The 29th edition of the annual African Public Relations Association (APRA) conference themed “Competitive Africa: Effective Positioning through Integrated Communications” is set to hold in Casablanca, Morocco from the 10th to 12th May, 2017.
The Annual Conference which attracts professionals in advertising, brand management, broadcast journalism, publishing, film-making, print journalism, new media and practitioners from the integrated marketing communications industry is aimed at showcasing a positive Africa through the instrumentality of public relations.
This year’s edition will play host to professionals from all works of life including Public Relations, Marketing, Corporate chieftains and high ranking government officials and will enable discussions and conversations around critical issues facing the African continent as well as opportunities to boost the profession of PR in Africa.
Discussants are expected to enable conversations around issues which critically examine development in Africa, especially as it concerns the continent’s image, professionals from different sectors are expected from about 40 countries.
Some of the key speakers are Jon Aarons, Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Network FTI Consulting, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya – African Public Relations Association (APRA) President, Bart de Vries – International Public Relations Association President, Maxim Behar – ICCO President, Seyithan Teymur – Managing Director Newsmeter, Jane Gitau -APRA Secretary General, Robyn de Villiers – Chair and CEO Burson Marsteller, Jordan Rittenberry– Managing Director Edelman; Katarina Wallin Bureau – Chief Operating Officer, EMEA HQ, Burson Marsteller, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, Phd, FNIPR- President, NIPR, Mr. Olabode Opeseitan, Director, PR Events & Sponsorships Globacom Limited amongst others.
The event is supported by Edelman, PR Network Burson Marsteller, Newsmeter, Weber Shandick, IPRA, ICCO, RDM Africa, CMC Connect Burson Marsteller, I- Octane, Wide Awake Communications (WAC) Media Glitz, First Bank of Nigeria amongst others.
It could be recalled that the APRA 2016 conference which held from the 24th to 28th of May in Calabar, Cross Rivers state was themed “Leapfrogging Africa: The Role of Communication’; addressing the role of communication in proffering solutions to the issues of economic emancipation and infrastructural deficit while encouraging citizens’ participation in improving governance.
Also in line with celebrating excellence, APRA in partnership with the Holmes Report will launch the SABRE AWARDS AFRICA. This Award which will enable African practitioners tell their stories, showcase exceptional campaigns, earn the recognition of their peers and be rewarded for professional excellence.
