Expose Communications has won the PR account for Biolite Aesthetic Clinic. Biolite specialises in utilising the newest technology, and the international staff include an in-house plastic surgeon to bring the best techniques from all philosophies.
“Biolite is an innovative and directional concept and a highly regarded clinic internationally,” says Dana Abdelhadi, Director, Expose Communications. “We look forward to taking the brand to the next level.”
Global energy industry specialists Fifth Ring Integrated Corporate Communications has expanded its international offering after winning new contracts worth almost £2.5 million within the last financial year. The business wins spread across the company’s Dubai, Aberdeen, Houston and Singapore offices, with its US team alone doubling its staff to support new clients. As well as adding expertise to its current offices, Fifth Ring is planning to establish itself in another of the world’s biggest energy hubs, in order to support its clients in their drive into new markets.
“The past year has seen significant growth for Fifth Ring, with the opening of our Singapore office and expansion of our capacity in Houston among the highlights,” says Ian Ord, Co-Founder, Fifth Ring. “These strategic investments underline our commitment to supporting our clients in all of the world’s major energy hubs and are another milestone in the company’s development. I believe our ability to adapt to the needs of a diverse and constantly-evolving market has been critical in allowing us to achieve this recent growth.”
Emirates Man magazine, the new bi-monthly men’s glossy from Motivate Publishing, has announced great feedback from the market since the title hit news stands on March 1, 2014.
“We’re thrilled with the initial response we’ve had to the launch of Emirates Man,” says Mark Evans, Group Editor. “The aim was always to create something different, something unlike anything else in the market, a magazine that really spoke to – and for – the men of the Emirates, and I think we’ve achieved that. It’s been great fun to put together – the team put a lot of hard work and effort, and I think it shows. We’re all very proud of the end result.”
MRM Dubai, part of Middle East Communications Network (MCN), has launched a bespoke Customer Relationship Centre to support Chanel’s network of stores in the region. The custom-made CRM solution was commissioned by Chanel to close the information gap in the luxury retailer’s understanding of its customers in the Gulf.
“CRM, data-driven analytics, insights and reporting are core strengths of MRM, and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to develop an A to Z, unique proposition for Chanel,” says James Gaubert, General Manager, MRM Dubai.”The Customer Relationship Centre will provide real world data and insight that will optimise the luxury brand’s business operations across the region. We look forward to partnering with Chanel in the future.”
Rajeev Budhiraja, CEO of MRM Dubai adds, “Producing such innovative answers to our clients’ commercial questions is what MRM is built on. We are constantly seeking to evolve our offering, and in line with our positioning as a global customer experience agency, services like this ensure we are assisting our clients to better engage with their wider audience.”
TOH PR has been appointed as the official PR agency for Ormé in the Middle East. Widely regarded as the jeweller of choice for exceptional, bespoke pieces amongst Italy’s upper class community, Ormé has built a legacy around handmade, personalised pieces inspired by the sea, sand and nature’s bountiful reserves.
“We are delighted to widen our work within the luxury jewellery sector and we were drawn to Ormé as a client because of its Italian heritage, family values and deep-rooted sense of quality and heritage,” says Sophie Toh, Founder of TOH PR. “The Ormé team is charm personified and we look forward to helping translate this ethos to the local market through media outreach and brand partnerships.”
Neil Churchill has joined men’s luxury lifestyle title, EDGAR Middle East as Online Editor. Previously reporter at Gulf Business, Neil will launch of the magazine’s online platform, edgardaily.com, which is currently under construction.
“I’m hugely excited to be joining the EDGAR team to help launch the website edgardaily.com,” says Neil. “Not only is the region’s luxury segment booming but the switch to digital media is finally catching on in the Middle East, and it’s fantastic to be a part of that.”
Neil will cover content including art & culture, business, motoring, aviation, horology, style, tech, yachts, hotels, travel, sport, bars and restaurants.
