jump to navigation

Dubai Lynx shortlists, advertising seminars and workshops keep delegates busy on Day 1 April 1, 2008

Posted by Farrukh Naeem at copywriterjournalist.com in : Ad Blogging, Adblog Arabia, Advertising, Advertising Awards, Advertising Events, Advertising in Dubai, Advertising in the Middle East, Advertising in the UAE, Amanda Benfell, BTL Advertising, Cannes Lions 2008, David Droga, Droga5, Dubai International Advertising Festival, Dubai Lynx Awards, International Advertising Association (IAA), Kerry Platts, Lack of creativity in advertising, New York Festivals, Pirana Dubai, Samer Marzouq, Text Appeal, Wunderman Dubai, Zeid Nasser , add a comment

The first ever Dubai International Advertising Festival and the 2nd Dubai Lynx Awards started off well on Monday, 31 March 2008.

Two things most looked forward to on this day were the shortlist of Print, Outdoor, Media and Direct categories and the chance to listen to David Droga - the first seminar after the inauguration of the festival by the Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Chairman of TECOM.

The shortlist announced today had a total of 383 entries - 195 in Print, 109 in Outdoor, 50 in Direct and 29 in Media. The overall standard looked pretty high this time.

The much awaited Droga5 seminar was packed with ad professionals eager to hear what one of the world’s hottest creative directors has to say about creating positive brand momentum. Seminars and workshops included those by Getty, Eardrum, IAA and EMAAR, Text Appeal and Jumeirah, Brandhome and Eurosport.

I met up with many friends in the ad business. Zeid Nasser of Adblog Arabia and MediaMe who’s come all the way from Jordan. Samer Marzouq of the Jazarah blog. Shehzad of Pirana Dubai, who has been on the jury of New York Festivals. Kerry Platts of Wunderman MENA, a wonderful CD to work with when it comes to Direct, who has been on the Cannes jury from UAE.

Amanda Benfell, the event’s PR and Press Manager, has been very helpful all along. The Press Centre is well equipped. The award-winning work showcased from Cannes and Eurobest makes one feel like a little, tiny dot in the creative universe.

If you’re at the Dubai Lynx, why not share your notes and experiences here? I’d be happy to post inputs from attendees on this blog for everyone’s benefit. You could also show me your work if it’s made it!