For Thanksgiving, Boston University’s PRLab, the nation’s oldest and largest student-run public relations agency, brought a new flavor of celebration to the city. On Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, the agency partnered with longtime client Ben & Jerry’s Boston to host its first-ever “Friendsgiving Influencer Networking Event,” an idea entirely developed and executed by a PRLab student team. For more than a decade, Ben & Jerry’s Boston has worked closely with PRLab, relying on student teams each semester to support communications efforts, generate fresh ideas, and expand local visibility. This year’s group set out to take things a step further.
“Friendsgiving is all about bringing people together, and that really reflects Ben & Jerry’s social mission values.”
“Ben & Jerry’s has been a longtime client of PRLab, but what makes this event so unique is that it’s the first time our team has pulled off a large-scale influencer event with them,” said Michaela Shunney, account supervisor for PRLab’s Ben & Jerry’s team. “Typically, Ben & Jerry’s partners with one influencer a semester, but this group took the initiative to collaborate with multiple creators for a bigger impact. What I love most is the community aspect. Friendsgiving is all about bringing people together, and that really reflects Ben & Jerry’s social mission values.”
The event drew a guest list of more than 140 RSVPs, with about 40 influencers attending throughout the evening. From 6 to 8 p.m., creators mingled, filmed content, and connected with fellow Boston creatives in exchange for posting event coverage across their personal channels to help boost Ben & Jerry’s Boston’s social media presence and awareness of their catering services.
Inside the venue, the atmosphere was warm and festive despite the cold November air. Guests enjoyed a free make-your-own sundae bar as well as a cozy hot-chocolate station. A small goody bag sent them home with an extra treat — a sweet nod to the spirit of giving thanks. The evening also featured a community conversation table hosted by Everyday Boston — a local nonprofit that uses storytelling, conversation, and connection-building to bridge divides across the city. Its involvement added an intentional layer of engagement, encouraging attendees to slow down, meet someone new, and take part in meaningful dialogue.
For many creators, that sense of togetherness was the highlight.
“My favorite part has definitely been meeting different creators from around Boston — while eating ice cream, of course,” said Julia Radley, better known as Julz — creator of the dating show Stoop Dating. “Nothing beats that. I’ve already met so many amazing people. And yes, the ice cream station was my favorite. I headed straight there and grabbed a mint chocolate chip.”
“My favorite part has definitely been meeting different creators from around Boston while eating ice cream.”
The evening was equally meaningful for the Ben & Jerry’s Boston team.
“We’ve worked with BU PRLab for over 10 years,” said KimVy, better known as Vy, director of catering and marketing for Ben & Jerry’s Boston. “Each semester, we come up with creative ideas together, and this time the students wanted to host a Friendsgiving-style influencer networking event to boost our social-media presence and awareness about catering. Even though it’s a cold night, people are still showing up. The decorations look great, and the best part is the community. People enjoying ice cream, connecting, and doing something different from the typical bar or restaurant.”
As the holiday season approaches, the Friendsgiving Influencer Event serves as a reminder of what makes both Ben & Jerry’s and PRLab special. Community, creativity, and the power of bringing people together remain at the heart of their work. What began as a student-led concept became a joyful and collaborative celebration filled with conversation, connection, and plenty of ice cream.
Whether you’re chasing a midday sweet indulgence or hunting for a late-night dessert fix, don’t forget to make your way to Ben & Jerry’s, Boston for scoops, shakes, sundaes, and all the delightful goodness your cravings deserve.
Click here to know more about Boston University’s PRLab, an award-winning student-run PR agency, and its clients.
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