Latest news with #KateMidttun
Syyaha
17 hours ago
- Business
- Syyaha
Middle East Public Relations Association to Host Annual KSA Leadership Majlis in October, Focusing on Powering Progress in Communications
The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) is proud to announce its annual KSA Leadership Majlis, set to take place on October 8, 2025, in Riyadh. Under the theme 'Powering Progress: Communications at the Crossroads of Innovation, Influence and Impact,' the Majlis will bring together leading public relations and communications professionals from across the region and around the Majlis will feature high-level keynote speeches and dynamic panel discussions exploring the rapidly evolving communications landscape. The industry is currently shaped by a powerful convergence of innovation, influence, and impact, redefining communications as not just a facilitator of connection but a critical enabler of a more intelligent, immersive, and connected world.'Saudi Arabia's communications landscape is evolving at a breathtaking pace. We're seeing remarkable talent rise to meet a moment of extraordinary ambition. But with that promise comes the responsibility to build with intention and impact, to elevate the role of communications from tactical support to strategic driver,' said Kate Midttun, Chairperson of MEPRA. 'The Majlis matters because it gives us space to pause and think collectively about where we're headed, not just as communicators, but as contributors to the Kingdom's future. As expectations rise and the stakes grow higher, the conversations we have here will shape how our industry grows, leads, and leaves a legacy.'Confirmed speakers include Rabih El Amine, Founder of Alef International and the Lebanese Executives Council, who will deliver a keynote on 'Communications in the Era of Transformation.' Other distinguished speakers include:Monther Tayeb, MEPRA Fellow & Executive Board Member; Chair of the KSA Leadership Majlis Committee; Managing Director, Influential CommunicationsLoma Jaber, Managing Director, Hewar GroupHeba Fatani, MEPRA Strategy Board Member; Director General, RAK Government Media OfficeHattan Alghalayani, MEPRA Strategy Board Member; Chief Communication Officer, Misk FoundationDiscussions will focus on the future of the communications industry, emphasizing it not as a linear journey, but as a complex interplay of technological advancement, social influence, and meaningful impact. Speakers will highlight how true progress hinges on organizations embracing emerging technologies such as AI and 5G, while responsibly navigating their social, ethical, and environmental implications. Communications is no longer merely a utility; it is the central nervous system of our modern world, with its trajectory significantly shaping the future of society.A dedicated session will also spotlight Saudi Arabia's approach to youth empowerment in communications, in line with Vision 2030. This conversation will explore how the Kingdom is fostering a vibrant environment for both local and international investment and positioning itself as a global leader in innovation, driven by an empowered, future-ready will present its 2025 Kingdom Reputation Report, titled 'How Saudi Arabia's Global Reputation is Evolving in the Age of Vision 2030,' delivered by Mazen Nahawi, MEPRA Fellow & Executive Board Member, Founder & Group CEO of year's Majlis is proudly supported by:Platinum Partner: Alef InternationalGold Insights Partner: CARMAGold Partner: Hewar GroupSupporting Partners: Jummar PR and A2Z Media Group The event will conclude with the MEPRA Fellowship Awards, recognizing the highest level of membership awarded by the MEPRA Board to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the PR and communications industry in the Middle East.
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Acorn Strategy partners with future communicators foundation to launch scholarship at Murdoch University Dubai
DUBAI: Acorn Strategy, the award-winning integrated marketing and communications agency with offices across the UAE, Asia, Australia, and UK, is proud to announce the launch of a new four-year scholarship program in partnership with the Future Communicators Foundation (FCF) and Murdoch University Dubai. The Acorn Strategy FCF Scholarship represents a US $10,000 commitment over four years, providing US $2,500 annually to one outstanding senior student in the School of Media and Communication at Murdoch University Dubai. The scholarship focuses on developing communication skills around critical sustainability challenges, with the inaugural 2025 theme addressing "Water Sustainability and Desalination in the Desert." "As a communications agency deeply committed to both professional development and environmental stewardship in the region, we're excited to launch this scholarship program," said Kate Midttun, Founder and CEO of Acorn Strategy and Chairperson of the Middle East Public Relations Association (MERPA). "Water sustainability is a critical issue for the UAE's future, and we believe effective communication will play an essential role in addressing these challenges. This scholarship embodies our dedication to cultivating thoughtful, strategic communicators who can drive meaningful change." Scholarship participants will create innovative campaign briefs, slide decks, and video pitches focused on raising awareness and motivating action around water conservation and sustainable desalination practices. The winner will receive not only financial support but also a valuable mentoring session with an Acorn Strategy senior executive. "This partnership with Murdoch University Dubai and the Future Communicators Foundation aligns perfectly with our core values at Acorn Strategy," added Midttun. "We've always believed in the power of strategic communication to solve complex challenges, and we're proud to invest in developing talent that will shape the future of our