NCSolutions and Feintuch Communications Shine at PRSA-NY Awards for 'Sober Curious' Campaign
NCSolutions and Feintuch Communications Celebrate PRSA-NY Awards
NCSolutions, a leading player in consumer insights, in collaboration with the tech PR agency Feintuch Communications, has successfully garnered significant recognition at the Public Relations Society of America's New York Chapter (PRSA-NY) annual Big Apple Awards. The duo was awarded four prestigious honors for their innovative and impactful campaign focused on the escalating 'Sober Curious' movement sweeping the nation. This initiative, which has been operational since early 2023, culminated at the PRSA-NY gala, where they showcased their excellence in promoting conversations around sobriety and mindful drinking.
The campaign, titled 'From Cocktails to Mocktails How NCS Drove the Sober Curious Conversation,' not only illuminated a shift in consumer behavior but also led to remarkable business results for NCSolutions. Recognizing the importance of connecting effectively with audiences, NCSolutions has leveraged insights to help consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brands engage meaningfully with their customers.
According to Deirdre McFarland, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at NCSolutions, the campaign is a perfect reflection of their in-house team’s capabilities. She stated, "The Sober Curious campaign is a testament to how the NCS in-house team operates — grounded in insights, elevated by creativity and always tied to results." The successful outcome of the campaign underscores a broader marketing philosophy embraced by NCSolutions, one that transcends the campaign itself.
During the award eligibility period from January 2024 to February 2025, the Sober Curious initiative recorded unparalleled success across various platforms. It achieved over 500 articles in renowned outlets, including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and The New York Times, leading to a staggering total of more than 6.3 billion media impressions. Impressively, overall press impressions surged by 1,426% compared to previous metrics.
Additionally, the initiative substantially boosted NCSolutions’ online presence. The campaign's emphasis on digital strategies led to a 14% increase in website domain authority, with an influx of high-quality backlinks driving traffic. Notably, over 17,000 unique visitors were recorded, with a total of more than 20,000 website sessions.
The positive ripple effects extend to NCSolutions’ clientele as well, as the insights leveraged during the campaign have been integrated into the marketing strategies of CPG brands, amplifying NCSolutions' perceived authority within the industry.
Henry Feintuch, president of Feintuch Communications, reflectively shared, "Our six-year partnership with NCSolutions has resulted in several high-profile and award-winning campaigns. This year alone, the Sober Curious campaign received recognition from PRSA National in the form of a Bronze Anvil as well as honors at the Shorty Awards." This partnership's synergy, showcasing effective collaboration among the core team and various contributors, has been pivotal to the campaign's success.
The creative efforts of various agencies bolstered the campaign's reach and efficacy. Digital Third Coast implemented a strategic SEO plan that enhanced discoverability, while Version A provided compelling writing that vividly brought the campaign narrative to life. Researchscape provided essential consumer insights through tailored survey research, grounding the campaign in relevant data. Moreover, Bob Buchanan Design contributed visually captivating designs that enhanced engagement across platforms.
Conclusion
As a well-respected entity in public relations, the PRSA-NY's Big Apple Awards have been recognizing excellence in the field since 1988. The accolades serve to affirm not just the high caliber of work produced but also the innovative spirit that characterizes the public relations industry today. For PRSA-NY, an award of this nature is considered one of the highest honors within the public relations profession. Through campaigns like the Sober Curious initiative, NCSolutions and Feintuch Communications illustrate the power of dedicated marketing strategies and the enduring impact of thoughtful consumer engagement.
As the conversation around mindful drinking continues to evolve, the success of the Sober Curious movement exemplifies a growing trend towards health-conscious consumer choices, a domain where NCSolutions will likely continue to assert its influence.