For Immediate Release
MARCH 7, 2007

www.pmai.org

 AIE, a member association of PMA, partners with Future Image in 6Sight Conference

 LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Association of Imaging Executives^® (AIE^®), a PMA member association focusing on leadership issues, announced today it is partnering with Future Image to host the 6Sight^® Future of Imaging executive conferences. AIE and Future Image have reached an agreement in principle and are currently finalizing details of the working relationship, while plans for the next edition of 6Sight have already begun.  The next conference will be held in Monterey, Calif., October 17-18, 2007.

6Sight explores the opportunities and challenges the future of imaging has in store for customers, and the resulting challenges and opportunities for vendors and resellers throughout the imaging supply chain. The program features a unique mix of audiovisual presentations, new technology demonstrations, interactive panel discussions and technology showcases. The audience is composed of senior executives (CEOs, CTOs, CMOs, VPs, directors, etc.) from companies involved in the market for digital imaging products: vendors, retailers, and large users of imaging technology (business, government and education); as well as industry analysts, venture capitalists and media representatives.

The two-day program of the 2007 edition examines future directions for devices used to capture, display, share, publish and manage digital still and video images, as well as the explosion of user-generated visual content, both of which are transforming people’s lives in their personal, work and community spheres. Innovative technologies and services will be featured and demonstrated, often for the first time in a public setting.

“Two major trends are driving the imaging industry forward,” said Alexis Gerard, president of Future Image, author of “Going Visual,” and chair of the 6Sight Conference. “One is the drive to capture and store data that faithfully reproduces our experience of vision – ultra-high image quality, motion, depth and more. The other is the explosive worldwide mainstreaming of image capture and communication, driven by miniaturization, decreasing costs and communication networks. These two trends, separately and at their intersection, make imaging an incredibly dynamic and exciting industry, and our program will reflect that.”

“The objectives and target audience of 6Sight were so perfectly aligned with those of AIE, it was a slam dunk decision for the board to partner with Future Image on this event,” said AIE President Mark Lane. “This new venture will bring a broad cross-section of leaders from all facets of the industry to network and exchange insights and ideas to help position their companies successfully in the years ahead. That approach fits hand-in-glove with the mission of AIE.”

“Right from the start, PMA^® management understood and supported what we do at 6Sight – create a future-oriented event that is much more than an industry conference,” said Gerard. “We share a core belief in the fundamental importance and value of imaging, and in the fact that this industry has a great economic future.

“By working together as partners, we combine PMA’s unrivaled breadth and depth in the imaging industry, as well as its marketing and event operations expertise. That, coupled with Future Image’s effectiveness at anticipating the next waves in imaging technology and user behavior, will make a much more exciting and rewarding conference series.”

“PMA has a long history of working with Future Image to help its member companies plan for the future of imaging,” said Ted Fox, PMA executive director. “The inaugural DIMA^® Conference in 1996 was chaired by Alexis Gerard, who also developed the program and content. PMA has also been an Association Sponsor of Future Image’s 6Sight and Mobile Imaging Summit conferences since their inception. Now, through our leadership arm, AIE, we want to extend our relationship by investing in the 6Sight conferences and deepen our commitment to this highly respected series of executive conferences.”

Information on the program, speakers, registration and opportunities for media and analysts can be found at www.6Sight.com.

AIE Is …

A strong fellowship of imaging professionals, the Association of Imaging Executives® (AIE®) encourages entrepreneurial photo imaging executives to lead with visionary ideas and the renewed energy necessary to sustain and grow the industry. With a focus on peer-to-peer learning, leadership training, and networking, AIE helps its members meet business issues head-on with practical and immediately actionable learning. AIE is a PMA member association. 

6Sight Is …

This two-day executive event is focused on the explosive global spread of imaging technology, and its potential for exciting new opportunities to improve people’s lives in the personal, work and community spheres. 6Sight, now partnering with AIE, is organized by Future Image, Inc., publisher of The Future Image Report since 1993 and host of the Mobile Imaging Summit executive conferences since 2003. The annual event brings together technologists, marketers, futurists, artists, educators, customers, analysts and members of the media for a program emphasizing innovative use cases, breakthrough technologies and creativity. The 2007 6Sight conference will be held on October 17 and 18 at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, Calif. The event is supported by some of the world’s leading photo and telecommunications companies. For information about participating in 6Sight, please e-mail Joe Byrd, Future Image’s VP of Conferences & Alliances, at JByrd@FutureImage.com.

Future Image Is …

Future Image was founded in 1991 as an independent center of expertise to assist the imaging industry and its customers with transitioning to digital technology, through executive conferences such as 6Sight and the Mobile Imaging Summit, continuous information services, and original research projects.

The company has an unparalleled 15-year record of thought leadership on the future of imaging, predicting the interplay of technological innovation, changing customer behavior and desires, and business opportunities for vendors and users. Milestones include publication, beginning in 1993, of The Future Image Report, the newsletter of reference for the digital imaging industry; development of the first segmentation and forecasting models for the digital camera market, published jointly with IDC in 1995; the publication in 2001 of the first comprehensive industry study on mobile imaging; and more.

Future Image provides services to the leading corporations in the imaging, computer/peripherals/software, and telecommunications industries, as well as government agencies, financial institutions and corporate IT departments. More information is available at www.6sight.com/about.html and www.futureimage.com.

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About PMA – The Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations

As a professional trade association, PMA^® helps the worldwide photo imaging community achieve business success and adapt to new technologies. Its commitment to 20,000 members in 100-plus countries is part of an 82-year legacy that connects business owners to a network of knowledge and support. PMA furthers this purpose through the development of educational programs and business services, marketing research, publications and trade shows. As a nonprofit organization, any success enjoyed by PMA in its endeavors directly benefits the industry, allowing PMA to provide continual services and activities for members.