MEPRA’s Annual Creative Communications Festival, REMAP, Returns To The UAE

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) announces the return of REMAP, a creative communications festival, following its successful debut in 2018. The event is set to take place at The Fridge Warehouse on Tuesday 19^th November 2019 and will begin at 8:30am. Speakers at the event include James Lamon, Sheikha Al Maskari, Lydia Slaby, Ian Ohan, Lucy D’Abo, Oisin Commane, Hebah Fisher, Diana Baddar, Paddy Hobbs, Joe Burdon, Mandy Keegan and Jon Bramley.

The festival will focus on the evolution of modern public relations, building connections through content and tapping into the minds of content creators to unleash the undiscovered realm of creative thinking. With some of the most renowned creative minds, the event will deliver inspiring debates, engaging topics and showcase globally recognised campaigns.

Begin the morning with networking over breakfast with fellow communications professionals followed by an introduction by Lisa Welsh, Vice Chair, MEPRA and the opening keynote by James Lamon, Head of Content at Buzzfeed UK as he discusses the transforming art of content creation and consumption.

Discover how the UAE Space Agency’s PR and communications efforts contributed to the UAE’s transformation into a hub for the space industry, securing their position as the leader of the MENA space sector on the international stage. Their creative and engaging campaigns have generated enormous interest in space science and exploration, demonstrated by the popularity of the UAE’s first astronaut campaign.

Explore the insights of bridging the gap between the left brain, right brain and the heart as Author, Speaker and Consultant Lydia Slaby talks about combining her skills and experience to support humanity’s connectedness, creativity, and advancement. A survivor of multiple health challenges, she is dedicated to helping people recognize, accept, and thrive inside transformation and transition.

Hear the story of the rise of Freedom Pizza told by the CEO and Founder himself, Ian Ohan followed by an interactive panel discussion on brands going beyond understanding and transmitting ideas, to develop campaigns which influence and impact the thinking, attitudes or behaviour of an audience through purpose driven communications.

Study the art of storytelling through sound as Hebah Fisher, Co-founder & CEO, Kerning Cultures provides an overview of the global podcast landscape and how the wave is taking over the Middle East. Learn more about YouTube content from Diana Baddar, Head of Partnerships, MENA & Turkey, YouTube and how brands can successfully collaborate with content creators to engage audiences in a meaningful and authentic way.

Watch brand leaders like Paddy Hobbs, Associate Director and Joe Burdon, Account Director, The Romans talk about purposeful campaigning and being bold in your brand’s approach. Finally end the day by uncovering the biggest upcoming event in the region, Expo 2020 as Mandy Keegan, Director of Media Operations and Jon Bramley, Vice President of Communications, EXPO 2020 Dubai discuss how the event is set to boost the UAE’s global reputation and encourage economic, and cultural growth like never before.

The REMAP Festival and 2019 MEPRA Awards is supported by corporate and agency partners including, APCO Worldwide, Etihad Aviation Group, Canadian University Dubai, CARMA, Four Communications Group, Hanover Middle East, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, LexisNexis, Mastercard, Mubadala Investment Company and YouGov MENA.

List of Speakers for REMAP 2019

• James Lamon, Head of Content at Buzzfeed UK
• Sheikha Al Maskari, Chief Innovation Office at the UAE Space Agency,
• Lydia Slaby, Author
• Ian Ohan, CEO & Founder of Freedom Pizza
• Lucy D’Abo, Communications Consultant
• Oisin Commane, Head of Sustainability Week Abu Dhabi, Masdar
• Hebah Fisher, CEO and co-founder of Kerning Cultures
• Diana Baddar, Head of Partnerships for YouTube MENA & Turkey
• Paddy Hobbs, Associate Director at The Romans
• Joe Burdon, Account Director at The Romans
• Mandy Keegan, Director of Media Operations for EXPO 2020
• Jon Bramley, Vice President of Communications for EXPO 2020

For more information log on to www.remapxmepra.com or email community@mepra.org