The Brief by MEPRA

Weber Shandwick MENAT has recently released its inaugural InfluAnswer Arabia Report. The report aims to amplify the perspectives of content creators across the Middle East and North Africa, and share insights for brands to build stronger and more powerful partnerships. Above all, it hopes to contribute to a deeper knowledge of the evolving influencer ecosystem in the region.

In light of this release, we’re excited to be hosting this episode of 'The Brief' by MEPRA with Weber Shandwick MENAT to discuss the evolving marketing landscape from a brand, agency, and influencer perspective.

Ola Zaidan, Manager, Influencer Relations, Weber Shandwick MENAT

Ronald Balit, Communications Director, GM, Cadillac

Rama Murad, Content Creator & Influencer

Ghaleb Zeidan, Regional Managing Director, Weber Shandwick MENAT

Produced by LPME Studios

The Cannes Festival of Creativity in June, provides a perfect backdrop to explore the celebration of creativity in the Middle East. With several representatives from the region attending, this episode dives into how regional creativity stands up against global campaigns. This episode also offers insights into the MENA region's unique perspective on creativity.

Featuring:

Joe Lipscombe, Partner, The Romans

Judy Bakieh, Senior Integrated Communications Manager, Gambit Communications

Razan Karim, Senior Communications Director, HAVAS Red ME

Hfu Reisenhofer, Senior Communications Manager, GEMS Education

Produced by LPME Studios. www.lp.me

As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we explore the crucial topic of mental health with PR professionals in MENA. We discuss strategies for managing stress in the fast-paced world of public relations, the importance of mental health awareness, and the support systems available within the industry.

Kate Midttun - MEPRA Chairperson, Founder & CEO, Acorn Strategy

Scott Armstrong - Founder, Mentl

Tania Kteily - MEPRA Youth Board Vice President, Account Director, Weber Shandwick MENAT

Kevin Teixeira - Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Warehouse Gym

Produced by LPME Studios. www.lp.me

In this episode of The Brief, MEPRA Executive Board Member & SVP Communications of Mubadala, Neda Shelton, speaks to Brian Lott, Chief Communications Officer at Mubadala, Chair of the Arthur W.Page Society, and former MEPRA Chair, to discuss the ESG and Stakeholder Capitalism, and the role of

Communications Leaders - focusing on the recent CCO Guide released by Page.

In this episode of The Brief, MEPRA Executive Board Member & CEO of Acorn Strategy, Kate Midttun, speaks to Parry Headrick, the Founder of Crackle PR; Elise Misse, Global Communications Measurement Manager and Double‐Gold AMEC Award Winner for Global Communications Measurement and Evaluation, and last but not least Annabel Amann, Global Head of Client Experience at Acorn Strategy, to discuss the importance of measurement in PR and how it is an integral part within the communications industry.

This episode will delve into  Mubadala’s recent campaign, “Investing in innovation: The future is here”. The exciting film explores how Mubadala is building future economies for a sustainable tomorrow, and includes interviews with leading UAE figures who have contributed significantly to the development of the UAE by leveraging advanced technology and innovative thinking. We will hear how the campaign came to life and the communications strategy developed to support the launch of the film.

This episode of the brief is hosted by MEPRA Youth Board VP, Hanisha Lalwani who will interview bestselling author, creative writing lecturer and communications professional Jessica Jarlvi to discuss the power of storytelling, not only in creative writing but also as a tool to engage and connect with your audience as a brand. They also discuss the MEPRA Youth Board Creative Writing Competition, which is now accepting entries. Visit mepra.org/creativewritingcomp for more. 

This episode of the brief will feature an interview with Jack Pearce, MEPRA Founder, former Chair and Founder of Matrix Public Relations. Taryam and Jack will take a look back to where it all began with MEPRA and how far we have come as we celebrate 20 years of supporting communications professionals in the Middle East.

This episode of the brief features an interview with Khaled Tash, Vice President Corporate Communications at Saudi Arabian Airlines ‐ SAUDIA to discuss the thriving communications industry in Saudi Arabia, opportunities for further growth and challenges to overcome.

The podcast episode is hosted by Taryam Al Subaihi, MEPRA Chair and Director of Corporate Communications, EWEC.

This episode of the brief features three MEPRA Board Members who lead small and medium consultancies. They will be addressing the biggest concerns and opportunities faced by SMEs in our industry, following results from a recent survey which revealed top challenges faced, plus discussing how MEPRA and the industry can come together to help grow the sector and our profession as a whole. 

Hosting the episode is Hilmarie Hutchison, MEPRA Strategy Board Member and CEO at Matrix PR with guests Ananda Shakespeare, MEPRA Strategy Board Member & CEO &  Founder at Shakespeare Communications and Kate Midttun, MEPRA Executive Board Member and Founder & Managing Director at Acorn Strategy.