Up until 2018, Motivate Val Morgan Cinema Advertising – official representative of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the UAE, nominated one student to attend the Roger Hatchuel Academy – a student learning programme carefully designed to offer students of advertising, communications and other creative disciplines, the head-start they need to secure a role within the competitive creative industry post-graduation.
In 2019, Motivate Val Morgan recommended three students whose submissions were reviewed by a global panel of 7-9 jurors from Cannes Lions – comprising of a diverse mix of professionals from reputed education institutions, the industry and related creative fields. Earlier this month, the panel of jurors selected Meera Saeed Humaid Alaraj Alsuwaidi – a student at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree of Communication & Media Science, to represent the UAE at the prestigious Roger Hatchuel Academy which will take place from the 17th – 21st June 2019 in Cannes, France.
The Roger Hatchuel Academy is a student learning programme carefully designed to offer students of advertising, communications and other creative disciplines, the head-start they need to secure a role within the competitive creative industry post-graduation.
Students can expect a programme tailored to the current industry landscape, one which combines classroom sessions and a selection of official Festival content – under the guidance of course tutors Abraham Abbi Asefaw and Maksimilian Kallhed – Co-Founders of The Pop Up Agency.
Academy students get full access to the Cannes Lions Festival, including the five Award Shows and the Young Lions Party. They will also have exclusive access to the Jury rooms, which are closed to all other attendees of the Festival. This is a unique way to navigate the world’s most important discussion of creativity in communications, and an unrivalled opportunity to network with other future Lions-winners.
Creative leaders that have previously lectured at the Academy are – Bob Greenberg, Bob Isherwood, Neil French, David Droga, Jim Stengel, Michael Conrad and Tham Khai Meng, to name a few.
Commenting on being selected, Meera AlSuwaidy stated, “ I can’t even put into words how honored I am to be a part of the Roger Hatchuel Academy class of 2019, I’m also very proud and grateful to represent my country in this event. This wouldn’t have been possible without Dr. Park – my advisor, who has guided me through it all and has always believed in me, even at times when I wasn’t confident in my abilities. He has always inspired me to be the best version of myself, and I knew the best way to appreciate his efforts was to earn my spot in the academy. Travelling to different parts of the world has opened my eyes and broadened my thoughts and perception about my surroundings – you can say that it is the fuel that channeled creativity into my work. With this opportunity, I will begin a new journey as a determined communication and media student eager to learn, rather than travelling as a tourist, and will attend this academy that is filled with various opportunities to help build up my character, skills and future career. In addition to that, it is an experience that will help me find inspiration to bring creativity into media. In conclusion, I am very excited to meet my fellow classmates, some of the most creative minds from all over the world under the same roof. This is a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish forever.”
Park Beede – Graduate Coordinator and Assistant Professor at Zayed University, said, “Everyone, in the College of Communication and Media Sciences, is extremely excited for Meera, to be selected for this opportunity. The rich tradition of creativity at Cannes Lions is a recognized pinnacle of achievement in our field, and the Roger Hatchuel Academy offers such a wonderful opportunity for young creatives to experience this energy. We know that Meera will be an excellent ambassador of creativity for the UAE, contributing to the diverse cultures brought together in this talented group of up-and-coming creative minds. We look forward to all the experiences Meera can absorb during this opportunity and bring back to share with her fellow students. We also appreciate the gracious support of Motivate Val Morgan in nurturing young talent to be tomorrow’s creative professionals. The opportunity for students to share firsthand experience from seasoned professionals is a truly unique opportunity.”
Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan would like to wish Meera AlSuwaidy the best of luck as she embarks on this journey, and we hope her experience and learnings at the Roger Hatchuel Academy will create positive impact and contribute to her future endeavors in the industry.
Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity has named Ian Fairservice, Founder, Managing Partner and Group Editor, Motivate Media Group, as the Advertising Person of the Year 2019.
One of the Festival’s most prestigious awards, the Dubai Lynx Advertising Person of the Year is selected in collaboration with the IAA UAE who were responsible for nominating Ian Fairservice. It honours an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the reputation and profile of the communications industry in the MENA region.
