dmg appoints new President for region

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dmg events has appointed Matt Denton as President for dmg events – Middle East, Asia and Africa. Matt joined dmg world media in 1998 as Head of Marketing for the UK consumer shows and he managed the Daily Mail Ideal Home and Ski and Snowboard Shows. Matt entered the MENA market in 2010 as Vice President for dmg events in Middle East and Asia handling The Big 5, a large regional construction event which grew from a single show to multiple shows across the GCC and India under his management.

In his most recent position, Matt moved to dmg’s US operation as President, overseeing the global digital marketing portfolio with offices in the US, Japan, UK, Australia, New Zealand and India.

“I am really excited to be returning to the UAE and getting reacquainted with the products and teams I know so well,” says Matt. “Although many things remain very familiar, much has changed in the time that I was away from the Middle East. There are many new faces and new initiatives and dmg events has grown exponentially across the region. I look forward to working closely with the teams, stakeholders and partners to continue this growth in the years to come.”

Geoff Dickinson, CEO, dmg events, adds “I have had the pleasure of knowing Matt for a very long time and he has always illustrated strong entrepreneurial skills in both developing and launching events. I was delighted to be instrumental in persuading him to rejoin dmg events in 2010 and I am pleased that he will now take the helm of our Middle East, Asia and Africa portfolio.”

In The Hot Seat – Craig Munro

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Craig Munro, Senior Producer/Head of Event Production, Middle East for 20/20 Productions gives us his opinions on the future of media in the Middle East…

Name: Craig Munro

Age: 48

From: 20/20 Productions – Dubai.

Current job title: Senior Producer / Head of Event Production, Middle East.

When did you arrive in the UAE? I first came to the UAE in 2012 when 20/20 Productions started looking to the Middle East as a possible market.

Where did you work prior?
I have worked extensively in the UK whilst based in Scotland, managed multiple European projects and, in the past, was based in New York for a couple of years.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
It’s an exciting time for the media industry in the Middle East, with the significance of interpersonal communication being valued, and the rapid expansion of the region on the world business stage.

Have these impressions changed much?
My initial impressions have not so much changed as been reaffirmed. Expo 2020 is obviously a key point in time where the media industry will come to the fore but, in general, I see a rapidly maturing market with the desire to be counted amongst the best as a world-leading player.

Tell us about your role with 20/20 Productions…
As Senior Producer, I am responsible for managing projects for our biggest clients and developing business wherever it may be found.

What challenges do you face?
In this fast-paced world, the biggest challenges are delivering unique, effective and creative solutions within increasingly tight deadlines and budgets.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of the job is seeing a project that has been gestating and growing over weeks and months come to fruition in a successful delivery.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far?
Personally, the most exciting thing has been the chance to work with some of my personal heroes; Steve Wozniak, Co-Founder of Apple, and Richard Branson of Virgin Group.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
I have seen a year-on-year evolution in the quality of all media use within the region.

What sets you apart from other industry professionals?
I’m very passionate about what I do, and I’m happy to roll up my sleeves and do what it takes to deliver a first class event every time. I like to fully understand a client’s vision, brand and values. I also enjoy learning about the latest technologies and applying them in the most effective, innovative ways.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
Landline (or mobile if you’re in my address book!)

What’s your most overused saying?
Being perfectly honest

Five things you can’t live without?
My children, iPhone, MacBook Pro, Coca-Cola and sleep!

If you weren’t with 20/20 Productions, what would you be doing?
Living in the high mountains of the world with skiing on the doorstep and spectacular climbing spots nearby.

Las Vegas-based PR firm to open in Dubai

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Las Vegas-based PR firm Digital 86 will open offices in Dubai as well as New Delhi, in order to meet demand for services in the Middle East and Asia. Founded by Alex Simon, the firm specialises in online reputation management, with a team of PR executives and technology experts who aim to improve the digital presence of high profile clients such as executives, celebrities, doctors and politicians.


 

BrandAid launches social media department

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Medical brand consultancy BrandAid has launched a new social media department, adding to its existing offering of marketing services. The company, based in Dubai, was founded in 2014 and specialises in offering branding and marketing to the healthcare sector. BrandAid’s new team of social media strategists and designers will aim to assist brands with campaign integration and event attendance, while ensuring the communication of brand messaging in a cost-effective way.

Entry submission open for Digital Awards

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Entry submission is now open for the MENA Digital Awards (MDA’s), an awards show aimed to honor digital efforts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Coupled with the Digital Media Forum (DMF), the awards will recognise excellence in the use of digital technologies and media by honoring the people and brands leading the communication industry.
Categories for the MDA’s cover all forms of technical and creative digital work, across the communications industry, with winners being determined by a panel of international digital experts who will assess both results and impact of entries. Entry is open to all members of the digital industry, covering clients, agencies and producers, with a number of new awards categories under the heading of Digital Assets.

Jenna Saunders goes agency side

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Jenna Saunders, previously Senior Public Relations and Communications Executive at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has joined Toh PR as PR Account Manager. In her new role, Jenna will be responsible for handling hospitality and F&B accounts.