Two specialized agencies. A PR alliance.

Creative PR agencies Glasnost and Walkie Talkie strengthen their position in the Benelux market through a strategic partnership. After three years of collaboration between Belgium and the Netherlands for different brands in the technology and FMCG sectors, their experienced teams are stepping up their collaboration to meet the growing demand for integrated PR in the Benelux.

The demand for an integrated PR approach for Belgium and the Netherlands has grown steadily in recent years. Yet many brands still work with two separate agencies. This makes sense, as local cultural knowledge and a strong network remain the key to success. However, the integration and effectiveness of such an approach is often a challenge. The two agencies are now joining forces to provide effective, creative and impactful support to their existing client portfolio, as well as to new clients. They are thus creating an integrated PR approach in the Benelux for corporate PR and marketing. They are already doing this for brands such as Fruitz, Rituals and Magnum. “With this strategic partnership, we want to offer an alternative to the existing offer. If you’re currently a brand looking for a PR agency capable of making an impact in Belgium and the Netherlands, your choices are limited. Especially if you’re looking for an agency that understands how to stay connected with new generations. Now that our clients, for reasons of efficiency, are increasingly turning to a Benelux approach, it was time to strengthen our collaboration. With Walkie Talkie, we’ve found an equivalent partner with the same scope, experience and quality for serious impact“, says Henk Boersen, Managing Director of Glasnost, part of Ace.

Two agencies, one team

Efficiency and knowledge are central to the collaboration. Consider a joint team consisting of PR experts with a single point of contact (hub role) for the client. Another example is a composite team consisting of employees from both Glasnost and Walkie Talkie, who work together daily to achieve the best results for clients. To take earned-first campaigns to the next level, strategists and creatives will also call on each other in the concept development phase. 

“In the Belgian market, there is an increasing demand for an integrated PR approach for the Netherlands and Belgium. We want to offer our own appropriate answer to this demand and went looking for a complementary agency that can complement our network, has a strong local ‘feeling’ and yet applies the same creative vision to PR. In Glasnost we have found a like-minded person and we have been working together successfully for quite some time now,” says Andrew Vassallo, co-founder at Walkie Talkie.

Walkie Talkie welcomes Khadija Belbecir. With a degree in international business, a master’s in communication sciences and experience in the fashion and travel industry she will join our consumer PR team, working for clients as Spotify, SMEG and Fruitz.

“It quickly became clear that Khadija is the perfect fit at the perfect time, as 2024 promises to be a busy year,” said Maureen Richard, team lead at Walkie Talkie. In addition to her marketing expertise, Khadija brings with her a broad knowledge of the current media landscape. 

“With tons of enthusiasm and sleeves rolled up, I look forward to being part of a passionate team that is resolutely going for an earned first approach. Content worth sharing,” says Khadija. “Moreover, Walkie Talkie is not a classic agency; in addition to lifestyle experts, there are also corporate and influencer marketing specialists. No shortage of learning and growth opportunities. Allez-y!” 

The team also previously welcomed Maria-Sophia Cornelissen & Alicia Verlinden and their portfolio was updated. “In addition to our familiar client portfolio, we also welcome A076, RAY, Bel&Bo, Magnum, Amazon, Batibouw and Vakantiesalon, Lichtfestival Gent, Lotus Bakeries, FTI Flanders and Ghent European Youth Capital. Food, beauty, fashion, technology, culture and innovation under one roof? “Yes, in addition to our specialised consumer team, the corporate communication cell is also running at full speed,” says Valérie Bourgeois, co-founder of Walkie Talkie.

The world is moving at a rapid pace, but some things never change as Walkie Talkie bundled the most interesting PR takeaways and stats in a snackable format for you to digest again.

Why? For companies, staying on top of their game and remaining top of mind might be more crucial than ever. A tailor-made public relation approach is the best way to do so. Whether it comes to businesses wanting to discuss their initiatives or stances on artificial intelligence, sustainability and mental and physical health – or whether they like to attract or retain employees. And regardless of whether you are simply curious about how to have your company or organisation emerge on the scene, or sustain thought-leadership.

