The results of the MIPAA 2010 Executive Committee election were announced at the Christmas lunch by deputy chairman, John Rawlings.  Congratulations go to the following who were successfully elected as directors of the company, effective from the first EC meeting in 2010: Gabi Whitfield, John Rawlings, Debbie Shields and Al Clarke.  

Thanks go to former EC member, Steve Carman for his hard work during his tenure as a director and Ben Sayer and Nick Perry, who were not successful this time. 

Members are reminded they are invited to join the Operating Committee - and should notify general secretary Heather Yaxley, by 31 December, if they would like to be considered for this role in helping run MIPAA in 2010.

The 2009 MIPAA Chairman's Award was presented to BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans at the Christmas lunch on 8 December.  The award recognised Chris's enthusiasm, passion and love of motoring on the BBC2 Drivetime Show - as well as raising over £1 million for Children in Need in 2008 and 2009. 

The fund-raiser focuses on Chris's fleet of Ferrari cars and as a special gift, MIPAA member, Jason Harris kindly presented him with a unique artist's image of the Ferrari 250 California.  Photos from the lunch - including the presentation to Chris Evans will be featured in the next edition of the members' magazine, Revolve, due out in early January.

Time/Date: 10:00-16:00 / date to be confirmed
Location: Haymarket Media, Teddington Studios, Broom Road, Teddington, TW11 9BE
Cost: £50 (inc refreshments/lunch) - VAT not applicable for educational activity

This workshop will focus on the fundamental skills and knowledge required to succeed in motor industry PR.  It is intended for those with under 2 years experience in PR or the motor industry, as well as those currently working in marketing roles, or students on placement in PR, marketing or other communication roles.  The hands-on structure will include an insight from What Car?/Autocar journalists, essential media writing skills, organising a creative PR campaign and issues management.  Attendees will gain a fast-track understanding of the fundamentals of motor industry PR.  Book and pay online - see menu on right.

Time/Date: 10:00-16:00 / date to be confirmed
Location: GM/Vauxhall, Griffin House, Osborne Road, Luton, LU1 3YT
Cost: £50 (inc refreshments/lunch) - VAT not applicable for educational activity

Andrew Fairburn, director at the leading reputation, strategy and management consultancy, Regester-Larkin (www.regesterlarkin.com) will help MIPAA members apply key principles of risk, issues and crisis management to real and potential crises scenarios facing the motor industry. The workshop includes hands-on exercises and insight from those who’ve experienced major crises first hand.  As a result of attending the course, attendees will be able to identify emerging issues, undertake risk analysis, review and develop crisis management plans and identify the critical processes needed to turn potential problems into PR opportunities.

Book and pay online - see menu on right.

Time/Date: 10:00-16:00 / date to be confirmed
Location:  Millbrook Proving Ground Ltd, Millbrook, Bedford MK45 2JQ
Cost: £50 (inc refreshments/lunch) - VAT not applicable for educational activity

With thanks to Prova PR, this day-long workshop enables participants to put together a practical portfolio and understand the needs of online media including video, photography, podcasting and writing. It will also look at the relationship between online and offline media with expert advice on maximising the potential for stories to generate buzz in both.

Book and pay online - see menu on right.

The first chairman of the original organisation behind MIPAA Limited - the Spoke 'n' Wheel - will be attending the Halcyon September reunion lunch taking place on Tuesday 22 September at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.  Trevor Hoskins is visiting from the US and it is hoped he will present the remaining  MIPAA 40 Presidential Honorary Awards.  

MIPAA members, and Guild of Motoring Writers friends, of all ages, are welcome to the event, which is at the recession-beating cost of £25 for a traditional lunch (inc VAT, cash bar from midday).  Follow the link in the right hand menu for online booking and payment by credit card.  Alternatively, contact Heather Yaxley, MIPAA general secretary for booking and alternative payment arrangements.

End of the road for motor industry PR - or time to step up a gear?  That's the proposition addressed by speakers at the 2009 MIPAA Business Academy PR Masterclass at the London Transport Museum.

Feedback from the Masterclass has been fantastic - with most attendees rating it 5 out of 5 for meeting expectations and value for money (averages: 4.5 + 4.8) and everyone saying they would recommend future workshops. 

Special praise for the day came for Paul Willis, Director, Centre for Public Relations Studies, Leeds Business School, whose academic perspective highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing PR today.  Access the speakers' presentations by logging in to the members' area - or check out our report of the day which follows: