2019 MEPRA AWARDS

ENTRY KIT
IMPORTANT DATES

• Entry deadline: [30 September 2019] 11.59pm UTC + 4:00.

• Please note the entry deadline date is final, and there will be no extensions
provided. The system will automatically prevent entry submission after the deadline.
• All entries must be for work substantially completed between 1 July 2018 and the
entry deadline (30 September 2019)
• Finalists announced: [w/c 27 October 2019]
• Awards presentation ceremony: [20 November 2019]

ENTRY COST

• Members: AED 800 per main entry

• Members: AED 400 per additional entry for same submission in each additional
category

• Non-Members: AED 1,000 per main entry

• Non-Members AED 500 per additional entry for same submission in each additional
category

USEFUL LINKS

• MEPRA website: www.mepra.org/awards

• Enter the 2019 MEPRA Awards here: https://mepra.awardsplatform.com

SUPPORT
• If you have any questions on the entry process, please contact the organisers:
Stephanie Edwards / [00971 (0) 50 214 6582 / community@mepra.org

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ENTRY GUIDELINES & PROCESS

• The Middle East Public Relations Awards are open to all parties involved in the use of
public relations for communication purposes; public relations consultancies,
freelancers, in-house communications departments, digital agencies and media
owners.
• The submitting company, agency or their client must be headquartered or have an
operational base within the Middle East
• Companies or individuals may submit entries on behalf of themselves or others. It is
the entrants’ responsibility to seek and ensure permission has been granted for the
right to use the intellectual property of the brand or client entered. For categories
recognising the performance of teams or consultancies rather than individuals or
campaigns, financial and other figures should relate to your most recent financial
year.
• Your entry must be submitted as a two-page PDF. There is no word-count but your
entry must be contained to two pages of A4 to qualify. This can be designed as you
like, and the judges will welcome creativity in approach. The file should not be larger
than 30MB and must be uploaded to the 2019 MEPRA Awards platform
https://mepra.awardsplatform.com
• Please make sure all your entry details are entered correctly, including organisation
and campaign name, as this will be used in the awards presentation if selected as a
finalist.
• You are eligible to enter more than one category for each campaign, as long as the
work submitted meets the specific criteria of each category. You will receive a 50%
discount on multiple submissions for the same entry.
• Entry fees may be paid by credit card, cheque or bank transfer. An invoice will be
issued at time of completing submissions. If your submissions have not been paid for
at close of entry they will not be included for judging.
• MEPRA’s Executive Director may carry out random due diligence checks on
shortlisted entries, which will include confidential verification of information.

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SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS INFORMATION

Material may be supplied as follows on the Awards entry submissions platform:

• Upload JPEG or PDF files. Maximum file size is 5MB per piece. A maximum of three
supporting documents can be uploaded with your entry.
• Video attachments may be hosted on a video site such as YouTube or Vimeo - please
remember to provide a password if required.
• Provide website URL’s to the publicly accessible campaign or active URL of a landing
page. Please ensure any applicable usernames and passwords are provided and
active.
• Supporting documents should only serve as background information or to support
the main submission, as judges will score each entry based up the main two-page
submission. Your entry should be fully explained within the main submission form.
• If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to submit a one page visual summary on your
entry, which includes brief details on your entry outlining the task, solution and
results. This will be printed and showcased at the MEPRA Awards Gala. This can be
submitted as a supporting document with your entry or sent once shortlists are
announced but must be sent to MEPRA by no later than 10 th November. Static
images and text can be used. Size: A1 landscape 59.4 x 84.1cm, format:
PowerPoint/PDF.

JUDGING, CONFIDENTIALITY & PUBLICATION

• All judges will sign confidentiality agreements prior to receiving your entries
• Organisations participating in the judging process are encouraged to enter the
awards but will absent themselves from any discussion involving their organisation
or any organisation in which they have an interest
• Judging criteria is clearly defined within each online entry, including score weighting
• A shortlist of the highest-scoring entries will be selected for each category. In each
case, the winner will be the campaign with the highest score.
• An average score will be calculated based on the number of judges for that
submission (judges will have to recluse themselves where there is a conflict of
interest). A minimum mark of 70% is required for an entry to be shortlisted.
• An independent adjudicator will be appointed to review the judging process. This
adjudicator will also be available to review any issues raised by entrants.
• The organisers reserve the right to publish submissions from the winners and
shortlisted entrants. Where certain information is sensitive, such as budget figures,
please mark ‘not for publication

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CATEGORIES & SCORING

Best Campaign in [Market]

Best campaign originated in one of the following markets: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait,
Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Best Campaign Middle East

Your main submission should include the following:

Identification of Issue & Objective Setting: Score weighting 15%

• Was the issue/challenge identified and explained clearly both from a business and
communication perspectives?
• How were the objectives set?
• Were the objectives relevant to the original challenge/issue?