Hence, take a deep breath and read about how your company could and perhaps should be creating both content and context by surfing on the trends in the five domains below – like brands such as Alken-Maes, Rituals, Guylian, VLAM and Bio-Planet among others did in 2023:

• Artificial Intelligence: let common sense prevail regarding AI. Make your products or services that embed AI fit your company’s image and the European AI ACT.

• Media: social media and genuine influencers have become worthy skyscrapers in our Belgian media landscape.

• Sustainability: eeny, meeny, miny moe – some aspects have got to go. Like consumers do; pinpoint one or more sustainability topics instead of going all-out.

• (Mental) Health: people focus on individual endorphins – both physical and mental – amid an epic national sports year.

• Work/life: Gen Z(en) and unretired elderly meet in the phygital workplace, as companies try to turn their employees into brand ambassadors.

Read the full #whatsnow2024 report here! 

We are happy to welcome our newest client: FISA, the organisation behind the well-known Vakantiesalon and Batibouw events. We look forward to bringing our PR approach to life and showcasing to the world what these iconic fairs have to offer during their 2024 edition.

In February 2024, the doors of Brussels Expo will once again open for Vakantiesalon (1/2/2024 – 4/2/2024) and Batibouw (17/2/2024 – 25/2/2024). Both fairs have a rich history of 65 years and still continue to be relevant with a wide range of exhibitors, informative workshops, trend talks and a unique insight into the construction and tourism sector.

With our PR-approach we will aim for more than just maximum media attention. Our goal is to generate qualitative and inspiring articles and interviews as well. From groundbreaking innovations in construction to enticing travel destinations. We are committed to highlighting the remarkable aspects that make these events a must-attend for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Any PR related questions? Our FISA team is at your service.

New client alert! Flanders Technology & Innovation (FTI) chose Walkie Talkie as its PR partner for its highly anticipated ten day tech & innovation event. Taking place from March 15 to 24  2024 in six major Flemish cities (Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, Leuven, Kortrijk and Hasselt), it promises to be an event not to be missed! 

The six topics? Data economy, energy & clean tech, health & life & bio sciences, mobility of the future, arts & entertainment, living & learning & working in a digital environment. 

The goal? To put Flanders on the international map as an innovative region that enables tech & innovations in favor of civilians and society in general. There’s truly something for everyone: whether you’re a curious civilian, eager student or hands-on entrepreneur. Some events are even customized for minors: ideal for an educational and nearby family trip. 

Walkie Talkie will work closely with the centralized FTI team, as well as the six local partners: Wintercirus (Ghent), Supernova (Antwerp), Vrije Universiteit Brussel or VUB (Brussels), and& (Leuven), Hangar K (Kortrijk) and Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek or VITO (Hasselt). Stay tuned via FTI’s website, Instagram and LinkedIn page! 

Any questions, press-wise? Reach out to fti@talkie.be. 

That time of the year again!

Yesterday we attended the second edition of the Best of Reputation awards. Hosted by the Association of Communication Companies (ACC), the BORA’s aim to reward the best work in earned media & influencer relations.

The team on Combell proudly cashed bronze in the category Best Collab. We collaborated with Hannes “Ugly Belgian Houses” Coudenys in 2022 for a quirky tongue in cheek contest called Ugly Belgian Websites. We boosted Combell’s awareness by a hunt for thé ugliest Belgian website in order to provide them with a complete redesign and 10 years of free hosting. A match made in heaven that didn’t go unnoticed by the BORA judges.

For Loop our team seized perhaps the most important prize of them all: the press award for our CEO positioning and thought leadership efforts on the brand. From the start of 2022 onwards we’ve been positioning Dimitri O and Maarten Bodewes as the go-to experts when it comes to hearing protection.

As this prize is awarded by the key people in our field, the journalists themselves, we couldn’t be more proud.

The recurring theme in our victory speeches this year? We focus on earned first creativity. Our main goal is to make an impact without a media budget, via creative PR campaigns and influencer approaches. To make real stories that people want to hear and share.

Hats off to everyone at Walkie Talkie, and to all of our clients and partners, for these major accomplishments. We cannot wait to see what 2024 has in store for us and our clients!

Vinted gives clothing and accessories the second life they deserve. The Lithuanian company lets you sell and buy secondhand clothing in a few efficient clicks. This October Vinted announced the roll-out of product verification services for items priced at over 100 euros.

