One of the biggest things we’ve learned lately? When indie agencies get together in a low-key, no-agenda kind of way, something special happens. Conversations get real. Laughter takes over. People open up about the highs, the headaches, and the honest truth of being independent. And out of it all come new friendships, mutual respect, and that aha moment of “oh yeah, we get each other.”
That’s the idea behind Sister Cities—pairing up indie agency hubs that might be separated by geography but are aligned in spirit. These duos share energy, values, and a creative rhythm that feels familiar, even if the accent or skyline is different.
Here are the Spring 2025 Sister Cities:
- Boise & Nordics (Reykjavik)
- Rocky Mountain (Denver, Boulder) & UK
- SoCal & Upstate + Jersey
- Heartland (Kansas City, St. Louis) & New York City
- Eastern Europe & Super Southwest (Austin, Dallas, Phoenix)
- Amsterdam & Tennessee
- Brooklyn & Paris
- Seattle & New England
- Ohio & Mexico
- Los Angeles & Toronto
- Carolinas & Keystone (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg)
- Chicago & Portland
- San Francisco & Beautiful South (Birmingham, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola)
- Atlanta & Detroit
- Australia/New Zealand & Kentucky
- Western Canada & Germany
- Great North (Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis) & Mid-Atlantic (Baltimore, Richmond, Washington D.C.)
How it Works
- It’s a vibe thing, not a geography thing. These aren’t based on client rosters or case studies. It’s all about creative chemistry.
- Mutual respect is the foundation. Big names or small shops—it’s about how you show up, not how many awards you’ve won.
- We pair and regroup every quarter. If your city isn’t listed, it might be next time. If you’ve got a great match idea, tell us.
- Talk to your sister. Seriously. Say hi. Compare notes. Plan a casual Zoom. Or meet up IRL if you’re feeling adventurous.
When indie minds connect without pretense or pressure, good things happen. We’ll keep encouraging that.
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Doug Zanger is the founder and editor-in-chief of Indie Agency News. He is also the founder of the Creative Bohemian consultancy, lives in the Pacific Northwest and is insufferable about it.