Research & Data: Score weighting: 15%

• What research was done to develop the strategy /objectives
Was a variety of data from different sources considered?

Strategy & Planning: Score weighting: 25%

• Was there a clear strategy outlined
• What was the rationale behind the strategy?
Is the tactical plan reflective of the strategy?

Execution: Score weighting 25%

• How faithful was the execution to the original plan?
Did you or your team demonstrate capable progressive and creative execution
where relevant?
• What makes the execution of this campaign stand out?
• How effective were they in overcoming unforeseen challenges?
Was any paid media used to supplement the campaign?

Results & Evaluation: Score weighting 20%

• What was your evaluation method and why?
• Please include outputs, outcomes, KPIs and metrics (traditional, digital & social
• If relevant, please highlight any challenges you faced in the evaluation process

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CATEGORY: PEOPLE & TEAMS

• Large Agency of the Year

For agencies with 21 or more full time employees
• Small Agency of the Year
For agencies with up to 20 full time employees

Your main submission should include the following:

Contribution to the Industry: Score weighting: 15%

• Examples could include:
Time or services committed to MEPRA or other industry communities, which has
sought to dive the communications profession forward in the Middle East

Client Retention: Score weighting: 20%

Examples could include:
• Proven satisfaction from clients i.e. testimonials
• Long term client relationships
• Turnover & retention of clients (%)

New Business / Growth: Score weighting: 25%

Examples could include:
• Percentage of revenue growth
• Examples of new business won
• Examples of organic growth

Examples of Campaigns / Case Studies: Score weighting: 20%

• Provide one or more examples of your most creative and impactful campaign(s) with
details of the brief, objectives, strategy, tactics, output, outcomes and budget

People & Culture: Score weighting: 20%

Examples could include:
• Satisfaction of employees provided through surveys, reports and testimonials
• Staff performance examples
• Turnover and retention of staff
• Commitment to staff development e.g. how many hours do you commit for training,
• what mentoring programmes are available
• What policies and structures are in place to ensure you provide an inclusive and
diverse environment? i.e. through flexible working arrangements, maternity policies,
prayer rooms etc.
• CSR initiatives supported by the agency and staff
Examples of agency-wide awards both local and international

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CATEGORY: PEOPLE & TEAMS

Large In-House Team of the Year

For teams with 6 or more employees

Small In-house Team of the Year

For teams with 5 or less employees

Your main submission should include the following:

Performance: Score weighting: 25%

Examples could include:
• Delivery – project delivery on time and within budget
• Operations – policies, systems, control
• Structure – individuals working well together

Stakeholder Management: Score weighting: 25%

Examples could include:
• Satisfaction – long term relationships, praise from relevant stakeholders (internal or
external)
• Systems – procedures, reporting, feedback

Team: Score weighting: 25%

Examples could include:
• Satisfaction of team members, low turnover
• Assessment – structured, regular, transparent
• Development – clear career paths, training, mentoring

Overall: Score weighting: 25%

Examples could include:
• Contribution to organization as a whole
• CSR, community activities
• Passion for their work, for excellence

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CATEGORY: PEOPLE & TEAMS

The “Dave Robinson” Awards for Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year (select In-
House OR Agency

Please note, face-to-face interviews will be conducted with finalists on Wednesday 6th
November.

Your main submission should include the following:

Performance: Score weighting: 25%

Examples could include:
• Delivery – projects, activities, within scope, budget
• Operations – follows policies, systems, controls
• Structure – individuals working well together

Stakeholder Management: Score weighting: 25%

Examples could include:
• Satisfaction – long term relationships, praise from clients/colleagues or superiors
• Systems – procedures, reporting, feedback

Team: Score weighting: 25%

Examples could include:
• Relationship with co-workers
• Assessment – from line-managers
• Development – commitment to continuous learning

Overall: Score weighting: 25%

Examples could include:
• Contribution to organization as a whole
• CSR, community activities
• Passion for his/her work, for excellence

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CATEGORY: SECTOR & SERVICES

Best Sports & Recreational Campaign

Showcasing best practice in communications for campaigns relating to sports, and other
recreational activities.

Best Sustainability Campaign

Showcasing excellence in sustainability and/or environmental communications

Best Business to Business Campaign

Showcasing excellence in business to business communications for products and services

Best Consumer Goods Campaign

Showcasing excellence in business to consumer communications for products (e.g.
household products, food & drink, automotive, sportswear, fashion & clothing, toiletry,
cosmetics)

Best Consumer Services Campaign

Showcasing excellence in Sports & Entertainment communications for services such as arts,
cultural events, museums, music, sports, travel and leisure.

Best Corporate Reputation Campaign

Showcasing excellence in raising the brand and/or reputation of a private company

Best Crisis Communications / Issues Management Strategy

Any campaign that focuses on a conflict/crisis and its successful resolution.

