MEPRA awards 2015 jury announces shortlisted finalists

• From established agencies to corporate giants, this year’s ballot saw the presence of over 150 entries 
• 113 shortlist entities to race for the much awaited industry awards

Dubai UAE, December 6, 2015:  In recognition of the outstanding contribution and unwavering dedication to the Public relations Industry, the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) has announced the shortlisted campaigns and agencies for this year’s MEPRA award. As part of the eighth edition of the awards, the winners will be celebrated at a gala dinner hosted at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai on Monday 14 December starting at 7pm. 

Thriving as the only public relations and communications industry focused awards in the region, the MEPRA received an overwhelming amount of entries from countries including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates, for sixteen different categories.  
After a comprehensive analysis, the finalists have been chosen by a panel, which was presided over by Justin Kent, Managing Director at Fabric, alongside nine of the region’s most accomplished Public Relations professionals. 

Commenting on the shortlisted entries, Carine Duvignaud, MEPRA’s General Manager, said, “The entries this year show a wider range of analytical approaches across the PR industry and a broader scope of elements. It's great to see the growing interest in this field, as it is becoming increasingly critical for companies to have increased awareness of the brand by creating a critical path. From the vast pool of entries we have received, we have evaluated firms based on a number of related parameters and we are extremely keen to witness the winners in each category”

The nominees are divided into categories, which includes

• Consumer Good
• Consumer Services
• Health Care & Services
• Corporate Reputation and Image
• Government Communications
• Business to Business
• Financial PR
• CSR & Environmental PR
• Best Intergrated Campaign
• Best Use of Social Media
• Best Use of Media Relations
• Best Employee Engagement
• Best Live Event
• Agency of the year
• The Dave Robinson Award – Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year

This unique evening, is being sponsored by a mix of leading firms in the region such as Mubadala Development Company, Fabric, Carma, Pepsico International, Pan Arab Research Center, Middlesex University Dubai, Edelman, PR Newswire, Buz Marketing and Management Consultancy, Markettiers4dc and Sumo Sushi and Bento

The list of Jury members includes Huda Buhumaid, Senior Vice President Group Marketing & Communications, Dubai Holdings, Lisa Ashworth, PR Newswire, Michael Miller, Head of Investor, Media & Public Relations Group Finance, Treasury & Strategy, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, David Kingsmill-Moore, Managing Director MENA, CNC – Communications & Network Consulting, Sarah Walker-Kerr, Regional Director Public Relations Middle East, Africa & India, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Taryam Hasan Qayed Al Subaihi, Director ­ Corporate Communications, TAQA, Justin Kent, Managing Director, Fabric, James Mullan, Managing Partner, Insight Consultancy, Jamal Al Mawed, Regional PR and Corporate Communications Manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited, Huw Gilbert, Vice President Corporate Affairs Asia, Middle East & Africa, PEPSICO