The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) has experienced its best-ever quarter for new corporate members with a 20 per cent growth achieved this year to date, further solidifying its position in the region as a body for communications professionals.
In the first quarter of 2021, MEPRA welcomed nine new corporate members, including TAQA, Mastercard, DP World and Dubai Holding.
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For the first time ever, corporations now make up half of all MEPRA organisational memberships, following initiatives to widen the association’s base beyond its traditional agency partners. MEPRA now boasts more than 50 corporate organisation members from a variety of sectors, including energy, finance, travel, retail, hospitality and media.
Taryam Al Subaihi, MEPRA Chair and head of corporate communications at EWEC, said: “As a corporate member myself, I am not surprised we are seeing more in-house communication teams joining MEPRA. We have worked hard to develop programmes which support all communication professionals, no matter which side of the fence you sit on. In fact, there are significant benefits for in-house members who don’t necessarily have the backing of larger teams and networks that communication agencies tend to have.
“Our growth in corporate memberships also benefits agency members who want to connect with in-house professionals for business leads and to widen their industry network.”
Baiba Upmale, vice president of communications at Mastercard MEA, said: “At Mastercard, we know that having a strong and dynamic communications function is key for building our brand, enhancing our reputation, and forging Priceless relationships with our audiences. Being part of an established industry body like MEPRA gives us a platform to share industry best practice, connect with our peers, and give back by helping drive the profession forward in our region.”
This year marks MEPRA’s 20th anniversary of supporting communication professionals in the Middle East. MEPRA members receive access to regular free training, market insights, a workplace wellness programme, talent directory, job advertisements, branding opportunities, discounts to major industry events plus much more.
To find out more about MEPRA membership, visit www.mepra.org