industry and region." Professor Peter Waring, Pro Vice Chancellor Transnational Education and Acting Dubai Dean at Murdoch University Dubai, expressed appreciation for the new partnership: "We are honoured that Acorn Strategy has chosen to invest in our students through this scholarship program. This collaboration will provide invaluable opportunities for our communication students to apply their skills to real-world sustainability challenges." As part of this initiative, Kate Midttun has also been appointed as a Global Trustee of the Future Communicators Foundation, joining leaders from other prominent global agencies supporting similar scholarship programs worldwide. Acorn Strategy becomes the first agency in the Middle East to join this prestigious global initiative. Applications for the scholarship are now open to eligible Murdoch University Dubai students, with submissions due by June 6th, 2025. The scholarship winner will be announced in July 2025. About Acorn Strategy Acorn Strategy is an award-winning marketing and communications agency, specialising in smarter, integrated strategies that deliver measurable results. With a global reach and offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jakarta, Melbourne, and London, Acorn Strategy supports clients across diverse industries by blending insights, creativity, and precision. Founded in 2010, the agency leverages collective senior leadership experience and evidence-based methodologies to achieve outcomes that align directly with clients' business objectives. From integrated strategy and delivery to brand marketing communications, digital marketing, strategic communications, and marketing operations and advisory, Acorn Strategy connects the dots to drive impactful, end-to-end solutions for companies. About Murdoch University Dubai Murdoch University Dubai is a branch campus of Murdoch University, one of Australia's research-intensive universities based in Perth, Western Australia. Established in 2008, the campus is located at the Dubai Knowledge Park. Murdoch University Dubai has one of the leading Media and Communication schools in the region offering a highly rated Bachelor of Communication degree in Strategic Communication and Web Communication. Its students and alumni have won several industry awards and recognition over the years. About the Future Communicators Foundation The Future Communicators Foundation (FCF) provides aspiring young professionals with scholarships, learning opportunities, and outreach programs that foster communication skills around sustainability, climate and social justice. The FCF is an initiative of The PR Trust, a 501(c)(6) non-profit organisation that provides knowledge and networking opportunities, student scholarships and awards programs that elevate and empower aspiring professionals and young leaders in communications.
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kate Midttun re-elected as Middle East Public Relations Association Chairperson for second term
Dubai, UAE: The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) has announced the re-election of Kate Midttun, Founder & CEO of Acorn Strategy, as Chairperson for a second consecutive term. Jon Barber, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at TECOM Group Dubai, has also been re-elected as Vice Chair. Both leaders were first elected in 2022 and will continue to drive MEPRA's vision for growth, excellence, and industry advancement across the region for the next two years. Under their leadership, MEPRA has gone from strength to strength, expanding its influence and impact across the Middle East. The association has seen a significant increase in membership, welcoming more agencies, corporates, and individual professionals into its growing community. Key industry partnerships have been strengthened, with MEPRA establishing a strong presence in Kuwait through its participation in the Kuwait Summit in 2024 and expanding its footprint in Qatar with the inaugural MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis set to take place on 26 February in Doha. The past year marked MEPRA's most successful awards ceremony to date, with a record-breaking number of entries and attendees. In a major milestone, MEPRA also launched its Artificial Intelligence Guidelines in both Arabic and English, further solidifying its role as a thought leader in the industry. 'Leading MEPRA over the past two years has been an honour, and I am delighted to continue in this role. Our industry is evolving rapidly, and MEPRA remains committed to driving excellence, fostering innovation, and supporting PR professionals across the region. With our continued growth and ambitious plans for 2025, we are excited to build on this momentum and make an even greater impact,' said Kate Midttun, Chairperson of MEPRA. Alongside the reappointment of the Chair and Vice Chair, MEPRA has also announced the promotion of Dalya Mohamed to General Manager. Over the past three years, Dalya has played a pivotal role in driving MEPRA's growth and success, working closely with the board to expand the association's reach and deliver impactful initiatives. Jon Barber, Vice Chair of MEPRA added, 'The past two years have been a period of significant growth and transformation for MEPRA. From record-breaking events to deeper regional engagement, we have made great strides in strengthening our industry. As we look to the future, our focus remains on expanding MEPRA's reach, providing valuable opportunities for our members, and ensuring that the PR and communications profession in the Middle East continues to thrive.' With strong leadership in place, MEPRA is set to build on its successes and continue shaping the future of public relations and communications in the region. About the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA): 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. For more information visit Contact: Dalya Mohamed - dalya@
