Duffy & Shanley Celebrates Major Victory at 2025 PRNEWS Platinum Awards

On October 8, the PR and communications realm witnessed a glitzy celebration at the 2025 PRNEWS Platinum Awards Gala in New York City. This prestigious event, held at Pier Sixty, saw over 400 industry leaders uniting under the bright skyline to commemorate the most innovative campaigns, distinguished agencies, and pioneering professionals in public relations. Among the shining stars that evening was Duffy & Shanley, New England’s leading integrated public relations and communications agency. They were awarded first place in the U.S. Consumer Product Launch category for their exceptional work in bringing the Australian brand Bonds to the U.S. market.

The PRNEWS Platinum Awards, revered for over two decades, recognize the pinnacle of creativity and strategic brilliance across the communications spectrum. The gala was not just a celebration of awards but highlighted work that defined excellence in storytelling and measurable impact. As the Platinum Award winners were revealed live on stage, the event also honored notable figures like People of the Year and the Agency Elite Top 120, showcasing the best in brand storytelling and strategic innovation.

Duffy & Shanley was recognized for their strategic public relations efforts that made the launch of Bonds a memorable success. Bonds, owned by HanesBrands, is a beloved Australian basics label known for its chic and cheeky approach to fashion. When launching in the U.S., the campaign gained substantial traction, even being described by Dylan Dreyer of NBC’s Today Show as having “broken the internet.”

In a stroke of brilliance, Duffy & Shanley's campaign featured Robert Irwin, son of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, attracting attention from New York City’s vibrant Australian expat community and the wider audience across the country. The campaign managed to generate an outstanding 22.5 billion media impressions, alongside 58 million organic social media impressions, showcasing the potency of strategic public relations and innovative marketing solutions that Duffy & Shanley offered.

Annette Maggiacomo, President of Duffy & Shanley, expressed immense pride in her team's achievements. "Winning the top award for the consumer product launch at this industry's hallmark event is a tremendous honor for our team. This launch incorporated a diverse range of strategic PR tactics, including media relations, influencer engagement, social media initiatives, and event planning. Seeing it all meld into a resounding success, culminating in this award, is a testament to our agency's unwavering commitment to excellence in collaboration with our clients," she remarked.

As the evening unfolded, Kaylee Hultgren, Content Director at PRNEWS, emphasized the significance of the Platinum Awards. “These awards shine a spotlight on the ideas, teams, and individuals shaping the future of communications,” she stated. The winners exemplified the creativity and strategic principles driving the industry forward, making the evening a true celebration of public relations' power to inspire and impact.

The gala featured an engaging red-carpet networking reception, a seated dinner, the awards presentation, and a vibrant Platinum After Party. Guests included representatives from leading brands, agencies, and nonprofits, reflecting the diverse and rich landscape of the public relations industry.

Duffy & Shanley, headquartered in Providence, R.I., is recognized as one of New England's largest independently-owned communication firms. They are known for crafting innovative campaigns for a range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies and leading brands such as BJ's Wholesale Club, College Ave, Dunkin', and Ørsted. For more information on their award-winning work, visit duffyshanley.com.

The PRNEWS Platinum Awards, hosted as a beacon of recognition in the communications industry, not only celebrate achievements but also motivate professionals to push the boundaries of creativity and strategy, ensuring that the craft of public relations continues to thrive.