The International Advertising Association (IAA), known as the world’s most influential network of marketing and marketing communications professionals, is marking a significant milestone this October as it celebrates 85 years of existence. Founded in 1938 by Thomas Ashwell and a group of 12 Ad Execs at the New York Harvard Club, IAA has evolved into the global umbrella body for the marketing and advertising industry. To commemorate this achievement, the association has lined up a series of events and initiatives designed to engage its diverse and multidisciplinary membership.
The highlight of these celebrations includes the official launch of IAA’s special 85 years celebrations logo on October 3, 2023, symbolizing its rich history and continued commitment to the industry.
On October 3, 2023, the IAA will hosted the IAA Global B2B Brand Summit, featuring prominent voices in the B2B sector from around the world. This summit promises to be a gathering of some of the finest minds in the industry.
A grand gala dinner hosted on October 4, 2023, in the vibrant city of New York. The event will be attended by 85 of IAA’s global leaders and IAA Compass partners from 56 countries worldwide, making it an international affair of remarkable scale.
Looking ahead, from March 6 to 8, 2024, the 45th IAA World Congress will take place in Penang, Malaysia. Held every 2-3 years in major cities across the globe, this congress will put the spotlight on key themes such as sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
Sasan Saeidi, Chairman and World President of IAA Global, expressed his enthusiasm for the celebrations, stating, “Since IAA was founded 85 years ago, much has changed in the industry and in the approach to advertising goods and services. IAA is kicking off celebrations with initiatives which bring together our vast and multidisciplinary members, allowing IAA to tap into global best practices and play a strong role in supporting key industry issues and values.”
Dagmara Szulce, Global Executive Director of IAA Global, emphasized the association’s commitment to its core values, stating, “The IAA North Star values of creativity, advocacy, education, collaboration, professional development, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide IAA and underscore our 85 years celebrations. IAA is committed to helping the communication industry navigate the implementation of the North Star values in their own company cultures, in a rapidly changing world.”
Sheba Nandkeolyar, Global Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of IAA Global and President of IAA Australia, acknowledged the growing demand for membership, stating, “As our 85 years celebrations spotlight IAA’s value for members, I am pleased to see increased demand in joining our network of over 4,000 individual and corporate members spanning marketing, advertising, media, IT communications, and academic sectors spanning 56 countries.”
Heather Leembruggen, IAA Australia Chair, shared her optimism about the future, saying, “In our 43 years of existence in Australia, IAA has flourished and established a strong reputation through our thought leadership and initiatives such as IAA Australia’s Big Idea Challenge – one of the iconic initiatives designed by IAA for the next generation – now in its 21st year. With the benefit of a rich and long history to learn from, the future of IAA and IAA Australia is bright.”
Pradeep Dwivedi, IAA Area Director & Vice President, Asia Pacific Region, emphasized the potential of the Asia-Pacific region, noting, “The IAA APAC region has amazing potential and joins the IAA @ 85 celebrations along with chapters in Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, S. Korea, Malaysia, Macao, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taipei, and new emerging chapters to take the ideals of the IAA forward and collectively ensure that IAA remains the leading compass of marketing communications globally in a dynamic business world, even as we thrive on the amazing confluence of creativity and technology in our industry with social impact as a key tenet.”
Avinash Pandey, President of IAA India Chapter, expressed his pride in being part of the global IAA community and its continued contributions to the industry. He stated, “As the International Advertising Association marks its remarkable 85-year journey, we take pride in being part of this global community that has consistently shaped the landscape of marketing and advertising. The series of events and initiatives planned for this milestone not only reflect the IAA’s enduring commitment but also offer a platform for our diverse members to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of our dynamic industry. We look forward to contributing to the continued success and influence of the IAA as we navigate the exciting intersection of creativity and technology, with social impact at the forefront of our endeavors. Here’s to 85 years of innovation, camaraderie, and the unwavering spirit that propels the IAA forward.”
As the International Advertising Association celebrates its 85th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and innovation in the dynamic field of marketing and advertising. With a rich history and a commitment to guiding the industry towards a future of creativity, equity, and social impact, the IAA continues to be a beacon for marketing professionals worldwide.
