IFDMA was conceived in 1991, when Direct Marketing leaders from 12 nations gathered in Boston to discuss matters
of mutual importance, especially the regulatory climate for the industry in different countries around the world.
+
Formally, IFDMA, the International Federation of DMAs was constituted in 1996. The Global Convention had 23 original signatories gathered together for the declared purpose of fostering industry programs of self-regulation and ethical conduct, consumer education, networking and effective public relations.
+
Today 38 institutions representing the Direct Marketing industry in 37 countries, plus FEDMA the European federation, belong to IFDMA.
+
The purpose in the early years was to establish firm lines of communication between direct marketers worldwide
and IFDMA has certainly accomplished that mission!
+
Privacy has been a prime focus since the beginning – "a global customer service issue", as it was called by Jonah Gitlitz,
a former US DMA president.
+
Early on, participants were concerned about the new EU Directive discussions and what it would mean to direct marketers.
+
Since the early 1990’s, Mail Preference Services of several countries have been exchanged for the benefit of consumers around the globe.
+
And 14 countries have signed a Telephone Preference Service agreement to accomplish the same in that medium.
+
Over the last few years, we’ve heard about several countries’ accomplishments, in line with
the Global Convention, including:
• MPS and TPS programs
• Self-regulatory guidelines
• Formation of new geographic federations, such as Asian-Pacific and ALMADI in Latin American.
+
Privacy, Cyberspace and Children’s Marketing have long been major issues: in October 1997, IFDMA adopted Global Online Privacy Principles and made a commitment for Global Children’s Marketing Principles.
+
Throughout the world the industry has numerous challenges – from legislators, regulators, privacy advocates
and the media.
+
Every facet of our business seems to be under scrutiny – Internet marketing, online "profiling", public data sources, marketing by telephone, if and how financial and health-related information should be used, etc.
+
As an industry – a fast-growing, global industry, we need to make sure consumer needs for customer service
and privacy are met.
+
These exchanges among IFDMA colleagues are extremely helpful in exchanging ideas and hearing how various challenges are met in different countries.
