Maryam Banikarim Leads the 2024 Big Apple Awards into a Bold New Era

The Public Relations Society of America, New York Chapter (PRSA-NY), has announced that Maryam Banikarim, Managing Director of Fortune Live Media, will host the highly anticipated 2024 Big Apple Awards. With a career marked by transformative leadership, community building, and a purpose-driven approach, Banikarim is set to bring unparalleled energy and vision to the event.

The Big Apple Awards are one of the most prestigious recognitions in the public relations industry, celebrating excellence in communications across diverse sectors. Known for honoring groundbreaking campaigns, dynamic leaders, and industry innovators, this annual event has become a beacon for professionals who push the boundaries of communication. With Banikarim at the helm, the 2024 ceremony promises to be a standout in the award's storied history.

In her current role at Fortune Live Media, Banikarim leads the Most Powerful Women (MPW) and Brainstorm Tech franchises, where she engages global business leaders in critical discussions about the future of technology and leadership. Her experience spans over 25 years, including key executive roles at Nextdoor, Hyatt, Gannett, NBCUniversal, and Univision. Banikarim’s track record of driving change and building communities uniquely positions her to steer this prestigious event.

When asked about what she brings to the table as the event’s host, Banikarim stated, "I'm known for being a purpose-driven change agent and connector. I’ve always been about transforming organizations with a focus on purpose. It’s the same energy I’m bringing to the Big Apple Awards. The chance to celebrate and connect with the most innovative minds in communications is a privilege I’m deeply excited about."

Banikarim’s reputation as a community builder is well-known, particularly her work during the pandemic when she co-founded NYCNext, a nonprofit focused on revitalizing New York City. The organization’s Emmy-winning rendition of Billy Joel’s "New York State of Mind" and the launch of the "WE ❤️NYC" campaign exemplified her ability to bring people together in impactful ways. This commitment to community is mirrored in her role at Fortune, where she brings together top leaders for events like the MPW Summit and The Longest Table, a community potluck she helped initiate in New York City.

In an exclusive interview with CommPRO, Banikarim shared her insights on the future of communications. "As we look to 2025, the biggest innovation in communications will be the seamless integration of AI-powered tools with human creativity and emotional intelligence. It’s not about jumping on the latest tech bandwagon, it’s about using all the tools available to create deeper, more personalized connections with diverse audiences." Her vision for the industry underscores her ability to navigate both technological advancements and the timeless art of storytelling, a perfect fit for hosting an event dedicated to celebrating the best in communications.

This year’s event would not be possible without the generous support of the 2024 Big Apple Awards sponsors. PRSA-NY extends its gratitude to 360PR+, Burson, Coyne PR, HUNTER, PRophet (exclusive sponsor of the 15 Under 35 Awards), Edelman, Notified, The Art Stevens Group, Hill & Knowlton, and Media.com, who will be at the awards producing video interviews with each award winner. Their unwavering support has ensured that this year’s event will not only celebrate the best and brightest in the industry but also provide meaningful opportunities for connection and collaboration.

The 2024 Big Apple Awards will highlight campaigns that showcase not just innovation, but also a deep understanding of audience engagement and impact. With Banikarim leading the event, attendees can expect an inspiring celebration of the communicators who have not only adapted to a rapidly changing landscape but have also led the way in forging deeper connections.

"Being part of an event that honors this level of talent is incredibly exciting," Banikarim added. "The Big Apple Awards are about more than recognizing great work—they're about celebrating the people and ideas that push our industry forward. I can’t wait to be part of it."

With her extensive background, dynamic leadership, and unwavering dedication to community-building, Maryam Banikarim’s role as host ensures the 2024 Big Apple Awards will be a can’t-miss event.

CommPRO: What are you best known for? 

Banikarim: I'm known for being a purpose-driven change agent and connector. Over the years, I've become the go-to person for transforming organizations with a focus on purpose inspired by Jim Collins. As a marketer, I understand that reputation is shaped by others' perceptions. Recently, I’ve been introduced as "one of the crazy ones" - the kind of person who not only comes up with big ideas but actually rolls up their sleeves to make them happen.

My recent work for NYC, which began during the pandemic, has significantly contributed to this reputation. When people were writing off NYC as "dead," we jumped into action. We rallied over 600 New Yorkers to put on pop-up concerts, which we amplified through social and earned media. It was our way of showing the world that NYC's spirit was still very much alive.

We produced 14 pop ups including "A Moment for Broadway," and the Emmy-award winning video love letter to NYC, featuring Billy Joel's iconic "New York State of Mind." This all led to the WE ❤️NYC campaign, which got twice the impressions of a Super Bowl ad in just 24 hours.

These days I’m all about building community. At Fortune, I lead the Most Powerful Women summit and Brainstorm Tech, convening influential leaders to drive impactful conversations in business and technology. On a more grassroots level, I’m focused on The Longest Table, an open-to-all community potluck that originated in NYC and is now spreading to other parts of the country and world. For me, it all comes down to community, impact, and joy.

CommPRO: What was the first marcomms assignment/client you worked on?

Banikarim: The first marcom project I remember working on was during my college years in NYC. The challenge was to organize a party and attract a large crowd on campus, competing with the myriad of options available to students across the city.

I developed a teaser campaign that unfolded over several weeks. The centerpiece was a simple photograph of a man wearing a straw hat, whom I named Stanley. The campaign started with just Stanley's image, gradually revealing more details as time progressed.

This was in the pre-internet era, so I relied on traditional methods to spread the word. I spent countless late nights flyering the campus, both alone and with others, driven by my determination to generate buzz. Of course I also had to deliver on the programming for the event itself, so that when you should up, we lived up to the hype that got you there.

My efforts paid off, as the event became one of the best-attended on-campus gatherings of the year. It was a simple idea, but the success came from the passion and meticulous execution behind it.

CommPRO: What are you working on that no one knows about yet?

Banikarim: You may not know about The Longest Table yet, but hopefully you will soon. It’s a free, community event that brings people together for a shared meal and conversation – a simple way to create moments of joy and build stronger neighborhoods. We started it two years ago on my street in Chelsea to connect with our neighbors after the pandemic. Since then, it has turned into a grassroots movement: 500 New Yorkers showed up the first year; 700 showed up the second year; and 1,000 this year. 

The Longest Table’s success reflects a growing movement to foster real-life connections and shared experiences. From Chelsea to Harlem to Rockefeller Center to Kansas City, San Francisco, Oklahoma City, and even Paris, communities are embracing the power of coming together. My dream is to do The Longest Table across the Brooklyn Bridge, and inspire 100 NYC neighborhoods to do one too. Then, when America turns 250 in 2026, what better way to celebrate than for us all to sit down together for a meal!

CommPRO: What are you looking for as the biggest innovation to come in 2025 to the communications industry?

Banikarim: As we look to 2025, the biggest innovation in communications will be the seamless integration of AI-powered tools with human creativity and emotional intelligence. BUT while I think we will have new tools that will enhance productivity, communication is and will always be about connecting to someone emotionally. For that you will still need the ability to tell powerful stories, in ways that connect to the heart + mind.

It's not just about jumping on the latest tech bandwagon. It's about using all the tools available to you to create deeper, more personalized connections with our diverse audiences. The goal? Move people to action.

The communicators who will thrive in 2025 will be those who can harness the power of AI while remembering that connecting is about our humanity. It's about adapting to new tools – to create more meaningful, personalized connections with our different audiences in a way that moves them to action.