In this climate the role of the trade association moves from being “nice to have” to being “essential”. The IABM fulfils that vital role. It cannot just represent the supply community but has to be an “agent for change”. As the industry association the IABM must understand the issues and then support its members in managing the transition from the traditional market to the new one. Part of that involves collaborative action through competent research and analysis and a further part involves communicating the change issues to the marketplace in an independent and authoritative way.

The IABM Business Standard is just one way in which members can prove their credentials to customers and differentiate themselves from the pack. The market geography is also a moveable feast. It is generally recognised that the four countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China are emerging as super economies of the future. Commonly referred to as BRIC these countries make up 25% of the world’s land mass and 40% of its population. They are rapidly becoming major players in the global scene and are of increasing importance to the supply side of the industry. International players need to secure their place in these emerging markets and conversely local companies will increasingly begin to impact the world stage.

Suppliers showcase their capability at tradeshows around the world and the IABM is the voice of the exhibitor community at the key events. Each year the IABM visits, reviews and audits events to make sure that members have an objective view of event performance and are able to make informed decisions about their marketing expenditure. Through its strategic relationships with NAB and other event organisers and its role as a founding member of the IBC Partnership, the IABM is well placed to represent the interests of suppliers where it really matters.

Association members also believe it is important to help stimulate and develop the industry for the future. Bursaries and awards funded by the IABM support skills development and innovation on an international basis and reflect the stature of the association as an industry stakeholder. At the IABM our membership continues to grow with more and more enlightened businesses recognising the value of the services and advantages their sector’s trade association can bring to them.

The fact is, the broadcast media technology sector is diverse and becoming more so each day, made up of both very large organisations with broad reach and small niche businesses who, more often than not, occupy space in a single market segment.

With convergence and multi-platform delivery, we are also seeing new businesses entering the sector. Together with systems and services business growth, the map of our industry and the businesses it covers is changing.

The IABM continues to meet the challenges that beset a truly global sectoral trade association. The needs of a large corporate member can be quite different to that of an SME member, but both are equally important to us. Furthermore regional needs are often different and as an international association we continue to fulfil these disparate requirements.

The theme of openness and interoperability resonates with the work being undertaken by IABM specialists in the international standardisation arena. Our representation in SMPTE, AES and other standards groups is vital for enabling technology adoption through respected and accepted international standards and protocols. In addition there is a considerable amount of new legislation and regulation impacting the entire media landscape and IABM members around the world benefit from collective representation to related agencies. At the same time its advice and information services are kept busy providing assistance with regard to compliance. The IABM is also increasingly concerned about environmental issues. We have an environmental legislation specialist maintaining a watching brief in this area. We have supported members through RoHS and WEEE in the past and now the REACH regulations are beginning to take centre stage. Our members are always kept informed of all developments in this area through regular bulletins, reports and technology events.

The IABM is synonymous with thought leadership in our industry and we remain the independent global voice of authority. Our strength, knowledge and influence is derived directly from our membership and we will actively support and promote them tirelessly. As a not for profit trade body we don’t take out of the industry, we only give to it. If you are yet to join the IABM then you are missing an enormous opportunity to do better for your business.

We always aspire to do better and respond to our members’ needs and the needs of the industry in general, so feedback from you, the industry community, is always welcome.

Representing broadcast and media technology suppliers worldwide 11

THE IABM