2014 MEPRA Awards finalists announced

The finalists for the 2014 MEPRA Awards have been revealed, with the winners due to be announced at the annual gala event on Tuesday November 25, 2014, at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. Among the 16 award categories – which have been split into Sectors & Services, Techniques and People & Agencies – finalists include DABO & CO, Edelman, Four Communications, Mojo PR, Memac Ogilvy PR – Dubai, TOH PR and Weber Shandwick MENA for Agency of the Year, Etihad Airways and Mubadala for In-House Team of the Year and Al Jazeera Media Network, Blue Rubicon, DABO & CO  and Memac Ogilvy PR – Dubai, for Best Integrated Campaign.

To view the full list of MEPRA 2014 finalists, visit http://goo.gl/LNTBKQ.

Bianca Alcaide joins CMM

Bianca Alcaide has been appointed as Coordinating Officer for Continental Multimedia (CMM). Previously a Creative Services Coordinator with Al Tayer Group, Bianca oversaw orders from manufacturers and clients regarding art materials, as well as coordinating with the finance and logistics departments. In her new position, Bianca will coordinate with the PR’s from different brands about their new products or fashion lines, and will collect product placements and press releases for publications.

“There’s definitely truth in the saying – find a job that you love and you won’t have to work another day,” says Bianca. “I’ve certainly found mine and i’m really excited to have joined the team at CMM!”

Instagram launches video advertising

Instagram has become the latest social network to introduce video advertising. Having launched static image advertising in 2013 and following six month of testing, Instagram now offers ad deals which showcase 15-second auto-play spots. With Disney, Activision, Lancome and Banana Republic being the first brands to test the new platform, Disney has been quick to make full use of the new ad offering, using the platform to promote its Big Hero 6 film, while Lancome advertises its newly released fragrance and mascara.

Following criticism of its early Instagram advertising, the social network has been notably cautious since it began selling space a year ago, aiming to ensure that it doesn’t appear too intrusive, and alienating a significant number of its 200 million active users.