Industry association Eventia has proposed a
merger with the IVCA (International Visual
Communications Association), following
two years of discussions over creating a more collaborative, cohesive voice for
the industry.
The announcement was made at Eventia’s AGM
at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower
yesterday (Monday), with the plans due to be mooted at the IVCA AGM today (Tuesday). Members of
both associations are to receive briefing papers this month (July) seeking feedback
on the merger. This would shape a joint proposal for formal consultation in
mid-September, with a ballot of membership and EGM then taking place by
November.
New Eventia chairman Simon Hughes told
meetpie.com: “This has to be absolutely approved by our membership. We need
commitment on both sides and once we have the green light we will get into the
detail of how it would work, including structure and names. We are talking a
proper merger, not a commercial takeover.
“The cry was that there were too many
associations and we have to do something about it. All associations – and we
think there are 30-plus in the events sector – are under pressure to deliver
and presenting an increasingly fragmented voice. We’ve had numerous
conversations with a number of different trade associations in how we can
collaborate and work closer together. I think we’re very confident this will be
an opportunity to build a greater future. We think this is a good match for all
of us.”
The new trade association would cover
communication industry sectors encompassing meetings, experiential events,
travel and incentives, film, video and interactive media. Hughes noted that 95
per cent of all commissioners/corporates commission across all media, not just
events or digital, while 80 per cent of all live events are now part of multi-platform
communications strategies. The combined live events, video and digital sector
is worth over £40bn annually.
“In a fast-changing world we are in the
communication and content business,” Hughes added. “We are working in a world
that has changed significantly from 10-15 years ago, a world of multi-channel
delivery. We are dealing with more managed, integrated campaigns.”
The IVCA covers creators of film, video, live
events and digital communications for the public and corporate sectors. It has been operating for more than 40 years, has 350 members and
£550,000 annual turnover – similar in structure and size to Eventia, which this
year had 250 members and turnover of £478,401. While Eventia has dedicated PR
and CSR roles, plus annual conferences, IVCA has a dedicated business development
role, and undertakes lobbying and trade missions.
“If we look at the teams there are very,
very few duplications. We have complementary services, we want to create a
stronger voice and expand member services,” Hughes said. “There will be greater
opportunities for networking and an increased awards programme. The industry
will be much better served if we put both of these organisations together.”
HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think of the proposed merger? Do you think it will be a good move for the industry as a whole?
Pictured: Simon Hughes
