WOODBURY, NY--(Marketwired - Jul 27, 2016) - The PhotoImaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMDA) today announced the formation of a new industry association, The Imaging Alliance. The organization brings together critical assets of two venerable photo-industry trade associations: PMDA, formed in 1934, and the Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI), founded in 1928. The Imaging Alliance will more efficiently and holistically represent the evolving needs of an industry that has seen dramatic change in the last decade, including the rise of new and highly innovative companies in image-based businesses.
A non-profit organization dedicated to developing and advancing the imaging industry through education, events, philanthropic activities, industry research, and more, The Imaging Alliance will continue to support acclaimed initiatives of both associations. These include PMDA's "Portraits of Love" series, providing professional photographic services to those in need; PMDA's "Saluting Photographers Who Give Back," an annual event celebrating photographers who use their talents, passion and the power of imaging to help others. It will offer primary and secondary research reports and findings to its members, as PMAI has done in the past; leverage PMAI's existing and significant web content; and continue conferences such as the acclaimed PMAI "Innovation Now" industry summit.
PMDA President Jim Malcolm, CEO of Xiality Group, now serves as president of the new organization, and PMDA Executive Director Jerry Grossman, editor in chief and editorial director of Digital Imaging Reporter, now serves as executive director of The Imaging Alliance. Gabrielle Mullinax of Fullerton Photographics, Inc., who was PMAI president, will become an advisor to The Imaging Alliance board.
"We formed The Imaging Alliance to best serve a stronger, bolder and more diverse industry. We will be bringing together an incredibly broad spectrum of companies that offer products, services and applications and will promote the growth and development of the imaging industry, at large," said Malcolm. "Over the last decade, the photo industry has forever changed, and so too, must the trade organizations that serve it. A new structure, mission and vision are necessary to support a diverse industry, and inspire involvement of a broad range of participants."
"We are seeing a shift to new technologies, like virtual and augmented reality and a host of new applications from both new entrants as well as familiar market players," added Mullinax. "As The Imaging Alliance, we can embrace this revolution with an industry association that reflects and meets the needs of all participants."
Current PMDA and PMAI members, in good standing, will automatically become members of the Imaging Alliance for the remainder of 2016. The Imaging Alliance is openly soliciting new members from the growing spectrum of companies offering hardware, software, online services, and applications as well as from retailers, photographers and media representatives who service the imaging industry.
For more information, visit http://www.theimagingalliance.com/.
About The Imaging Alliance
The Imaging Alliance is a non-profit organization representing the bold and diverse imaging industry, with a membership that encompasses manufacturers, software and application developers, retailers, media, photographers and others. It brings together critical assets from two respected, long-time industry associations: the Photo Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMDA) and the Photo Marketing Association International (PMAI). The Imaging Alliance actively promotes the economic growth and sustainable development of both current and future imaging applications. Its members work together to create a sense of community through philanthropic activities that support visual communications. For more information, see http://www.theimagingalliance.com/.
Contact Information:
For More Information, Contact:
Barbara Hagin
The Imaging Alliance
(408) 832-7626 - mobile