Dubai Lynx 2011: Advertisers to discuss Creativity

The UAE Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) announced today that it will be holding a panel discussion on “Creativity: What is Getting in our Way?” alongside Dubai Lynx 2011. The panel, composed of management “movers and shakers” in the advertising industry, will engage in a free flow of ideas on this vital and controversial subject. The panellists include Akram Miknas, Chairman, MCN (Middle East Communication Networks); Joseph Ghossoub, Chairman & CEO, Menacom Group; Raja Trad, CEO, Leo Burnett Group MENA; and Roy Haddad, Chairman & CEO, JWT.

To be held alongside Dubai Lynx 2011 on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 11:55 AM at the Madinat Jumeirah Arena, this stimulating debate is expected to attract a large audience representing a cross-section of players in the Middle Eastern advertising industry. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr Lance de Masi, President of The American University in Dubai and the IAA UAE Chapter.

Dr de Masi said: “Over the last decade, the advertising industry in the region has witnessed phenomenal growth and transformation. However, the word “creative” is not a top of mind adjective when it comes to characterizing the output here. Our objective is to expose our CEO’s thinking on how much of this is perception and how much is reality. “Where does the region stand, what explains where we are, where we are going, and how will we get there?”

The UAE Chapter is the largest IAA chapter in the world, reflecting the dynamic growth of the regional marketing and communications industries.

Dr. de Masi added: “A voice for the industry and a force for its development, the IAA UAE Chapter will continue to remain an unbiased advocate for the development of the marketing communications industry. Our aim at the Association is to inspire creativity, support professional excellence and raise industry standards.”

Dubai Lynx 2011, a part of the Dubai International Advertising Festival, is a meeting place for the Middle East and North Africa region advertising and communications industry will take place from March 27-29, 2011 at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. The Dubai Lynx Awards that honours the region’s best work in advertising will be held on March 30, 2011.

The Festival and Awards are part of the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival stable. Dubai Lynx Awards are organised with the support of Dubai Media City and in association with the UAE Chapter of the IAA