The 5th edition of the MENA Cristal Festival started on the 1st of February in Mzaar, Lebanon. The event includes a series of seminars, meetings and the announcement of winners of last year’s best creative work. Focusing on future developments in media, social networks, and digital innovations, the festival is chaired by Richard Pinder, COO of Publicis Worldwide.

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The sun shining over the now iconic city of Dubai ushered Day 2 of the Dubai Lynx Awards. Day 2 of this powerhouse advertising event commenced with key speakers, more shortlists announced, and an ever increasing tension for the upcoming awards gala.

The second day saw the start of the Media Young Creatives Competition alongside another busy day of seminars and workshops which include presentations by Laura Desmond, Global CEO Starcom MediaVest Group, Felipe Burgaz, Group Marketing Director for Africa and Eurasia, Coca-Cola, Osman Sultan CEO of du and Richard Pinder, COO of Publicis Worldwide who leads a debate on North African advertising. Lean Mean Fighting Machine, Pearlfisher and Microsoft Advertising also were presenting.

53 entries have been shortlisted in the Radio and Interactive categories at this year's Dubai Lynx Awards, the leading creative advertising competition for the Middle East & North Africa.

220 entries were submitted in these categories with 24 Radio and 29 Interactive entries making it through to the shortlist.

The shortlist for the remaining TV/Cinema and Integrated categories will be announced today.