February was a good month for content, with a strong Performing Arts Managers conference, a successful AVSS program, and the launch of an improved magazine. The magazine was redesigned and a new focus placed on timely, useful and interesting content, as determined by a recent reader survey. We have received some very positive feedback so far. One of my favorite comments is below.
Excellent magazine. We are out for RFPs on a new addition to the Midland County Horseshoe Arena, and several of the articles address specific issues we have met in the meeting planning process. How can I get more hard copies or electronic copies to share with planners, officials and architects? — Mike Dooley, Midland, Texas
Thanks, Mike, we really appreciate hearing how you are putting the articles to good use! Please feel free to send in your own Letter to the Editor, commenting on an article or the magazine itself, good or bad. We hope to publish more feedback from our members and readers, and to use your comments to keep improving.
As for our other education products, The Severe Weather Preparedness program received a lot of attention, as the Associated Press picked up our press release and over 300 news outlets ran a story on the program.
“Our iCommit campaign is going strong, with over 28 new members as a result.”
And we hope you also noticed our IAVM Education Brief, a broadcast email we just began sending that features complimentary and paid digital content that is available to our members. We have an ever-growing library of resources for our members, and we hope this brings more of it to our members’ attention.
Regarding membership and revenues, our iCommit campaign, developed by our membership committee and staff team, is going strong, with over 28 new members as a result. We also produced a 2013 mailer, made possible by Sodexo, that provided members a brief overview of programs and benefits available throughout the entire year.
Through January the Association has a net profit of $239,000 on revenue of $3.85M compared to a budgeted profit of $168,000. In comparison to last year, net profit has improved by $359,000. Final results will be shared once we close out the fiscal year which ends in March.
“I’m happy to report we have resigned Ungerboeck as a global partner, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing support.”
Regarding our relationship-building efforts, I’m happy to report we have resigned Ungerboeck as a global partner ($100K annual commitment), and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing support. The partnership was restructured to deliver much greater value to both Ungerboeck and IAVM, and will allow IAVM to use the Ungerboeck database product to better serve our members, at no cost to the association. It will be nice to leave our 10-year-old, unsupported database behind.
We’ve also made some strides in creating valuable partnerships with other industry associations. We signed a deal with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events to share content and co-promote complementary programs such as the CFE and the CEM (Certified in Exhibition Management). IAVM is also endorsing the IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum to be held May 30 in Washington, DC. IAVM members can attend at the IAEE member price. Watch for more details soon.
We also began participating in an informal advocacy alliance with the following associations:
- Coalition with National Association of Concessionaires
- National Association of Theatre Owners
- National Automatic Merchandising Association
- National Confectioners Association
Our advocacy expert, Turner Madden, and I will participate in regular conference calls to determine areas where we can work together for the betterment of all.
Regards,
Vicki Hawarden, CMP
IAVM President and CEO