With the temperate spring climate coaxing even the laziest of couch potatoes back into their beach shorts and bikinis, we thought, where better to spend a leisurely Friday afternoon than out at sea? But forget yachts and island parties, Team TMN set off to discover a more relaxing setting to appreciate the waves and wile away the weekend…
What: Pierchic brunch
Where: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
When: Every Friday, 12.30pm – 3.30pm
The promise: “Gourmet dining served with spectacular views of the Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah.”
Did it deliver? From the regal driveway and grand lobby of Al Qasr to the chauffeured buggy ride along the pier, enveloped within the glittering ocean, there couldn’t have been a more glamorous – or classy – way to commence Dubai’s newest brunch offering, Pierchic.
Exclusive, welcoming and picturesque were words that immediately sprang to mind as we were greeted on arrival with a glass of bubbly. It was immediately apparent this wasn’t just your run-of-the-mill Friday brunch, which was only to be expected from one of Dubai’s finest seafood restaurants.
The secluded and scenic location with panoramic views won us over instantly, and while we dined with friends, the elegant ambiance had a hint of intimacy ideal for couples and special celebrations. Al fresco dining on the terrace doesn’t get much better, although for windy days, the indoor setting provides the perfect retreat.
Of course, seafood was aplenty with small cooking stations serving up a selection of chilled shellfish and scallops, while a salad bar and fois gras station offered additional variety. The challenge was not to overindulge too early as a sumptuous à-la-carte menu lay in wait.
From the menu’s soup selection, pumpkin turned out to be a stellar choice – not only delicious, but it also offered a welcome touch of warmth from the slightly chilly sea breeze. For mains, the Australian lamb rack was a table favourite, and the pan-fried sea bass was everything you would expect from one of Dubai’s most revered seafood restaurants. While a little slight in portion size, the flavours and quality were fully charged.
With a free flowing selection of cocktails, bubbles, wine and beers to accompany the lavish lunch, there was little chance of disappointment. Similarly, the desserts proved just as tempting, and more than enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. The mini cake assortment was definitely a highlight, while the cheese board selection summed the brunch up perfectly – mature, rich and oh-so tasty.
The verdict: If you’re looking to add a certain ‘wow’ factor to your Friday brunch, Pierchic is an ideal choice. Albeit quite pricey at Dhs695 for the full package, it guarantees to make for an unforgettable experience whether you are a visitor or brunch veteran.
Would you like Team TMN to review your event, latest launch or product? E-mail roadtested@the-media-network.com with full details and we’ll be in touch to offer our verdict.
Matt Eventoff offers his thoughts on why effective public speaking is a vital skill in the media industry, and gives some insider tips to keep us on track…
Do not talk at the audience, speak with them. A speech is a conversation – it is always about the audience, not you
Public speaking can – and should be – an indispensable component in the career growth ‘toolkit’ of any executive or professional; this is especially true for those in the communication and media space. By virtue of what we do every day, we are often ‘on’ and a lot is expected. Clients, colleagues and co-workers expect that we can communicate effectively across all mediums, and that includes speaking publicly.
You may be asked to take the podium at an awards dinner or to address a room full of clients on campaign updates. The size is irrelevant, and the skills required are the same. So what are some ways that a media pro can become an even more talented public speaker? One way is to view public speaking in a different way from the preconception you might have when the word ‘speech’ comes to mind – that you are in it alone. A speech is not a solo act – a speech is actually a conversation.
While only one party may be verbally communicating, all parties are communicating. Looking away, shaking one’s head, raising one’s brow, disinterest or a face anchored in stoicism are all forms of communication, and are all part of a conversation. Smiling, nodding, clapping, cheering and riveted attentiveness are also part of a conversation. Walking out of a conference room and doing nothing is also part of the conversation – usually the end of it!
