Brandman: NYC Luxury Travel PR Firm, Offices in 6 Cities

Brandman, formerly The Brandman Agency, is a New York luxury travel, hospitality and lifestyle communications firm founded by Melanie Brandman, who is founder and CEO. It marked its 25th anniversary in 2026 with a new name and identity and has offices in six cities, per its own announcements. Kristen Vigrass is president and COO.

Originally published December 2020. Updated October 17, 2026.

Who founded and leads Brandman?

Brandman started in PR at InterContinental Hotels in Sydney and later became vice president of corporate affairs for Bass Hotels and Resorts, responsible for communications across 3,000 hotels in 100 countries, per a published biography, and earlier worked at Vogue in Australia. She received HSMAI's Grice Award for public relations in 2016. Vigrass joined in 2001 and is president and COO. A 2018 trade report noted the firm had been named agency of record for Crystal Cruises, replacing Finn Partners.

What does Brandman do?

The firm lists media relations, hotel openings, brand partnerships, influencer work, social media and content production, including a content studio powered by Travel Curator that The PR Net says bridges earned and paid coverage. EPR's travel PR, hospitality PR and luxury PR sections cover the category.

Which clients has Brandman worked with?

The PR Net's 2023 to 2025 entries list COMO Hotels, IHG's luxury and lifestyle portfolio, Marriott Bonvoy Caribbean and Latin America, Cathay Pacific, La Mamounia, Raffles Hotel Singapore and Kulm Hotel, with new clients including The Peninsula Hotels, Six Senses and Explora Journeys. The firm's work for The Peninsula New York and the St. Regis Aruba is described in its 2025 entry.

What recognition has Brandman received?

The firm appeared on The PR Net 100 in 2022 through 2025, and a company profile says it was named Women-Owned Agency of the Year at the 2024 PRNEWS Platinum Awards. These are the firm's statements.

How does Brandman compare with other travel PR firms?

Brandman is a boutique luxury travel specialist, so compare it with Laura Davidson Public Relations, Hawkins International, Hemsworth Communications and Quinn.

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Related: PR agency profiles, Travel PR, Hospitality PR, Luxury PR, 5W Public Relations