including the youngest artist ever to be featured at this event. The young creator, Luca French, is only 11 years old and his "Ninget" universe is set to be projected as part of the festival. Spinifex Group has been creating the video projections for the Sydney Opera House, Museum of Contemporary Art and Customs House for 11 years and this year’s winter lights, music and ideas festival will see animated elements of Luca’s universe projected onto the ASN Clocktower. Ninget Universe is one of 34 light installations and 12 light projections that will switch on as part of Vivid on Friday, May 27.

Smashburger is urging people to “Smash It” in everything they do. In a campaign from Partners + Napier, a woman in front of a really big screen calls out relatable moments in life when the path to least resistance may not be the best, such as wearing pajama pants to the grocery store. She also states that sharks deserve more than a week and bacon is a national treasure, while demanding people eat a better smashed burger, like the one from Smashburger.

Event and experience marketing agency George P. Johnson promoted Jorge Narvaez-Arango to its senior vice president, head of creative, EMEA. An award winning designer and creative director, Narvaez-Arango will set creative vision and delivery, consistently aiming to innovate past traditional marketing.

Praytell has been on a roll since Andy Pray founded the firm with two employees in 2013, thanks to the company’s ambition of driving meaningful impact on clients and consumers — without the high-stakes hustle and pressures that often come with doing so. The agency’s “no ego, no BS” mandate, and willingness to take chances, is increasingly drawing big-name clients, as well as the creative talent to support them.

Focus on the experience first and foremost. Scott Kellner, senior vice president of sales and marketing for global experience marketing agency GPJ, thinks many people are actually approaching hybrid events backwards. “They begin with the technology and craft their plans based on what that technology allows them to do,” he points out. “Instead, clients need to have a firm grasp of what success looks like—in terms of metrics, brand affinity, brand awareness, etc.—and then design the experience, including the technology, to achieve the goals. In other words, the platform is not the experience. The platform is one tool for delivering the desired experience.”

George P. Johnson (GPJ), the world’s leading event and experience marketing agency, announced that it has acquired the German-based boutique design and experience design studio The Sane Company. This latest acquisition shows the strength of GPJ’s commitment to the German and European markets while also doubling down on expansion and doing so with an emphasis on breakthrough creative and experience design.

LOS ANGELES — Praytell has hired Jamie Simpson to lead the agency’s travel practice, which includes overseeing work for Destination Canada. In her new role, Simpson (pictured) will be responsible for garnering new business and overseeing campaigns and initiatives for travel clients. She most recently served as VP, global communications for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, and held senior positions at MWW, M Booth and Zimmerman Agency before that.