The Middle East PR Association (Mepra), a nonprofit organisation that represents public relations (PR) practitioners in the region, has launched its the fourth annual regional awards scheme in Dubai.

The awards seek to recognise and reward agencies, teams and individuals practicing and delivering excellence in the public relations sector in the Middle East, and are backed by some of the region’s top performers in the industry.

This year will see a significant increase in the number of best practice categories, doubling the opportunities for the industry to have their campaigns recognised, Mepra said in a statement.

There will also be an even more stringent judging process, particularly with regards to measurement and evaluation, bringing the Mepra Awards in line with international PR awards criteria, it added.

Sconaid McGeachin, chair of Mepra, said: “As we enter our fourth year, the Mepra Awards continue to offer an unmatchable platform on which PR practitioners can showcase the creativity, hard work and value PR brings to the region’s communications industry.”

“I strongly encourage those involved in the PR industry throughout the region to enter. In addition to the professional credibility, peer recognition and personal and team motivation that comes with being awarded such an accolade, the Mepra Awards play an important part in the ongoing measurement and development of our industry in the Middle East, of which all winners are a key component,” he added.

The Mepra scheme is considered the leading awards programme in the Middle East for the public relations industry, receiving a wealth of quality submissions in 2011 from across the region.

In 2012, 24 best practice categories, plus team and individual awards will underline the range of the industry and will recognise the achievements of a sector that is estimated to be worth $500 million annually.

Fifteen new categories have been added this year to offer more choice in selecting a category that is natural fit for communicating successes and strengths in specialised and segmented topics.

Mepra recognises the importance of personal development, especially in young PR practitioners and offers regular training and development opportunities to individuals. This is demonstrated in the awards categories targeted at identifying and rewarding the region’s shining stars of PR, including the ‘Young Communicator of the Year’ and ‘Chairman's Award’ categories.

Mepra Young Communicator of the Year 2011 Sonal Rupani, said: “By recognising excellence in the region’s communications industry, the Mepra awards support continued growth and innovation in the field.”

“The awards night validates the hard work we all put in and gives us the opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments with friends and colleagues. Receiving the Young Communicator award last year has been a great motivator for me to continue to challenge myself and grow in my career.”

The deadline for submission of entries for the 2012 Mepra Awards is October 11, the statement said.

The Mepra awards ceremony and gala dinner will be held on December 5 at the Westin Hotel, Dubai. – TradeArabia News Service