So what can one do to ensure that a speech or presentation is in fact a productive conversation that results in career growth and positive outcome? Here are just a few ways:
1) Involve your audience – Do not talk at the audience, speak with them. This involves researching your audience in the same way you would research a client before pitching for business.
2) Pay attention to personal pronouns – Shy away from using a lot of I and me and focus more on we and us. A speech is a conversation – it is always about the audience, not you. Be careful and aware of the pronouns that you use and the messages those pronouns might convey.
3) I mean really involve your audience – When presenting on communication or rhetoric, involve an audience early on by asking a question to one or two participants. Not a confrontational question. Not a heavy question. A question that generates a short response, which activates the audience and puts everyone at ease (the presenter included!).
Finally, when you present, you always feel much more nervous than you appear. Always. So relax, and enjoy!
Matt Eventoff is the owner of Princeton Public Speaking. Follow him on Twitter @matt_eventoff
With the inaugural Transform Awards MENA set to launch this June, Team TMN caught up with Andrew Thomas, Founder of Transform and Managing Director of Cravenhill Publishing, to find out what’s in store…
When is Transform Awards MENA, and where will it be held?
The Transform Awards MENA will take place on the evening of June 2. It will be preceded by a daytime conference that will focus on change and brand transformation topics, and both events will take place at the JW Marriot, Dubai.
Tell us a bit about the Transform Awards Programme…
The Transform Awards program exists to recognise and celebrate excellence in rebranding, repositioning and brand transformation. It has been going for five years, and has become the benchmark for rebranding. Most brand agencies now see it as the must-win for inclusion in their ‘creds’ documents, and Brand and Marketing Directors look for evidence of a Transform win when selecting their agencies.
The European Transform Awards has been held exclusively in London until now, so why expand to the Middle East?
As the Transform Awards has grown it has attracted a greater number of international entrants, and a European judging panel finds it challenging to understand the cultural nuances of entries from non-European markets. At the same time, there has been tremendous growth in understanding the importance of brands in the region. Therefore, it seems a logical progression to launch the event in the Middle East. The entries that we’ve seen so far certainly confirm that it was the right thing to do.
Why will Transform Awards MENA be such a prestigious event for the region?
We’ve seen some great rebranding projects from Middle East and North African agencies and in-house teams. Up until now there hasn’t been anything that truly recognises the best-in-class work produced. The Transform Awards will change that – it will celebrate and benchmark the work that those agencies are producing.
Why will agencies in the Middle East and North Africa want to get involved?
Rebranding projects have always given agencies an opportunity to work closely with the senior management of organisations, as well as combine and showcase strategic and creative skills. The Transform Awards recognises those skills and rewards them. In turn, the attainment of a Transform Award provides reassurance that a client’s decision to choose an agency is the right one. Oh, and although the work is the most important thing, the awards night is also a great opportunity for all those involved in rebranding and brand management to come together and have a great evening.
How can agencies get involved, and when is the closing date for submission?
All of the entry details can be found at www.transformawards.com. The regular closing date for entries is Friday, March 15, although there will be a one-week extension for companies who register interest prior to the closing date.
Can you give us some details about the awards/categories themselves?
The Transform Awards focuses on four key areas – content, process, strategy and type. So examples include best brand evolution, best implementation of a rebrand, best creative strategy, and so on. In addition, while brand goes beyond a logo, we recognise that for some companies the focus is on design and creativity and so we also reward companies for the best visual identity within their sector.
Who will be judging the entries for Transform Awards MENA?
We are honored, and frankly flattered, to have some really bright people judge the event. The first ten have been announced, and include Basil Habib Al-Arrayed, the Head of Communications for Bahrain’s Telecom regulator; Lewis Naim, Head of Marketing and Brand Management for Dubai Airports; Stephen McCallion, Global Head of Marketing Communications for TAQA (the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company) and Syed Abdul Karim Tanveer, Mobily’s Head of Brand Experience. It’s almost a disservice not to mention them all, as they are all so knowledgeable in their field.
