IMM Africa Association of Marketers launched

In reinstating the concept of the original Institute of Marketing, the IMM Africa Association of Marketers has been launched - a body that will embrace marketers and organisations across the continent and provide outstanding benefits to a membership base that wishes to align itself with the ideals of a new and dynamic marketing association.

Although the IMM, which was founded in 1960, ceased functioning as an institute in 2002, over time, there has been a strong demand for many of the services previously provided.

Amongst the aims of the newly formed Association are to assist the marketing community to anticipate, manage and embrace the exciting changes taking place in the business and social environment, to create forums for networking and to recognise outstanding marketing achievement, amongst other cost-effective, value added benefits.

Furthermore, an imperative aim of the Association is to encourage ongoing educational and professional development amongst marketers. This includes the appointment of the Association by the Services SETA as a recognised assessment centre for professional marketing designations, namely the Chartered Marketer and Marketing Practitioner.

Members also enjoy the benefit of the link to the IMM Business School of Marketing, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in professional marketing and business training, through a wide range of fully customised in-company programmes (INCOs) and short learning programmes (SLPs).

Still in the realm of educational development, the IMM GSM, in conjunction with the IMM Africa Association of Marketers, will reconvene the annual Marketing Educators' Conference. This event will provide a platform for marketing academics, educators, researchers and students to present high-level papers covering new theories and research results or concepts which have recently added to the marketing body of knowledge.

The membership base of the Association will include marketing graduates and students, individuals within the marketing community, as well as companies, ranging from SMEs to large corporates, with pro rata employee memberships and preferential rates for the benefits offered.

Said Nigel Tattersall, managing director of the IMM Graduate School of Marketing: We have incorporated 'Africa' in the name of the Association as the explosive growth of African markets, across industries, and the vast investment in sub-Saharan African markets, has highlighted the need to create a borderless entity that embraces business and individuals under the umbrella of one marketing association.

The IMM Africa Association of Marketers is constituted as a Section 21 company, with a focus on providing beneficial services to a select membership base. The Association does not aim to be the representative body for the marketing profession or to gain statutory recognition for the industry.

For further information visit www.immassociation.co.za or call 011 628 2047.

Ends.