The IAA Nurtures the Future Talent in the Marketing Communications Industry

More than 160 students and educators from Australia, France, Hong Kong, India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE attended the 3^rd IAA Apprentice Conference, on November 6^th - 7^th 2015 in Dubai. Using the power of its international network, the IAA hosted this event with an impressive line-up and support: Emirates Transguard were the host. Under the theme, Graduating? What's Coming Next?^SM students were treated to insights from Gregory Bolle, City Football Regional Director MEA who discussed sports sponsorship and opportunities beyond advertising, Rayan Karaky, Head of Double Click at Google UAE who explored the digital age, Raj Kapoor, Associate Dean American University in Dubai presentation titled "Seeing The Forest Though The Trees" expressed how to get ahead and career opportunities open to students and Ricarda Ruecker, Vice President Leadership and Organizational Development, MCN gave her recommendations to succeed and held an interactive presentation aimed to improve the students interview skills. Students also participated in "Developing Your Personal Brand" workshop with Diane Slade, IAA Vice President Learning and iTalk Presentation Skills workshop with David Smith, Head of Undergraduate Broadcasting from Edith Cowan University, Australia. 

New for the 2015 IAA Apprentice, Diane Slade also introduced The 24 Hour Pitch where students presented to a real life client in agency-style teams. Having just over 24 hours to prepare and create their campaign. Ross Millar, Managing Director, Beyond Sports Management who briefed and judged the students, stated "I am in so impressed with all the ideas presented today. It has given Beyond Sports Management some very real ideas for our business, while giving the students a taste of what issues real-life clients are facing in today's competitive marketplace. And we completely agree: the future of the marketing communications industry is in very good hands!" Our congratulations go to the students from Notre Dame University, Lebanon winning Gold, American University in Dubai, UAE winning Silver and Edith Cowan University, Australia winning Bronze. Jeddah College of Advertising, Saudi Arabia; ESP, France and Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong received awards of Distinction.

Faris Abouhamad, IAA Chairman and President, commented: "I am so impressed by everyone who attended this year's event. The IAA's commitment to education and future of our industry is crucial, and I am so pleased that this event continues to grow. I want to thank all the students who took part and their Faculty for encouraging their participation. I congratulate all the participants of the 24 Hour Pitch."

The IAA Apprentice Conference is one example of the IAA's dedication and attention towards developing talent in the fast-changing marketing communications industry. It is rooted in preparing students for life in the ad business after University: including interview skills, changing technology and most important what's expected of young people from day one. The 3^rd IAA Apprentice Conference enjoyed its highest attendance on record in 2015.