Meltwater to host free live webinar

Global media monitoring and analysis platform Meltwater is set to host an online seminar on the subject of Arab Women on Social Media – how to market, engage and resonate with them. The webinar is free to attend, will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 12pm UAE time, and will feature a presentation from Amira Azzouz – the Founder and Editor in Chief of bilingual fashion and lifestyle portal, fustany.com.

“I am excited to speak at this unique webinar, the first of its kind to provide brands with a better understanding of modern Arab women and how to effectively engage with them on social media,” says Amira.

To register for the webinar, go to http://buzz.mw/b6uxj_l

Mediaquest partners with emblem

Mediaquest has signed an agreement with emblem to use the creative PR and production agency’s ‘Cinemative PR’ service to enhance digital video coverage of its editorial division and range of media-related events, including: Arab Luxury World, the Effies and Top CEO. Cinematic PR is characterised by PR content being incorporated in strategically designed short-videos, which are then shared on digital media and other online platforms within four hours of production.

“Mediaquest is known across the region for its leading journalism and industry events that attract interest and audiences from around the world,” says Alexandre Hawri, Co-CEO, Mediaquest. “emblem has an impressive track record producing HD quality news videos and highlighting events through its Cinematic PR offering, and we are delighted to be partnering with them to capture moments and enhance our news.

Zelda Hyman, Founder and Managing Director, emblem, adds “We launched the Cinematic PR concept earlier this year and we are extremely excited that Mediaquest has taken it in their stride to be an early adopter of our on demand video service.”

Liam Williams appointed CXO Board Member

Liam Williams, CEO and Publisher of Flip Flop Media Group, has been appointed Board Member of the Dubai-based CXO Alliance. The CXO Alliance is a non-profit organisation that provides a platform for top management and corporate executives in the region to network and exchange ideas at seminars and events outside of formal boardrooms and business meetings. The alliance also provides online tools and industry knowledge through its various distribution channels and media partners.

In his role as Board Member, Liam will be responsible for strategic partnership deals to help unite the media industry. This will provide Flip Flop Media with an opportunity to showcase its publishing and organisational talents before the top management of global companies.

“The CXO Alliance has the potential to positively influence thought leadership and foster greater co-operation between regional and international industry players,” says Liam.

Dentsu Aegis Network partners with The Hub

Global communications network Dentsu Aegis will partner with The Hub Advertising & Marketing in Jordan. With offices based in Amman, The Hub will take full responsibility for the media planning and buying requirements of Carat and other Dentsu Aegis Network clients in the country such as Microsoft, adidas, MasterCard and Reebok on a local level, with the merged businesses jointly managing any new business opportunities.

“The opportunities in this market are endless and this partnership will form the foundation for future expansion plans in the Levant,” says Karan Hoyek, General Manager, Carat Levant. “With a shared vision and working synergies, we expect this to be the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship for both agencies and our clients.”

Dr. Ruba Batayneh, CEO, The Hub Advertising & Marketing, adds “This partnership paves the way for us to provide our local and regional expertise while also learning and developing with a global network. The partnership will provide equal opportunity for both parties and create a momentum for future opportunities. We are proud to be the first local agency to take this courageous step.”

Absolute Communications and 3A Worldwide partner

UAE and India-based corporate communications firm Absolute Communications has forged a strategic partnership with 3A Worldwide, an international communications consultancy, in a bid to widen its international network, strengthen its business platform and grow in its ability to serve more clients on the global sphere.

“As a fast-growing agency, Absolute Communications has been on a lookout for a network which can add value to what we do, believe in and in return, enable the network members to be able to reach out to their clients with confidence when it comes to their executions in the Middle East and India,” says Victor King, CEO, Absolute Communications. “This partnership will enable both 3A Worldwide and Absolute Communications to showcase ourselves as an agency with a global reach and local expertise.”

Miguel Ángel Rodriguez Caveda, COO and President of Europe, Middle East and India, 3A Worldwide, adds “This association is another step towards the consolidation of the multinational internationally, something very positive not only for us, but for all our customers who will be able to reach new markets through this partnership.”

RECMA names Vizeum fastest growing media network

Independent notation reports company RECMA has named global network Vizeum the world’s fastest growing network in its Overall Activity Billings 2014 report, published this week. Across the 16 global agencies assessed by RECMA, Vizeum increased activity billings year-on-year by 29.1%. Companies with growth rates in the top five Overall Activity Billings of 2014 list also included MediaCom and Dentsu media.

Vizeum was launched in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in January, 2014, as part of Dentsu Aegis Network and has over 62 offices in 42 countries globally. The network aims to leverage the creative power of media in order to connect brands and consumers to help clients’ brands grow.

“We have achieved this impressive growth through our single-minded focus on making innovation in media create value for clients,” says Anouk Bondroit, General Manager, Vizeum MENA. “We leverage our globally consistent network and have witnessed great momentum over the last 18 months. This growth helps us to keep the agility required in the fast-paces media environment – It’s the only way we can credibly remain at the forefront of the industry and produce best in class work for our clients.”

ExtraCake and Katch collaborate for Games 15

ExtraCake, organisers of the Middle East Film and Comic Con and Games 15 have announced a strategic partnership with Katch International to help promote the 2015 edition of the marquee gaming event in a bid to maximise reach to fans and exhibitors alike.

While the event will again focus on early access to the latest games and demos from publishers like Sony PlayStation, XBOX and many leading games publishers, GAMES 15 will also incorporate many innovative and unique elements with the inclusion of eSports with ESL, Video Games Live, mobile gaming, table top gaming, workshops, merchandising, celebrity guests and much more making it an event that transcends boundaries.

“The scope we have for Games going forward is much broader than ever before.,” says Arafaat Ali Khan, Director of Public Relations at ExtraCake. “Like the Middle East Film and Comic Con before it, Games 15 will offer something for everyone and offer one of the most entertaining weekends out for families and hardcore gamers alike. To ensure that we reach every demographic and every communication channel, we felt that increasing our resources was a must and tying up with another strong agency like Katch seemed to be the obvious way forward.”

While the Games 15 event will be managed, organised and communicated by ExtraCake, Katch will add an extra layer of support.

Bloomberg Businessweek to support Arab IPO Summit

Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East announced its support for the Arab IPO Summit, to be held from September 14, 2015 until September 17, 2015 in Dubai. Organised by UMS International and set to be held at Taj Dubai, the summit will focus on the latest developments, challenges and investment opportunities in the regional financial market. Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East will act as the Arab IPO Summit’s Media and Research Partner – a role which will entail handling all press communications for the summit, as well as sending invites and covering social media.

For further information, contact Fathima Dhanani at fathima@businessweekme.com / +971 (0)4 432 9467

Abu Dhabi Media Summit to be held in 2016

The sixth edition of the Abu Dhabi Media Summit (ADMS) will be held from April 5, 2016 – April 7, 2016 by The Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi. Powered by twofour54, the summit’s topics, agenda and key speakers will be announced shortly and will be in line with twofour54’s vision to promote Abu Dhabi as a leading hub in the global media industry.

Under the theme of ‘Driving and Sustaining Future Media in MENA and Beyond’ the last edition of ADMS was held in November, 2014 and attracted over 1,300 local, regional and international attendees. The summit has previously hosted Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, and key representatives and industry leaders to discuss the future of media in the MENA region and the world.

The Abu Dhabi Media Summit is held once every two years to host a number of industry leaders to build on Abu Dhabi’s position as centre of innovation in the Arab world.

For further information on the summit, visit www.admediasummit.com

For further information, contact William Royce at william.royce@twofour54.com / +971 (0)50 614 6653