Technology is becoming a more prominent part of everyone’s lives. Just look around at all the electronic and mechanical devices we use in our day-to-day routines. It was not too long ago that my telephone weighed about four pounds and had a very restrictive cord and plug attached. The fax machine was a newfangled way of sending something immediately. Placing correspondence in the mail was still routine.

Now, many of the tools for communicating are wireless, and certainly all of them are smaller and more versatile. The vast amount of information available on the Internet combined with the real-time conversations through electronic mail has certainly eclipsed any of the earlier methods of communicating.

In this regard, your association, which has been on the forefront of technology, has just launched the final stage of the new IAAPA web site. The new site is a combination of different servers, service providers, and software platforms. The initial front end is hosted locally and serves as the gateway to the other sites. The redesign was undertaken in early June 2002 as a collaborative effort with members of all IAAPA departments, who formed a web site committee. This group was charged with gathering opinions and input from various sources, including other staff members and from the general membership of IAAPA. The design and information have been consolidated and streamlined into 45 pages, while the old site was 550 pages.

The front end connects to three other sections. The trade show, the e-modules, and the Funworld sections of the site all serve different purposes and require different levels of technology, such as bandwidth and platform interactivity. The e-modules are going to offer the most noticeable improvement because they will allow members to purchase services and products online, as well as register for IAAPA events from any computer. This segment of the site will also allow all members to update their membership information at any time. This is crucial in helping the association staff publish accurate information in their various directories and guides.

I hope you all get a chance to enjoy the new and improved member service.

Best Wishes,

John P. C. Collins
Chairman of the Board