Now in its third year, the Forum brings together professionals from a range of industries to engage in current PR issues. This year’s theme, ‘Invest in your VOICE’, encourages businesses to reflect on the critical value of public relations to their operations. It also asks participants to contemplate ways they can contribute to developing the emerging Lebanese PR industry. The discussions will kee
p an eye to equipping the next generation of PR practitioners with world-class skills. This year’s forum will be held on June 21st and 22nd at Rotana Gefinor Hotel under the patronage of the Minister of Information, H.E. The first day will be dedicated to presentations and panel discussions, while the second day will feature specialized interactive workshops led by industry experts. The agenda, discussed in both English and Arabic, will address key strategic issues concerning the practice of public relations in three major sectors in Lebanon: banking and finance; design and fashion; and tourism and hospitality. The BPRF seeks to continue the successes of previous events in 2009 and 2010. The 2009 forum, under the theme ‘Creating the Strategic Value’, established a solid foundation from which the fledgling local PR industry could develop. Following on from this, the 2010 Forum, ‘Brilliance’, allowed professionals to reflect on the breadth of talent in the field. The 2012 forum will therefore examine the industry with a more mature outlook, solidifying the views that previous participants have shared, and encouraging Lebanese and regional entrepreneurs to invest in their future. As a relatively new field in the Middle East, public relations is often confused with the distinct areas of advertising, media, and marketing. However, the confusion of social media surrounding the ‘Arab Spring’ reiterates the need for managed communications in all industries.
