The agency earned top honors for bringing an Australian underwear brand stateside

Duffy & Shanley, a leading integrated communications agency, has been named a winner in the PRNEWS + Chief Marketer 2026 Experiential & Event PR Awards for its launch of Australian apparel brand Bonds in the U.S. The honor marks the second consecutive year PRNEWS has recognized the agency's work on Bonds, following a 2025 PRNEWS Platinum Award for best US Consumer Launch.

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Duffy & Shanley was honored by PRNEWS + Chief Marketer for the 2026 Experiential & Event PR Awards for its award-winning work on the Bonds U.S. launch, creating an innovative brand experience that drove engagement, storytelling and meaningful connections with consumers.

The award-winning activation transformed Bonds’ U.S. debut into an unforgettable experience, introducing a century-old Australian brand to new American audiences through a one-night-only event that brought the brand to life in an unquestionably Australian way.

While Bonds is deeply woven into Australian culture, it entered the U.S. market with virtually no brand awareness in a heavily saturated apparel market. Duffy & Shanley was tapped to deliver more than a launch event; the goal was to build genuine brand connection and establish cultural relevance from day one.

“Experiential PR gives the right audience the perfect feeling for the moment. It’s more than just an event, and when done well, it puts the brand at the center of a memorable experience,” said Annette Maggiacomo, President of Duffy & Shanley. “The Bonds launch was a perfect example of how strategic creativity, thoughtful execution and resourcefulness can turn a brand moment into a cultural conversation. I'm incredibly proud of our team and excited to have earned this recognition from PRNEWS.”

To celebrate Bonds’ launch in the U.S., the Duffy & Shanley PR team transformed New York City’s Old Mates Pub in Nolita’s unofficial “Little Australia” into an immersive Aussie takeover, bringing together media, influencers and tastemakers for a first look at Bonds’ irreverent spirit. Through Australian-inspired food, drinks, music and interactive brand experiences, the event introduced attendees to the iconic brand in a way that felt and unmistakably authentic to Bonds.

From Bonds “chestie”-clad bartenders and signature Australian cocktails and cuisine to live reptiles and a tattoo artist creating permanent launch-day memories, every detail was thoughtfully designed to spark organic sharing and extend the experience far beyond the room.

The PRNEWS + Chief Marketer Experiential & Event PR Awards celebrate the most innovative and impactful experiential campaigns, activations and events that drive engagement, storytelling and brand connection. This latest honor adds to Duffy & Shanley’s continued recognition for creating impactful brand experiences and delivering results-driven communications strategies for leading brands.

About Duffy & Shanley, Inc.

Based in Providence, R.I., Duffy & Shanley is one of New England's largest independently-owned communication firms. A uniquely integrated, full-service agency, Duffy & Shanley develops breakthrough campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and leading brands, including BJ's Wholesale Club, College Ave, Dunkin', Ørsted and Gildan. Visit duffyshanley.com, or Duffy & Shanley's Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more information.

About PRNEWS:

Chief Marketer Network’s PRNEWS is a leading source of business intelligence, recognition, and community for communications professionals. Through award programs, events, and editorial coverage, PRNEWS spotlights excellence, innovation, and leadership across the PR and communications industry.

About Chief Marketer Network:

The Chief Marketer Network (CMN) is a leading marketing intelligence hub connecting a global portfolio of nine specialized media brands that span the primary channels of media and marketing — from advertising technology to PR and communications. With an aggregate audience of over 1 million marketing professionals, CMN delivers curated insights, trend forecasting, and cross-disciplinary coverage that empower marketers to stay ahead of what’s next. Trusted by industry leaders, the Chief Marketer Network is the go-to resource for actionable intelligence across the evolving marketing landscape. CMN brands include AdExchanger, Event Marketer, Chief Marketer, PRNEWS, LeadsCon, AdMonsters, Cynopsis, and Cablefax.

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