We here at iMIS International are enhancing our core business, while proactively capitalizing on worldwide opportunities arising from global cyclical business trends and the increasing demand for top flight products and services.

With a strong asset base and excellent execution capabilities we are poised as a premier, global development and manufacturing organization.

Every day more and more internet usage is moving from full, desktop-view access to mobile access. How well are you adjusting to the change? When creating content for your website you should always keep in mind how it will look and be accessed on mobile devices.

The key to this is Responsive Web Design. By designing one website that looks good on all devices, your development and maintenance costs are greatly reduced. 

We will present a keynote session at the Leadership Summit that addresses the principles and implementation of Responsive Web Design. This is one of the many valuable sessions you will enjoy at the conference!

After many years in our industry, I’ve determined that if you want to make the most out of the annual conference, you need to have a game plan. It’s important to know what you want to accomplish at the conference in advance. Are there are people you are trying to connect with? Are there specific topics you are hoping to learn more about, or educational opportunities you don’t want to miss?  Here are some tips:

• Take a look in advance at who is exhibiting and speaking. Know who you want to meet; this will help you figure out how to find them.

• Know which booths in the exhibit hall are important to you to visit. Discuss with your colleagues beforehand and see if anyone in your organization is in need of special information from an exhibitor. You may want to set up a meeting in advance to meet some of these folks. Just walking the floor is less effective than coming with a plan.

• Bring your materials. If you aren’t exhibiting, that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to provide valuable information on your organization. Be sure to bring business cards.

• Know what you need. Company decision makers are at their booths; if you need something, now is a good time to ask.

• Stay organized. Sort through and organize business cards each day. Don’t get back to the office and find cards everywhere! Sort out contacts and brochures. Review your notes to organize follow-up before you return to the office.

During last year's annual membership drive, we included an in-depth survey about the top challenges facing our members in the industry. We asked some very specific questions about the most frequent legal issues you encounter in your work, and I wanted to share the results with you.

1. Employment liability
2. Misunderstanding what comprises taxable income
3. Lack of attention to important clauses in meeting contracts
4. Lack of a contract management plan
5. Lack of a social media management plan

Join me on January 15 for a conference call to discuss the survey results. We can go into more detail about how you can avoid pitfalls associated with these issues!

I'm Peter Bachman, incoming association chairman for 2013, and I wanted to introduce myself and welcome new and returning members. I really enjoyed meeting many of you at our 2013 Annual Conference, and I'm looking forward to connecting again next year at the Annual Conference in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The beautiful Reef Hotel and Casino will be the site of our conference, which will make for both a fun and informative gathering. There are some great formal and informal ways to network during this conference--it's one you don't want to miss. If you are beginning your career, networking at the conference is a fantastic way to find a mentor.

We have many exciting things happening in our industry during the next year, especially relating to certification and licensing program changes. As many of you know, continuing education in our field is a passion of mine, and I have been chair of the Education Committee for the past five years. During that time the number of members participating in continuing education classes and sitting for the licensing xam has almost doubled, which tells me that this is an area that many of you are interested in as well. I'm always interested in hearing members' thoughts on what subject areas they'd like to see more education offered in, and the value you feel that licensing brings to your career. Join us for plenary sessions on this very topic at the conference!

A little bit about me--I am a graduate of Texas A and M University in College Station, Texas. I love watching Aggie football games with my son, James, and I  also enjoy playing guitar and reading. I'm originally from Dallas, Texas and my wife Anne and I have enjoyed traveling throughout the United States,  Europe, and Australia as part of our careers. I've found it especially wonderful to connect with association members from  all over the world, learning that we have the same common interests and goals in our industry no matter where we live! I am looking forward to traveling more in Asia next year and hope to meet members there.

Feel free to drop me a line at [email protected] and let me know how you're doing, and how our association can better serve you.