https://theprpost.com/post/8838/

Middle East PR agencies shine: Memac Ogilvy leads MEPRA awards nominations

The spotlight once again shines on the region’s finest communication campaigns and PR practitioners as the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) unveils its highly anticipated 2024 Awards shortlist. In its 16th year, this prestigious event saw a record-breaking 770 entries vying for 53 categories, evaluated by a distinguished panel of 130 industry leaders and veterans. A select group of five esteemed regional and international adjudicators ensured that only the most outstanding agencies and individuals were recognized for their contributions to the communications landscape.This year’s shortlist celebrates the strategic brilliance, exceptional client servicing, and creative excellence of the Middle East’s top PR agencies and professionals. Memac Ogilvy leads the nominations with 67, followed closely by Weber Shandwick with 51, and Gambit Communications securing 40. Each nomination highlights the industry’s dedication to harnessing the power of evolving media platforms and delivering innovative solutions while upholding excellence in execution and strategy.Kate Midttun, MEPRA Chairperson, highlighted the shifting themes in the communications industry, noting a stronger focus on sustainability and fostering world-class work cultures. She emphasized the region’s deep understanding of brand audiences and the growing link between creativity and business impact. "The entries this year set a commendable standard for strategic excellence in PR, demonstrating the transformative role PR professionals play in elevating client servicing and stakeholder engagement," Midttun said.Congratulating the finalists, she added, "Your work represents compelling campaigns, seamless teamwork, and unmatched creativity. The judging panel faced a tough challenge in selecting the best from such an impressive array of submissions. It’s exciting to see the bar raised with each edition, as we witness PR roles evolve in profound ways. The thoughtful research, meticulous execution, and innovative ideas displayed across categories are truly inspiring."The grand celebration will culminate in a black-tie gala at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, on 28th November 2024. This year, Weber Shandwick joins as the Diamond Partner for the third year in a row, while MSL Group Middle East, Action Global Communications, and Memac Ogilvy participate as Platinum Partners. Supporting partners include CARMA, Edelman, Mubadala, TECOM Group Dubai, SEC Newgate Middle East, TrailRunner International, and Burson.MEPRA is the region’s leading industry body for public relations and communications professionals. With over 1,000 members from consultancies, corporates, and individual practitioners, MEPRA has been setting industry standards since its inception in 2001. Headquartered in the UAE, it drives growth, sets benchmarks for excellence, and supports the development of PR professionals across the Middle East.
https://theprpost.com/post/8664/

Acorn Strategy’s Kate Midttun joins Future Communicators board

Kate Midttun, Founder and CEO of Acorn Strategy, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Future Communicators Foundation (FCF). Midttun, a trailblazing entrepreneur who became the first female to receive Abu Dhabi’s prestigious Golden Visa, continues to lead Acorn Strategy, an award-winning communications agency based in the UAE. The agency is also partnering with FCF to offer an annual scholarship, providing aspiring communication leaders with financial support and mentorship to foster future talent in the industry.
https://theprpost.com/post/6894/

AI guidelines for PR pros unveiled at UAE Leadership Majlis

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) successfully hosted its 9th edition of the UAE Leadership Majlis. The prestigious event gathered more than 100 industry leaders, under the theme "The Potential and Dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI)" at the New York University Abu Dhabi, The Arts Centre, Abu Dhabi. The event also saw the launch of the MEPRA AI Guidelines; Developed by MEPRA’s AI Committee the guidelines aim to provide a framework for using AI for communications professionals in the Middle East. The guidelines are intended to be used alongside direction, policies and references to help inform ethical and legal use of the technology in our working lives.The Leadership Majlis explored the multidimensional aspects of AI, where it hosted experts from across the industry that brought insight through the diversity of their expertise and knowledge. The Majlis provided the optimum platform to explore opportunities and solutions for the communications industry in supporting the ever evolving incorporation of AI in daily practices in the communications industry and beyond. “At G42, we are deeply committed to shaping the future of AI, ensuring it acts as a catalyst for positive change. MEPRA's event allowed us to have productive conversations about the opportunities and challenges brought forth by AI for communications and marketing professionals. AI is not just enhancing storytelling, streamlining processes and supporting creativity; it's redefining our thinking patterns, consumer behaviour and the way we communicate with one another. Our dedication to advancing these technologies responsibly underscores our mission, as we continue to innovate with a strong emphasis on ethical practices and societal well-being in collaboration with industry associations,” commented Faheem Ahamed, Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at G42Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer, Dubai Holding, and Jonty Summers, Managing Director, Hanover Middle East were honoured with the MEPRA Fellowship award for their outstanding contributions to the communications industry."As this year's MEPRA Majlis concludes, we are pleased that this year's theme 'The Potential and Dangers of Artificial Intelligence' produced profound discussions and insights that have emerged from our exploration of the event. It has not only served as a platform for thought leadership but also as a catalyst for actionable strategies within the communications industry. The engagement and enthusiasm from our community have been truly inspiring! Together, we have taken a significant step forward in understanding how AI can be harnessed responsibly to enhance our work and the businesses we support. MEPRA remains committed to leading these essential conversations, ensuring our members are at the cutting edge of communication trends and technologies." highlighted Kate Midttun, MEPRA Chairperson and Founder/CEO, Acorn Strategy."The MEPRA UAE Leadership Majlis 2024 partners included CARMA, Mubadala, and APCO.MEPRA is the leading industry body for the public relations and communications industry in the Middle East, with over 1,000 members. Founded in 2001, MEPRA drives growth, sets standards of excellence, and fosters a strong, connected community of PR professionals.