Activity Programme
To maintain business advantage for our membership, the IVCA has a dynamic infrastructure, which constantly changes to reflect members’ evolving needs. The Association currently operates the following strategic business programmes.
Representing the Industry
The IVCA helps production companies showcase their expertise and clients make contact with companies and individuals offering specific services. It also provides information about, and contacts within, the new media and traditional communication sector for our membership and new entrants to the industry. It assists companies seeking alliances with government and provides full listings of 5,000 industry contacts, including members, who subscribe to the Association’s code of ethics, and then explains the services they provide. The IVCA is a leading player in the all-industry Digital Content Forum, is affiliated to more than 14,000 sister ITVA/MCA-I members in Europe/North America, and is represented at a range of industry shows and markets throughout the UK and other parts of the world.
Research and Development
The IVCA R&D Programme, which is steered by our Research and Benchmarking Group, ensures an ongoing commitment to research which, through partnership action with established agencies, provides members with key data to assist them with their business development. The IVCA also offers members a customised personal research service designed to provide directional market data at highly competitive rates and has undertaken projects for the Department of Trade and Industry.
Promoting Best Practice
The IVCA works to raise awareness of the latest developments in business communication and encourages investment in the sector by providing case studies of success and showcasing excellence through a range of paper and electronic publications. Related events include: the annual IVCA Awards; MAPCOM, the industry’s leading communication conference; the annual IVCA Fellowship Award; and the Biz-Net Awards for web based business communications; the Perfect Pitch Awards for Interactive Television Ideas, and the Clarion Awards for excellence in the communication of corporate social responsibility. These are supplemented by regular screenings of new and award winning programmes and digital products. The annual IVCA Business Media Handbook, containing full member listings, is read by more than 12,000 individuals from all relevant markets. It is also available at 250 business centres throughout the world through the assistance of UK Trade and Investment.
Government Liaison
The IVCA ensures that Government Ministers, and the Department of Trade and Industry, recognise the contribution our members make to UK economic success. Members’ views are represented at all levels of the legislative process and within the DTI, the DfES and the DCMS. We are a founder member of the Digital Content Forum, part of the Broadband Action Group and overseas trade group. The DTI has also hosted IVCA sub-committees for: business leaders, e-communications, business events, film and video, commissioners, freelancers, and facilities and hire companies in previous years.
Developing Your Network
The IVCA ensures that members are provided with both networking skills and a full range of international networking opportunities. Networking training seminars and pitching development courses, are supplemented by business events for clients, producers, freelancers and service providers. Introductions to overseas trade delegations are held regularly and there is access to international trade missions. Our fast growing national IVCA Business Media Network gives access to regional partners who can provide effective business solutions in eight hub-locations throughout the UK. In addition, international contacts and pitching opportunities are generated through our partnership with UK Trade and Investment.
Improving Training and Recruitment
The IVCA works to guide the education and training sectors towards providing the necessary skills and research needed to maintain standards within the industry. The Association has a training forum; is represented on both the board and sub-committees of Skillset, the industry training body; has researched training provision through The People Skills Scoreboard; validates the training provision of several universities and colleges; presents the IVCA Enterprise Award to outstanding regional centres of excellence in training; and promotes over 100 training courses annually for members. The IVCA also offers a specialist recruitment services which cover all aspects of the industry.
Developing Your Business
The IVCA Business Development Programme provides 10 support services for members. These range from providing new insights into maximising the effectiveness of communications, to free legal advice, copyright support, financial services and accountancy support. Regular seminars are also held on such subjects as: Improving Pitching Practice; Intellectual Property; Brand Development; and Corporate Social Responsibility. Monthly business lunches provide both information and networking opportunities for members, and there are regular screenings and presentations of best practice communications.
Training
The IVCA is committed to improving training for our industry. The Association is represented on the board of Skillset, the national training body and runs occasional training courses in such areas as pitching practice, networking and new technology.
As part of its investing in the future programme the IVCA also conducts regular research into training needs and promotes over 200 training courses each year provided by the National Film and Television School Short Course Unit and Skillset.
Business Support Network
The IVCA Business Media Network is an important part of the Association’s Nations and Regions Programme. It was launched in the Spring of 1999 at the Department of Trade and Industry, where representatives welcomed its mission to both promote and maximise the competitiveness of the corporate visual communication industry.
Leading companies from across the UK were prepared to act as centres of information about the IVCA and the corporate communication industry. They further the understanding of the business benefits derived from the use of all media platforms, and the essential hire and facility services, which underpin the industry.
Full details are available in the Members only area
Global Media Support
IVCA members may receive media support in 18 other countries thorough the Associations media affiliations.
Full details are available in the Members only area
Promoting Inclusive Communication
Inclusive Communications: promoting both inclusive social representation and appropriate communication policy & practice in the corporate visual communication industry
All sectors of industry should value its producers and consumers equally irrespective of race & ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, age or physical ability. The promotion of such attitudes is part of our core social responsibility. Not only is this a moral and social imperative but legislation makes such matters mandatory.
The corporate visual communication sector is ideally equipped to promote greater understanding of our rights and responsibilities. The IVCA’s membership of 1,000 producers and Associate Membership of 1,500 directors of communication, public affairs and human resources provide a powerful core group to promote a more inclusive society.
