Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity opens

Shortlists for 13 of the 15 entry categories have this morning been released as follows: Film 33, Print 73, Outdoor 37, Radio 16, Media 68, Direct 32, Promo & Activation 31, Interactive 25, Print & Poster Craft 27, Film Craft 35, Design 40, PR 19, Mobile 6. All shortlisted work is currently being exhibited and screened at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, home to the 2013 Festival.

Kicking off yesterday, a packed programme of 24 seminars, given by world-class global speakers, is taking place throughout the Festival. Some of the speakers that have already taken to the stage include Daina Middleton, Global CEO of Performics; Tarek Miknas, CEO of FP7/MENA; Elliot Polak, Founder & CEO of Textappeal; Morihiro Harano, Creative Director, Mori Inc; Danny Searle, Vice Chairman Asia, Chairman Singapore, BBDO; Martin Weigel, Head of Planning, Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam; and James Kirkham, Managing Director, Holler.

Elsewhere, Young Lynx competitors are already hard at work. 18 teams have been briefed by a charity to create an integrated campaign in just 36 hours. Teams have been asked to produce an eight-slide pitch of their creative idea and integrated strategy, and one execution from their campaign. They will present to the dedicated jury on Tuesday morning who will decide which team is worthy of taking home the gold medal.

The Leo Burnett Lynx Academy has offered 23 students an unrivalled opportunity to immerse themselves in a dedicated learning programme led by tutor Marilyn Roberts, Dean and Professor of the College of Communication and Media Sciences at Zayed University. Already well into their programme, students will benefit from a programme of dedicated master-classes and tutorials given by top international industry figures as well as content from the main Festival programme.

All shortlists are available to view online at www.dubailynx.com along with updates and photographs from the event. The Festival draws to a close tomorrow and will culminate with the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 13 March, where the winners will be revealed and honoured during a night of celebrations.