Building on the success of its inaugural edition held last year, the second Beirut Public Relations Forum (BPRF) will be held at the Gefinor Rotana Hotel on 7-8 July 2010, under the patronage of Lebanon’s Minister of Information Dr. Tarek Mitri.
Organized by TRACCS in collaboration with the Institute for Media Training & Research at the Lebanese American University, the forum will explore strategic issues in the region’s public relations industry through a series of presentations, panel discussions and workshops, held under the theme ‘Brilliance’.
Keynote speaker, Paul Holmes, President and CEO of The Holmes Group which provides knowledge and insight for public relations professionals, and Editor of The Holmes Report, a weekly e-mail newsletter of opinion and analysis for the public relations industry, will highlight the role and value of public relations globally underscoring its growing importance. Holmes’ presence at BPRF will mark his first visit to the Middle East region.
The enthusiastic response to the 2009 edition led to the BPRF’s expansion into a two-day event this year, with the first day dedicated to discussions and dialogue led by highly respected regional and global communications experts, and the second day comprising of workshops on key topics of interest within the public relations industry.
Commenting on the forum, Lebanon’s Minister of Information, Dr. Mitri said, “It is encouraging to see the development of an authoritative platform that is focused on discussing and debating issues that are of growing interest within Lebanon’s public relations industry. Moreover, the communications fraternity in the Middle East is moving towards greater regional maturity and integration, and the BPRF provides a great opportunity to engage in candid dialogue which helps the development of not just the Lebanese public relations industry, but that of the region as a whole. Following my involvement with the inaugural Forum last year, I look forward to taking part in this year’s event.”
Highlights of the BPRF 2010 agenda include revealing the results of a PR Climate Survey conducted in Lebanon, case studies on PR strategies that have demonstrated brilliance in tough conditions and the relationship between Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing in the development of a Communications strategy. The second day of the forum will feature interactive workshops on organizing company communications programs, crises communications planning and social media strategies.
BPRF is a key initiative by TRACCS to fulfill its commitment towards building the public relations industry in the region, and fostering and nurturing local talent across different markets. TRACCS, as a regional network, has played a pivotal role in advancing and promoting the public relations industry by continuously developing new tools to enhance the quality of service, in addition to conceiving and administering a series of seminars, conferences and workshops across the region.
Sarah Al Ayed, Managing Partner TRACCS Saudi Arabia said, “The Beirut Public Relations Forum is a regional initiative by TRACCS, now in its second year, to further develop and promote the public relations industry in the Middle East. The communications landscape is rapidly changing and PR practitioners are expected to demonstrate brilliance, high quality and innovation, in designing comprehensive communication strategies and campaigns for their clients.”
“The communications industry is highly dynamic and quickly evolving through newer and more creative channels and tools, and the need of the hour is to offer clients communication plans that go beyond media relations, in order to achieve success. BPRF 2010 will further highlight the role of PR practitioners in ensuring a bright and competitive future of the industry.”
BPRF 2010 is supported by MTC Touch, Lebanese American University, Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Executive, Communicate Levant, Comtrax Solutions and Time Out Beirut.