How do you think Transform Awards MENA will develop in the future?
We’re delighted at how brand and advertising agencies have reacted to the announcement of the Transform Awards MENA, and looking at the entries we’ve already received, there seems to be a real feel and passion for the importance of brand and the intangible asset. If this continues to increase at the same pace that it has done, the Transform Awards can only grow in stature and relevance.
For further information, visit www.transformawards.com
With the inaugural Transform Awards MENA set to launch this June, Team TMN caught up with Andrew Thomas, Founder of Transform and Managing Director of Cravenhill Publishing, to find out what’s in store…
When is Transform Awards MENA, and where will it be held?
The Transform Awards MENA will take place on the evening of June 2. It will be preceded by a daytime conference that will focus on change and brand transformation topics, and both events will take place at the JW Marriot, Dubai.
Tell us a bit about the Transform Awards Programme…
The Transform Awards program exists to recognise and celebrate excellence in rebranding, repositioning and brand transformation. It has been going for five years, and has become the benchmark for rebranding. Most brand agencies now see it as the must-win for inclusion in their ‘creds’ documents, and Brand and Marketing Directors look for evidence of a Transform win when selecting their agencies.
The European Transform Awards has been held exclusively in London until now, so why expand to the Middle East?
As the Transform Awards has grown it has attracted a greater number of international entrants, and a European judging panel finds it challenging to understand the cultural nuances of entries from non-European markets. At the same time, there has been tremendous growth in understanding the importance of brands in the region. Therefore, it seems a logical progression to launch the event in the Middle East. The entries that we’ve seen so far certainly confirm that it was the right thing to do.
Why will Transform Awards MENA be such a prestigious event for the region?
We’ve seen some great rebranding projects from Middle East and North African agencies and in-house teams. Up until now there hasn’t been anything that truly recognises the best-in-class work produced. The Transform Awards will change that – it will celebrate and benchmark the work that those agencies are producing.
Why will agencies in the Middle East and North Africa want to get involved?
Rebranding projects have always given agencies an opportunity to work closely with the senior management of organisations, as well as combine and showcase strategic and creative skills. The Transform Awards recognises those skills and rewards them. In turn, the attainment of a Transform Award provides reassurance that a client’s decision to choose an agency is the right one. Oh, and although the work is the most important thing, the awards night is also a great opportunity for all those involved in rebranding and brand management to come together and have a great evening.
How can agencies get involved, and when is the closing date for submission?
All of the entry details can be found at www.transformawards.com. The regular closing date for entries is Friday, March 15, although there will be a one-week extension for companies who register interest prior to the closing date.
Can you give us some details about the awards/categories themselves?
The Transform Awards focuses on four key areas – content, process, strategy and type. So examples include best brand evolution, best implementation of a rebrand, best creative strategy, and so on. In addition, while brand goes beyond a logo, we recognise that for some companies the focus is on design and creativity and so we also reward companies for the best visual identity within their sector.
Who will be judging the entries for Transform Awards MENA?
We are honored, and frankly flattered, to have some really bright people judge the event. The first ten have been announced, and include Basil Habib Al-Arrayed, the Head of Communications for Bahrain’s Telecom regulator; Lewis Naim, Head of Marketing and Brand Management for Dubai Airports; Stephen McCallion, Global Head of Marketing Communications for TAQA (the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company) and Syed Abdul Karim Tanveer, Mobily’s Head of Brand Experience. It’s almost a disservice not to mention them all, as they are all so knowledgeable in their field.
How do you think Transform Awards MENA will develop in the future?
We’re delighted at how brand and advertising agencies have reacted to the announcement of the Transform Awards MENA, and looking at the entries we’ve already received, there seems to be a real feel and passion for the importance of brand and the intangible asset. If this continues to increase at the same pace that it has done, the Transform Awards can only grow in stature and relevance.
For further information, visit www.transformawards.com