Acquisition adds 50 professionals, strengthens the independent agency’s Chicago presence and brings integrated communications, experiential, social and creator expertise

CHICAGO, Nov. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Manifest, an independent, full-service agency, today announced its acquisition of Morning Walk, a Chicago-based independent agency. The acquisition significantly strengthens Manifest's presence in the Midwest, uniting two highly respected independent agencies.

With the addition of Morning Walk, Manifest will welcome approximately 50 accomplished professionals, establish a presence in Milwaukee, and substantially expand its capabilities across public relations, social media, influencer and creator marketing, reputation and crisis communications.

Additionally, Manifest will bring on Morning Walk’s client roster, which includes Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, OPTIMA Batteries and BOSS Snowplow.

“This acquisition has been years in the making and the time was right. The businesses are so complementary and share a legacy of deep long-term client relationships. The addition of the Integrated Communications practice rounds out our offering and comes at a time when the relationship between paid, earned, and owned is more critical than ever,” said Ross Shelleman, CEO of Manifest.

As part of the integration, Morning Walk CEO Pat Goggin will join Manifest as Executive Vice President, reporting to CEO Ross Shelleman. Morning Walk co-owner and Chief Creative Officer Steve Simoncic, will also assume the role of Executive Vice President, reporting to Steve Slivka, who has been promoted to President of Manifest. Together, Goggin and Simoncic bring decades of leadership experience, deep client relationships and a proven track record.

“Joining Manifest gives our clients access to deeper capabilities in data, media and technology while preserving the senior-level collaboration and integrated approach that have always defined Morning Walk,” said Pat Goggin, CEO of Morning Walk. “It’s the best of both worlds, expanding what we deliver for clients while creating new opportunities for our people to tackle bigger challenges, drive greater impact and continue doing the kind of collaborative work we’re best known for.”

About Manifest

Manifest is an independent, full-service agency with deep expertise in content strategy, brand journalism, creative, digital experience and marketing technology. The agency bridges the gap between brand and performance to help clients turn consideration into preference and drive measurable results across the full funnel. Manifest delivers integrated solutions that move consumers and markets. Clients include Whirlpool Corporation, TravelPro, OtterBox, CDW and Primrose Schools.

About Morning Walk

Morning Walk is an independent, full-service agency with offices in Chicago and Milwaukee. The agency brings together creative, strategy, media, data, integrated communications, experiential and creator marketing to build and execute connected programs for brands. Morning Walk works with clients across hospitality, automotive, manufacturing, health, consumer products and other industries, including Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, OPTIMA.

CONTACT: Contact:
Sara Vinson
sara.vinson@digennaro-usa.com