Best Internal Communications Campaign

Showcasing excellence in employee communications

Best Government Communications & Public Affairs Campaign

Showcasing projects on behalf of government agencies or programs on behalf of NGOs or
private organizations intended to influence government agencies or public opinion

Best Financial Services Campaign

Showcasing of best practice in financial communications from financial institutions, private
companies, government agencies or regulatory bodies

Best Healthcare Campaign

Showcasing excellence in healthcare communications including government to business,
government to consumer, business to business and business to consumer

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Best Automotive Campaign
Showcasing excellence in campaigns relating to automakers and automotive parts and
suppliers.

Best Fashion or Beauty Campaign

Showcasing excellence in campaigns promoting fashion and beauty products and services

Best Food & Beverage Campaign

Showcasing excellence in campaigns promoting food and beverage companies

Best Retail Campaign

Showcasing excellence in campaigns promoting retail outlets

Best Travel & Tourism Campaign

Showcasing excellence in campaigns promoting hotels, airlines, tourism boards.

Best Energy or Natural Resources Campaign

Showcasing excellence in communications for energy producers, mining companies and
utilities.

Best Professional Services Campaign

Showcasing excellence in communications for law firms, marketing services firms,
management consulting firms, etc.

Best Real Estate or Construction Campaign

Showcasing excellence in communications for real estate and construction organisations

Best Transportation & Logistics Campaign

Showcasing excellence in communications for shipping and logistics, aviation and aerospace
and other transportation companies.

Best Arts & Culture Campaign

Showcasing excellence in communications for arts & culture events or organisations

Best Non-profit / Humanitarian / Charitable Campaign

Showcasing excellence in communications for organisations in the non-profit / humanitarian
/ charity sector

Best Media Campaign

Showcasing excellence in communications for organisations or campaigns in the media
sector

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Your main submission should include the following:

Identification of Issue & Objective Setting: Score weighting 15%

• Was the issue/challenge identified and explained clearly both from a business and
communication perspectives?
• How were the objectives set?
• Were the objectives relevant to the original challenge/issue?

Research: Score weighting: 15%

• What research was done to develop the strategy /objectives
• Was a variety of data from different sources considered?

Strategy & Planning: Score weighting: 25%

• Was there a clear strategy outlined?
• What was the rationale behind the strategy?
• Is the tactical plan reflective of the strategy?

Execution: Score weighting 25%

• How faithful was the execution to the original plan?
• Did you or your team demonstrate capable progressive and creative execution
where relevant?
• What makes the execution of this campaign stand out?
• How effective were they in overcoming unforeseen challenges?
• Was any paid media used to supplement the campaign?

Results & Evaluation: Score weighting 20%

• What was your evaluation method and why?
• Please include outputs, outcomes, KPIs and metrics (traditional, digital & social)
If relevant, please highlight any challenges you faced in the evaluation process

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CATEGORY: TECHNIQUES

Best Integrated Campaign

Showcasing excellence in a strong integrated campaign of paid, earned and owned media,
with focus on earned media

Best Launch / Live Event / Stunt

Showcasing excellence in professional events

Best Use of Influencers

Any campaign that worked in partnership with media influencers.

Best Use of Digital PR

Showcasing use of digital media to execute or support a PR campaign

Best Use of Sponsorship

Showcasing of best practice in sponsorship of an event, campaign, group or person

Best Use of Traditional Media Relations (Consumer/Trade)

Showcasing use of earned media to achieve exceptional results

Best Use of Data & Insights

Showcasing best practice in the use of data and insights to develop a successful
communications programme /campaign

Best Use of Limited Budget

Showcasing excellence for a communications campaign which was developed and
implemented under a budget of US$20,000 or equivalent

Best Use of Video

Best use of video materials in a communications campaign

Best Use of Creative

Best use of creative design or branding in a communications campaign

Your main submission should include the following:

Identification of Issue & Objective Setting: Score weighting 15%

• Was the issue/challenge identified and explained clearly both from a business and
communication perspectives?
• How were the objectives set?
• Were the objectives relevant to the original challenge/issue?

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Research: Score weighting: 15%
• What research was done to develop the strategy /objectives
• Was a variety of data from different sources considered?

Strategy & Planning: Score weighting: 25%

• Was there a clear strategy outlined?
• What was the rationale behind the strategy?
• Is the tactical plan reflective of the strategy?

Execution: Score weighting 25%

• How faithful was the execution to the original plan?
• Did you or your team demonstrate capable progressive and creative execution
where relevant?
• What makes the execution of this campaign stand out?
• How effective were they in overcoming unforeseen challenges?
• Was any paid media used to supplement the campaign?

Results & Evaluation: Score weighting 20%

• What was your evaluation method and why?
• Please include outputs, outcomes, KPIs and metrics (traditional, digital & social)
• If relevant, please highlight any challenges you faced in the evaluation process

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