The 2011 International Public Relations Association Gulf Chapter (IPRA-GC) Conference stated at The Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi today with participation of a large number of delegates belonging to regional and global media.

Tim Sebastian, former BBC journalist and founder of the internationally renowned Doha Debates delivered the keynote address of the conference titled "Reputation Management: Emerging Trends, Changing Dynamics."

The conference, being held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works and Chairman of the National Media Council, and hosted by IPRA-GC will conclude discussing a large number of issues including next practices in PR, the love-hate relationship between media and the PR industry, and the role of communications in addressing issues relating to family businesses.

Mishal Kanoo, Deputy Chairman of the Kanoo Group, who is participating in the IPRA-GC Conference, said: "Gulf companies are well aware of the power of a good reputation. In fact, through practices such as name lending, many businesses used to get by on reputation alone."