The UAE Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) is set to launch its professional development series in marketing communications for members and the communications community at large.

The series is designed to complement existing sources of training, and help develop wider skill sets for junior to mid-level communications executives. The sessions offer participants from media planners and buyers to account handlers and creatives the opportunity to choose the session most pertinent to them from a selection of highly contemporary, relevant topics.

Kamal Dimachkie, Chairman of the IAA UAE Chapter Events and Talent Committee, explained that the aim is to offer IAA Members and the industry not just another lecture series, but one that tackles some of the major questions of the day and does so with professional needs in mind.

"Through the education series, the IAA UAE Chapter is offering the marketing communications industry relevant, affordable and accessible training that addresses the core competencies required to improve performance for ourselves, our clients and our industry in today's tough market," said Dimachkie.

Running from March to September 2010, the series will be moderated by professionals from a broad industry base, all leading players in their field, who will provide participants with perspectives and tools that are instrumental in the analysis and solution of many challenges confronting the industry. Individuals will have the opportunity to interact with local experts and delegates on a one on one basis.

Entitled Death of an Insight, the first of the one-day, interactive programs will be held on Tuesday, March, 9th. The workshop is specifically designed to develop knowledge and build expertise in the media activities of agency or client-side organisations and will be presented by Nicholas Chidiac, Strategic Planning Director of Leo Burnett Dubai. Chidiac holds regional responsibility for business and campaign planning for many of the region's leading blue chip organizations.

In the coming months, participants can look forward to a diverse line up of topics from leading industry practitioners including: a master class in digital media, the media/customer journey, creativity and the role of PR.

In line with the IAA UAE Chapter's commitment to supporting the development of skills, talent and creativity in the industry, the fee is very competitively priced and further discounted rates are offered for group bookings of more than three delegates.

Each workshop session, to be held at the IAA UAE Chapter premises in Dubai Media City, will be limited to only 50 delegates, offering intimate close group sessions.