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Five Minute Focus – PRCA x TMN Training

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With the launch of the ‘PRCA x TMN Training’ by Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and The Media Network (TMN), Team TMN sit down with Leanne Foy, General Manager at PRCA MENA to talk about the initiative and what to expect…

Tell us about the concept behind the ‘PRCA x TMN Training’…

The concept behind PRCA x TMN training is to provide a platform for continuous professional development. We strive to deliver excellent training that develops talent in the region by offering online training through our live or on demand 90-minute interactive webinars, half day, face-to-face and bespoke training as well as our global CPD program. By developing talent, we will keep the industry up to date with emerging trends and best practices. This results in increasing industry standards, talent retention and more effective practices.

Who is your target audience and how can they get involved?

PRCA has training courses at introductory, intermediate and advance levels. We are targeting those that work in PR and communications looking to enhance their professional development.

What is the approximate cost per session?

Our face-to-face half day training courses are priced at AED 695 for members and AED 1,295 for non-members. The online training webinars are priced at AED 295 for members and AED 395 for non-members.

Can you give us some more details about the trainers?

All of our trainers are industry professionals and have completed a PRCA trainer’s accreditation, where they have been observed on delivering a training session. All trainers are part of our quality assurance plan and are observed every six months as part of our quality promise.

Why should agencies participate in the training session?

Training and development is a proven technique in retaining talent. It demonstrates staff investment, and will train staff in key areas of the business.

What kind of changes are you hoping to promote and encourage with this training?

One of the PRCA’s main objectives is to increase the standards in the industry. Training and professional development is one way we are actively doing this. Our training incorporates best practice and develops talent.

Why did you feel the need to launch the PRCA x TMN Training in the region?

The PRCA has an extremely successful and comprehensive professional development program, with certified training to an industry standard. PRCA MENA has adopted this in the region after consulting with our members and identifying a lack of industry accredited training. It is vital that we develop and retain talent in our industry and by partnering with TMN it will extend our reach.

How does this training course differ from other courses in the region?

PRCA MENA training courses are certified by the most dynamic industry body for PR and communications. All of our training courses whether they are online or face-to-face contribute to our global CPD program. We offer a variety of training across key skills, writing, digital, creative, crisis, public affairs, winning new business, personal skills and finance and profitability, at introductory, intermediate and advance levels.

What has been your advertising strategy in the region?

We’re promoting our training courses through our networks of members and non-members as well as through content such as our newsletter.

What is the reaction you expect from participants, following the training sessions?

We expect our participants to be extremely satisfied with their courses – we require very high levels of feedback for all trainers.

What benefits are participants expected to gain from the sessions?

Increased knowledge in the subject field, alongside areas of best practice and techniques to use in their day to day work. All sessions have a set of learning outcomes relevant for each course.

What does the future hold for the PRCA x TMN Training?

We will continue to work with our members to identify skills gaps and develop training courses that meet their needs.

SOCIATE welcomes new PR Assistant and Copywriter

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Dubai-based marketing and PR agency, SOCIATE has appointed Nichole Miranda to the role of PR Assistant and Copywriter. Nichole has previously worked with publications such as Gulf News, Diners Club and Read magazine. In her new role, she will work on creating engaging content and assisting the PR team with a variety tasks.

“While I majored in public relations at university, I’ve always played for team journalist and I am looking forward to learning a wealth of new skills at SOCIATE,” says Nichole. “My colleagues are a brilliant bunch who tirelessly make a group effort, every day, to support the company. I’m incredibly excited to be working with this homegrown brand.”

FP7/DXB appoints new Managing Director

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Full service advertising agency, FP7/DXB has appointed Jon Marchant to the role of Managing Director. Jon most recently worked with McCann Central UK, where he held the roles of Managing Director and Board Director. In his new role, he will focus on meeting FP7/DXB’s growth goals as well as building on its reputation for creative solutions and campaigns.

“FP7 are a brilliant and talented bunch who have proved time and again that brave creativity and commercial effectiveness go hand in hand,” says Jon. “I’m super-excited to be leading the charge, as we look to further enhance and evolve the agency’s offering and act as trusted advisors to our impressive array of clients.”

New appointment at Spark*

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Creative and branding agency, Spark* has appointed Nadine Abboud to the role of Director of Client Services. With over 15 years of integrated marketing and communications experience, Nadine has worked across several international and government clients including Mövenpick Hotels, Emirates Airlines and Unilever, where she formulated and executed marketing communication plans. In her new role, she will be responsible for providing the client servicing team with direction and support as well as overseeing campaign execution and working closely with all Spark* clients as their strategic advisor.

“I am delighted to be joining the dynamic team at Spark* – one that lives and breathes communication just as I have done throughout my career,” says Nadine. “Together we aim to have a significant impact by harnessing the power of excellent ideas for the benefit of our clients.”

SOCIATE makes new appointment

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Dubai-based marketing and PR agency, SOCIATE has appointed Tazeen Jafri to the role of PR Executive and Storyscaper. Tazeen previously worked with Matrix PR as Public Relations and Social Media Assistant, and most recently with Catalyst Arts Entertainment as Public Relations and Communications Assistant. In her new role, she will work on evolving traditional storytelling as well as establishing relationships with clients, developing pitches and executing communication plans. She will also focus on creating social media calendars, reports and blogs.

“I believe that PR professionals are born with the role,” says Tazeen. “It takes a certain amount of grit and passion to see the beauty in the chaos that is Public Relations. It’s a great sense of self-fulfillment when you’re a part of a supportive team who are always available to help in lifting the load.”

Sarah Garden joins Harper’s Bazaar Arabia

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Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, part of ITP Media Group has appointed Sarah Garden to the role of Digital Editor. Having joined ITP Media Group in 2015, Sarah most recently worked with ShortList Dubai and ShortList Abu Dhabi. In her new role, she will be responsible for harpersbazaararabia.com and the associated social media channels, overseeing the brand’s editorial and video content.

COPIA launches first global office

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Dubai-based communication and lifestyle agency, COPIA Group has launched its first office in Canada as a part of its global expansion plan. The new office is based in Toronto and will focus on crafting creative content and experiences, whilst granting accessibility across Canada. The new launch will also see the appointment of Sherry Boisvert to the role of Managing Partner bringing with her over 20 years of PR and corporate communications experience. Sherry previously worked in Canada with Citizen Relations and most recently with NARRATIVE PR, holding the role of Vice President at both agencies. In her new role, she will work closely with COPIA’s Dubai partners, Rania El Sadek and Katherine Raso to oversee all the agency’s operations and expand its presence across Canada.

“COPIA’s position has always been one of ‘local presence, global network’ and we felt the time was right to strengthen that even further with an office in Toronto,” says Rania El Sadek, Founder, COPIA Group. “It’s a vibrant city in the heart of Canada and with our expertise and connections on an international level, it made sense for us to make the move and expand to a second home.”

The National appoints new Senior Business Correspondent

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Abu Dhabi-based newspaper, The National has appointed Sarah Townsend to the role of Senior Business Correspondent. Sarah most recently worked at Arabian Business, part of ITP Media Group and previously worked in the UK on a number of business publications including, Property Week, Third Sector, Financial Times and The Daily Telegraph. In her new role, she will join the business desk and focus on topics related to the aviation, law and real estate industries as well as assist the team with other projects when required.

“I am really excited to join The National’s business desk at a time when the newspaper has recently relaunched and is expanding with new journalists and more global coverage,” says Sarah. “I look forward to developing in the new role.”