MEPRA announces finalists in 10th edition of Awards
The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) announced the finalists for the 2018 MEPRA Awards last week, with more than 30 agencies and in-house communication teams shortlisted to win across 26 categories. Finalists will be awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze during a black-tie gala event on November 28 in Dubai.
This year marks the 10th edition of the ceremony, which celebrates and recognises the most creative and impactful practitioners in the Middle East. The MEPRA Awards is open to all Middle East-based agencies, corporates, government organisations and non-profits working in the communications profession.
Apco Worldwide, Asda’a BCW, Cicero & Bernay, Four Communications Group, Hill+ Knowlton Strategies, Seven Media and Weber Shandwick MENA are in the running to win the coveted Large Agency of The Year award, while Acorn Strategy, Brazen, Kekst CNC, Markettiers, Sociate and Taqarabu Hybrid Communications will compete for the Small Agency of the Year title. The In-House Team of the Year award is also split by size, with Emirates Global Aluminium and Etihad Aviation Group vying for Large InHouse Team of the Year and Dubai Properties and Marriott International contending for Small In-House Team of the Year.
For the first time the Dave Robinson Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year Agency & Corporate winners will receive a MEPRA Academy scholarship. Both the agency and corporate winners will be rewarded with eight complimentary training sessions from the 2019 MEPRA Academy calendar to assist with their professional development.
This year saw 231 entries submitted for the Awards, which were assessed by a panel of more than 50 regional and international industry experts to select the 2018 finalists and winners. The judging process was also reviewed by AMEC CEO Barry Leggetter, who served as an independent adjudicator.
MEPRA Awards judge and managing director of Hanover Middle East Jonty Summers said: “The quality of entries submitted for this year’s Awards is very strong. There are some real stand-out entries, highlighting how public relations teams in this region are delivering impactful business results for organisations through creativity, storytelling and thoughtful planned campaigns.”