Posts

MEPRA confirms key partners for 2016 Awards

/in , /by

The Middle East PR Association (MEPRA) has confirmed key sponsors for the 2016 Middle East PR Awards, due to take place at the JW Marriot Marquis on November 23, 2016. The awards will be supported by platinum sponsor, Mubadala; gold sponsor, MCG Associates and bronze sponsor, Edelman, with category sponsors including; Middlesex University Dubai, Sumo Sushi & Bento, Pan Arab Research Centre, RAK Media office and BUZ PR. The 2016 MEPRA awards will recognise innovation in the PR sector from across the region and reward practitioners who have made a distinctive contribution to the communication industry.

“The communication industry has evolved and modernised over the last few years and the MEPRA awards is the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on the public relations sector and celebrate the creative individuals who craft innovative communication campaigns,” says Brian Lott, Chairman, MEPRA and Executive Director – Communications, Mubalads. “I would like to thank all our board of sponsors for their support towards encouraging originality and imagination in the industry.”

Justin McGuire, CEO, MCG Group, adds “The MEPRA awards go beyond known boundaries and disciplines, encouraging the most innovative PR professionals and agencies who make a mark in the communication industry. It inspires path-breaking campaigns that happen on the edges of tradition. We are excited and proud to be able to support the Awards, which are considered to the the pinnacle of the communication industry in the region.”

MEPRA to host Leadership Majlis in May

/in , /by

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) will host the second edition of the MEPRA Leadership Majlis at The Ritz Carlton, Abu Dhabi on May 25, 2016, bringing together industry representatives to discuss the topic of ‘The Future of Public Relations in the Middle East: Innovation, Disruption and Relevance’. With over 200 guests expected, the speaker line-up for the event includes: Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairwoman, Media Zone Authority-Abu Dhabi and twofour54; Peter Baumgartner, CEO, Etihad Airways and Rania Roston, Chief Innovation and Communications Officer, GE.

“The response to our inaugural Majlis was extremely positive and our programme of speakers for this year is even stronger,” says Brian Lott, Chairman, MEPRA Board. “This event showcases the unique talent we have in the region and best practices from some of our most prominent practitioners, with fresh insights into the rapid changes happening in our industry.”

twofour54 and MEPRA sign memorandum of understanding

/in , /by

twofour54 and the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of increasing collaboration in order to support the growing PR industry in the UAE. Maryam Al Mheiri, Acting CEO, twofour54 and Brian Lott, Chairman, MEPRA, signed the agreement which will see twofour54 assist MEPRA’s industry-building activities such as networking and professional development opportunities for members, through twofour54’s network of over 100 PR and marketing services companies.

“Supporting the communication and PR sector is a vital link in the media industry value chain for its significant impact on a regional and global level,” says Maryam. “twofour54 is home to a number of leading international communication companies who work closely across the media sector. By showing our support we aim to assist MEPRA and its members to contribute to Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s reputation internationally.”

Brian adds “twofour54 is widely recognised as the leading hub for the sector in Abu Dhabi and is one of the industry’s key strategic partners. It is home to a number of PR agencies and a centre for creative content development. It’s the perfect place to host events such as MEPRA Connect, at the cross-section of creativity, professionalism and public relations.”

MEPRA announces recipients of the Visionary Award

/0 Comments/in /by

Members of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) have voted for and chosen the top executives from the communications industry, as well as the corporate and government sectors, as recipients of its Visionary Award. Tara Rogers, Managing Partner, Mojo PR, won the communications agency executive Visionary Award, while Ala’A Eraiqat, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank was chosen as the corporate Visionary Award winner. Maijida Ali Rashide, Assistant Directory General of Dubai Land Department & Head of Dubai Real Estate Promotion Centre was the recipient of the award in the government/not-for-profit sector.

The winners of the Visionary Award have been recognised for their impact and thought leadership over the previous years. The Visionary Awards were organised as part of the MEPRA Leadership Majlis, which was supported by destination partner Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, as well as event sponsors Weber Shandwick MENA and MCG Associates.

“I’m delighted to have three remarkable communicators winning our first visionary awards,” says Brian Lott, Chairman of MEPRA. “Ala’a, Majida and Tara have all shown exemplary leadership in terms of their respective areas of business and enterprise, and they’ve ensured that effective communications are at the forefront of the work being done by their respective organisations.”

For further information, contact Carine Duvignaud at carine@mepra.org / +971 (0)55 948 7491

New board members announced for MEPRA

/0 Comments/in /by

The Middle East PR Association (MEPRA) has appointed its new board and leaders following the Annual General Meeting at Middlesex University, Knowledge Village, Dubai.

Brian Lott, Executive Director of Communications at Mubadala, is the organisation’s new Chair. Brian was previously Vice Chair under Nicola Gregson, who held the position since January 2014. Alex Malouf, who is Corporate Communications Manager in the Arabian Peninsula for Procter & Gamble, will become the organisation’s new Vice Chair. Board Secretary Thomas Ashby, from the strategic consulting agency Consulum, and Treasurer Mazen Nahawi, President of News Group International, will remain in their current roles.

“It’s never been a more exciting time to be a member of the Public Relations industry,” says Brian. “Communications is moving at the most rapid pace in recent memory. That is energising agencies, corporations, governments and public relations practitioners to be at the top of their game as the industry goes through massive change. MEPRA’s members are working hard to navigate this change, by hearing from outside experts as well as learning from each other.”

The new Board is structured around a number of initiatives for 2015, meant to advance the public relations agenda of its members.