Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Tarek Mitri, the inaugural edition of the Beirut Public Relations Forum kicked off on May 28, 2009 at the Phoenicia InterContinental Hotel, Beirut, attended by over 80 delegates. The one-day forum, which was conducted in both Arabic and English, addressed key strategic issues that are pertinent to the role of public relations in the business and corporate world, while highlighting the fact that the practice of public relations is now playing a vital and leading role in various Government and private sector companies. In addition, the Forum highlighted the importance of adopting a strategic approach to public relations, as well as the added value it provides the private, public and NGO sectors alike.  Last year’s speaker roster included key executives from Middle East Airlines, MTC Touch, Lebanese American University, Lebanon Opportunities and Comtrax Solutions, among other leading organizations.