Hani Ghorayeb, President, IAA UAE, commented “Ian is a true character of the UAE media industry. His contribution to the development of publishing in this country is nothing less than history-making and his long service to the IAA and particularly to the UAE chapter, has left a legacy that will be appreciated for years to come. It is fitting and fully deserved for Ian to be acknowledged in Motivate’s 40th anniversary year. The IAA wish him every thanks and many congratulations.”
Philip Thomas, Chairman of Cannes Lions and Dubai Lynx, added, “For the past 40 years, Ian has made an outstanding commitment to the communications industry here in MENA and to developing creativity across the region. We’re delighted to honour him with this award.”
Fairservice founded Motivate in 1979 with the launch of What’s On, the UAE’s first English language magazine. With a wide range of award-winning publications, crossing diverse media interests in digital, content, events and cinema, Motivate’s established consumer and trade brands reach an audience of over two million people each month. Motivate’s book division was established in 1986 and has more than 250 titles in print. Together with his partner, Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, who is now the UAE Minister of State for Finance, Fairservice has grown Motivate into one of the most successful media groups in the region.
In March 2007, Fairservice founded the Dubai Lynx Advertising Awards and Festival of Creativity, in partnership with Cannes Lions. He has also served as the Middle East representative of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity since 2000.
During the past year, Fairservice has diversified the group’s interests to include joint ventures with global content and influencer marketing platform VAMP from Australia, Malaysian based World Expo pavilion design company Zakti, Social listening and research specialists MavenMagnet from the US and acclaimed British documentary film makers Lorton Entertainment.
Commenting on the announcement, Ian Fairservice, added: “It is hugely exciting to be recognised in this way, particularly as Motivate is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. None of our success could have been possible without the support of a great team behind me and in particular the encouragement of my partner, HE Obaid Humaid Al Tayer.”
One of the first members of the International Advertising Association (IAA) – UAE Chapter, Fairservice spent more than 20 years on the board including four years as treasurer, four years as vice president, and five years as president. He also served on the association’s World Board. In addition to his business responsibilities, Fairservice is the vice chairman of the board of governors of the Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs.
The presentation of the 2019 Dubai Lynx Advertising Person of the Year Award will take place during the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony at the Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah on Wednesday 13 March 2019.
Source: Dubai Lynx (Press Release – 10th March 2019)
With less than two weeks to go for the biggest creative communications event in the MENA region, here are the latest updates from the desks of Dubai Lynx.
This year’s festival (10th to 13th March 2019 at Madinat Jumeirah), will be a focused two-day event dedicated to inspiration and insight, followed by an awards show. The event guarantees to bring top creatives, the world’s best brands, fledging start-ups and everyone in between under one roof, to learn, network and celebrate creativity in communications.
Choose your perfect pass for 2019
Meet the world’s biggest brands, agencies, media owners and consultancies at Dubai Lynx. Find the right option for you and secure your place at the Festival in 2019.
Compare all passes
Spotlight on Saudi Arabia
Image credits: Kingdom Centre
The opportunity for growth in KSA is clear. Creativity will be the differentiator for brands looking to win in this market. In 2019, the Festival will dedicate a full day to focus on Saudi Arabia. Powered by STC, the tailored programme brings together a diverse selection of speakers. Hear from content creators, creative agencies, TV stars, media platforms, the Ministry of Health and more, on what the landscape looks like today.
Topics that will be covered as part of this programme include:
Find out how to keep up with a nation that doesn’t stop evolving.
Learn how to plan for social impact with strategic creativity.
Hear what Saudi’s next generation really want from tomorrow.
Discover more about culture in KSA from the content makers influencing it.
Don’t miss out.
Dubai Lynx 2019 – Toolkit
We don’t need to tell you that attending the Festival is essential. However, we do understand how difficult it is to make your case to the budget-holder – quite possibly your BOSS.
Therefore, the team at Dubai Lynx have put together a toolkit to help you out. It’s a handy set of resources – including a guide to how the Festival offers great ROI and a ready-to-send cover letter – designed to help you frame the conversation. You’ll be able to make an argument so compelling, they’ll simply have to say ‘YES’.
Get the toolkit
Dubai Lynx 2019 will champion diversity
Image credits: Odyssey
Discover the programme of onstage content, sessions giving women a stage to thrive, initiatives spotlighting the next generation of female talent, and much more.
Discover what it means to create real cultural impact.
Understand subconscious bias with an interactive workshop.
Find out how to be a female leader at our Meet Up.
Spotlight on the Industry’s Bravest Brands
Image credits: The Drum
This year’s festival will welcome some of the world’s boldest brands. Witness CMOs and brand leaders on stage, sharing behind-the-scenes insight – on leadership, creating compelling content and building innovative campaigns. Also expect an exciting programme of panels, informal sessions and competitions hosted by some of the industry’s biggest names.
Get inside Amazon’s creative hub.
Brand Breakfasts with Euronews | Monday 11, 9:45AM at the Discover Stage
Have breakfast with Euronews.
The Strange Power of Movement Marketing | Monday 11, 16:30 at Transformation Stage
Discover the power of movement marketing with Mahindra Group and Emirates Airline.
Learn why emotions matter most with Fatafeat and Mayar Foods.
Tell Us a Secret – The Human Side of Leadership
Explore the human side of leadership with General Motors and The Marketing Society.
For those of you who haven’t attended Dubai Lynx in the past, check out the highlights from 2018 to see why this is a ‘must-attend’ event:
Visit Dubai Lynx for more information.
Source: Dubai Lynx
Motivate Val Morgan has signed an exclusive advertising sales partnership with AMC Cinemas for their cinema locations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
AMC, a global leader in entertainment, opened the first cinema in Saudi Arabia in April 2018 at King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh. Globally AMC’s brands include Odeon Cinemas, UCI Cinemas and Nordic Cinema.
Over the next five years, AMC plans to open 50 cinemas in cities all across Saudi Arabia, expanding to a total north of 75 locations throughout the kingdom by 2030.
“This is a game-changing initiative within the regional entertainment space,” said Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group. “Expanding into Saudi Arabia remains one of our key business objectives and fulfils our long-held belief in the value of key strategic partnerships.”
Additionally, as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Motivate Val Morgan will support AMC in the education and training of young Saudi Nationals through a special internship programme, including sponsoring their attendance at the Dubai Lynx Festival of creativity each year, which brings together top creatives and the world’s best brands.
For more information on AMC Cinemas, please visit their website and contact us for cinema advertising opportunities at this location.
Motivate Val Morgan is proud to announce its twentieth year as a leading cinema advertising company in the Middle East.
Established in 1999 by Motivate Media Group and Val Morgan Cinema Network, Motivate Val Morgan launched with a six-screen multiplex in Ajman (UAE), one sales professional and a part-time administrative assistant. The business has since expanded exponentially and we now represent leading cinema exhibitors across UAE, Lebanon, Oman, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and comprise a team of more than 30 members.
We are fortunate to have experienced steady growth over the last two decades and are extremely proud of our accomplishments along the way.
Our success can be attributed to a clear and focused vision, along with a talented and dedicated team. Specifically:
There’s no doubt in saying that everybody loves cinema! It’s one of the favorite past times in the region and guarantees delivery of affluent audiences with high spending power.
Cinema is even recession proof!
For advertisers however, cinema had always been considered a local medium. And one of the main challenges faced when pitching for regional campaigns has been the lack of a footprint in Saudi Arabia – the main market in the GCC.
Following the lift on the 35-year-old ban on cinema in Saudi Arabia in May 2018 – a massive breakthrough for cinema in the region – Motivate Val Morgan was able to establish a new arm of its business in the Kingdom. 2019 will be the continuation of this new journey, as we gain greater market share in the coming years and foresee our team in KSA growing to the size of our regional team.
As we enter our twentieth year, we are sharply focused on the future strategy of the company. Our key goals include:
We sincerely thank our advertisers and business partners who are a valued part of our company’s growth and success, and look forward to your continued partnership and the opportunity to serve you in decades to come.
In addition to the company-wide celebrations of our 20th anniversary milestone, we would also like to express our genuine gratitude to our valued advertisers by:
Additionally:
Finally, a big thank you out to all the team members of Motivate Val Morgan. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, we are strongly positioned to grow our geographical footprint and continue to be recognized as a leader in cinema advertising, offering innovative solutions in an ever-changing industry landscape.
Motivate Val Morgan – connecting brands to cinema: a blockbuster pairing
As the official representative of Dubai Lynx in the UAE, Motivate Val Morgan strives to bring you the latest news from the desks of the Festival.
Dubai Lynx – MENA’s biggest Festival of Creativity, will return to Madinat Jumeirah from 10 –13 March 2019 with a programme of events that will explore creativity in all its forms.
The festival has a slick new, streamlined format in 2019. The two-day programme will reduce the time spent away from the office while maximising value for delegates attending the festival.
The festival kicks off with a launch party followed by two days of fantastic content, world-class speakers and unparalleled networking opportunities. On the last day of the festival, the region’s best work will be awarded and celebrated at the Dubai Lynx Awards Show.
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect at Dubai Lynx 2019:
Schedule
10 March: Festival Launch Party
11 – 12 March: Inspirational onstage content
13 March: The Dubai Lynx Awards Show and After Party
The Festival Experience
The agenda will dissect new trends, question how to make creative work effective and inspire the next generation of cutting-edge ideas.
Check out the highlights from Dubai Lynx 2018:
Explore and Inspire
With three stages running through the Festival, there is something for everyone to see.
Each stage will host talks along the following festival themes:
The deadline for submitting a proposal to speak at Dubai Lynx 2019 is 1 November 2018. Click here to download the Call for Content guide.
Please Note: there is no fee to speak at the Festival; session hosts will need to cover the cost of their guest’s accommodation and travel.
Focus on Saudi Arabia
With all eyes on the developments in Saudi Arabia, the festival will host a ‘one day focus’ on KSA where you will:
Lynx for Marketers
Senior marketers can meet their peers and advance their craft at a curated programme for top-level marketers, featuring bespoke training workshops, roundtables and small intimate discussions with global marketing leaders.
Email or call +971 (0)4 427 3090 for more information.
C’Suite at Festival
Roundtables: throughout the festival, Dubai Lynx will host C’Suite only roundtables for CMOs, CCOs, Agency Heads and more. These exclusive, invite-only roundtables are an opportunity for industry peers to convene and create real action based on industry challenges and opportunities.
Lynx Alumni: Dubai Lynx is proud to launch its Alumni Club for all previous winners of the prestigious Advertising Person of the Year award. Hear these talented leaders speak and gain great insight into the industry.
Network and Connect
In addition to community meetups and evening functions, join speed networking events and use the festival app for connecting with other delegates and speakers.
Click here to find out more.
Young Lynx Competitions
Four Young Lynx Competitions attract teams of copywriters, marketers and art directors, PR/communications professionals from agencies and client companies, below the age of 32 years, across MENA. Entrants must produce an original campaign in response to an NGO brief in just 24 hours at the Festival.
Click here to find out more.
Student Competitions
Dubai Lynx Student Competitions are open to full-time undergraduate students between 18-25 years studying advertising, marketing, PR, media, graphic design and other relevant creative communications fields. The competitions aim to develop and showcase the region’s up-and-coming creative superstars with four exiting initiatives.
Click here to find out more.
Changes to Awards in 2019
Witness the launch of Glass: The Lynx for Change – an award honouring work from across the region that addresses gender inequality or prejudice through conscious representation.
Branded Content & Entertainment to become the Entertainment Lynx, with new sports-focused categories.
Interactive to become the Digital Lynx with some revamped categories.
Promo & Activation to become the Brand Experience & Activation Lynx with updated categories and sections.
New Applied Innovation section added to Innovation Lynx.
Important dates to make note of:
23 October 2018 – Passes for 2019 go on sale
1 November 2018 – Proposal Submission deadline (Call for Content)
23 November 2019 – Dubai Lynx entries open
9 February 2019 – Final entry deadline
Source: Dubai Lynx
Over the last 38 years, Motivate Media Group has built an unrivaled reputation as a provider of premium content and media solutions.
Building upon this, Motivate Connect – the Group’s in-house content marketing service provider, exists to help partner brands communicate and interact with their customers and stakeholders through the delivery of tailored multi-platform content.
With 75 percent of all internet traffic in 2017 predicted to be video, content marketing has become the group’s most popular and fastest-growing service.
The team at Motivate Connect – comprising of videographers, writers, editors and producers, create social-friendly and sharable YouTube, Facebook and Instagram videos, corporate videos, branded content, as well as animations.
The service includes everything from idea conception and story generation, scriptwriting and storyboarding, to production and post-production.
But don’t just take our word for it!
Check out their showreel below:
And here are some cool videos they have recently produced:
Contact Chris Capstick from Motivate Connect (Tel: 04 427 3412) for more information.
