Dubai Lynx Debrief: A Morning of Creative Insight
An insight-packed morning of discussions, offering a deep dive into the creative forces shaping the MENA region.
What about the regional craft captivated the global Jury, and how do they set MENA creativity apart on the world stage?
Across three focused sessions, industry leaders from around the world will explore the key themes emerging from this year’s shortlists.
With exclusive insights from Dubai Lynx Jury members, this event will provide invaluable takeaways ahead of the Awards Show on Wednesday night. For anyone looking to elevate their creative work and stay ahead of the curve, this is a morning not to miss.
You can attend these sessions for free. Spaces are limited. Confirm your spot now.
Date: 8 April 2025 Time: 9:00am - 11:30am Venue: DKP auditorium
Scroll down to explore more about the sessions and speakers
Craft Unwrapped
Join us for an exclusive session that will uncover the key trends in craft from across MENA that have emerged from the entries into Dubai Lynx 2025. With insights from a global Jury, we’ll explore what distinctive elements of regional craft stood out and what creatives in the region should be paying attention to. While the winners remain under wraps until the Awards Show on Wednesday night, you’ll walk away with valuable takeaways to fuel your own creative journey – and stay ahead of the curve.
Speakers:
- Chris Beresford-Hill, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer at BBDO Worldwide - Radio & Audio/Print & Publishing/Film Jury President
- Aisha Blackwell, Head of Production Services at Serviceplan MAKE - Film Craft Jury President
- Mayuri Nikumbh, Head of Design at Conran Design Mumbai - Creative Effectiveness/Creative Strategy Jury President
- Thea Skelton, VP Events at LIONS
What questions will this session answer?
- What distinctive elements of regional craft captivated the global Jury, and how do they set MENA creativity apart on the world stage?
- As craft remains deeply human, how are technology and AI shaping its future, enhancing its potential or challenging its authenticity?
- What groundbreaking innovations in craft – whether traditional or tech-driven – should creatives be paying attention to?
Creative Impact 101
Discover the key elements that transform creative work into something truly impactful and effective. Through the eyes of the 2025 Dubai Lynx global Jury, we’ll uncover what makes standout work from the region so distinctive and explore how these creative strategies are shaping the future of the industry. The winners won't be revealed until the Awards Show, but this session will provide key insights and actionable takeaways to help you stay ahead as the industry continues to evolve.
Speakers:
- Chioma Aduba, President, Droga5 New York, Creative Effectiveness/Creative Strategy Jury President
- Vanessa Ho Nikolovski, Chief Client & Growth Officer, Asia Pacific at Weber Shandwick,PR Jury President
- Anup Oommen, Editor at Campaign Middle East
What questions will this session answer?
- What are the defining elements that turn creative work into something truly impactful and effective?
- What strategies can creatives in the region adopt to stay ahead of industry shifts and build a future-proof creative practice?
- What groundbreaking insights can the global creative community take away from this year’s standout work in the region?
Story of The Win
Join us for a conversation with Chafic Haddad, Dubai Lynx’s 2025 Advertising Person of the Year. With a career full of groundbreaking campaigns and industry-shaping creativity, Chafic shares his journey, the lessons behind award-winning work and what it takes to push boundaries in today’s evolving landscape. From the power of bold storytelling to the impact of creative techniques, this session dives into the future of creativity and how MENA can continue making its mark on the global stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from one of the region’s most influential creative leaders.
Moderator: Marian Brannelly, Global Director of Awards, LIONS Speaker: Chafic Haddad, Chief Creative Officer, VML MENA
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