The service is available as an optional add-on for buyers of eligible items for a budget-friendly fee of 10 EUR (this includes the cost of the service and shipping to the verification centre). The items will be verified by Vinted’s dedicated team of verification experts that brings together over five decades of experience and accumulated knowledge about thousands of designer brands. The service is currently available in France, Italy, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands for selected brands and for items listed in adult fashion categories of bags, shoes, accessories, jewellery, and watches above 100 EUR.

Currently, about a hundred brands are  qualified for this service, including Bottega Veneta, Céline, Jacquemus, Adidas, and New Balance. Vinted plans to gradually expand its verification capabilities to more brands, markets, and categories.

“We understand that authenticity and trust are paramount in the world of online second-hand shopping and we believe this should be accessible to all. That’s why we’ve worked hard to provide our reliable verification service for designer pieces at an affordable price. Since Vinted was founded 15 years ago, our commitment has always been to make second-hand fashion the first choice for everyone and we see this new service being a significant step forward in our ambition to provide our community with the utmost confidence.” says Adam Jay, CEO of Vinted marketplace.

We’re thrilled to announce our latest and very stylish collaboration with Bel&Bo, as Walkie Talkie is stepping into the spotlight as the new PR agency for renowned Belgian family fashion brand.

All Things Fashion & Lifestyle

As part of this exciting partnership, we will take the reins of all PR relations for Bel&Bo. This includes managing the brand’s lifestyle and fashion updates for seasonal and capsule collections; but also diving deeper into their corporate communication needs, while exploring creative ways to keep the fashion buzz alive throughout the year.

A Family-Friendly Fashion Icon

Bel&Bo has long been synonymous with stylish and affordable fashion for the entire family. With a history spanning over three decades, this family-owned brand has earned its reputation as a go-to destination for those seeking fashionable, comfortable clothing.

Celebrating Style, Innovation, and Accessibility

Our partnership with Bel&Bo will be a celebration of style, innovation, and accessibility in the world of fashion. As they continue on their mission to make fashion not only stylish but also approachable for everyone.

We can’t wait to embark on this fashion-forward journey with all of you. Expect regular updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and a dash of Belgian charm. Or as Rhany Opalfvens puts it: “We can’t wait to take our PR approach to all media outlets and share this stylish adventure with Bel&Bo!“

In the meantime stay tuned for more fashionable news and updates from Walkie Talkie!

We’re thrilled to introduce two remarkable additions to the Walkie Talkie family, Maria-Sophia Cornelissen and Alicia Verlinden. These dynamic individuals are joining our consumer PR teams after completing a highly successful internship with our agency.

Meet the Familiar Faces

Maria-Sophia Cornelissen holds a master’s degree in communication sciences, while Alicia Verlinden has earned a master’s degree in multilingual communication. Their academic achievements are impressive, but what truly sets them apart is the dedication and passion for the world of public relations they manifested during their internships.

That’s right, if Maria-Sophia and Alicia’s names sound familiar, that’s because they’re not newcomers to Walkie Talkie. Both of them completed internships with us last spring/summer, leaving a lasting impression that led to their well-deserved extended stay.

Perfect Fit for Walkie Talkie

What’s even more exciting is that they perfectly embody the Walkie Talkie spirit. They share our vision, values, and commitment to excellence. Homegrown talents like these two are also the backbone of our agency.

And they are already making waves on some of our biggest accounts, including Kinepolis, Deliveroo, Grohe, FujiFilm, Storytel, Bel&Bo, and SmartGames. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are sure to benefit our clients and the entire Walkie Talkie team.

Or as co-founder Valerie Bourgeois puts it, “This duo has already proven with flying colors that they are indispensable team members.” We can’t wait to see Maria-Sophia and Alicia continue to shine and contribute to the continued success of Walkie Talkie.

Welcome to the team, Maria-Sophia and Alicia!

It’s been a minute.

Hard to believe that 10 years have passed since we started Walkie Talkie. A milestone that deserves to be celebrated.

This is not just about looking back. It’s mostly about looking forward to the many exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

So, let’s take a moment to celebrate our achievements, take pride in all that we have accomplished already as a team and thank everyone involved past and present.

Here’s to the Talkies and 10 more years of winning hearts & minds!