IMAP Committee Meeting on 1 June 2008

IMAP Committee Meeting on 1 June 2008 Lausanne – 3 July 2008   The ad hoc Image Media and Archery Presentation Committee, IMAP Committee, met on 1 June 2008 after the World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya, Turkey. The IMAP Committee looks at the broad picture of Archery and FITA and makes recommendations to Council concerning—image, branding strategy, communications strategy, FITA publications, presentation, promotion, distribution, and media.   Pictured are the IMAP committee members and FITA team members present (from left to right): Mr Robert Smith, FITA Treasurer; Mrs Laurence Frère, IMAP Committee member; Ludivine Maitre Wicki, FITA Communication Coordinator; Ms Phyllis Easton, IMAP Committee Chairwoman; and Didier Miéville, FITA Marketing and Communication Director. Others present were Mr Dominique Curchod, IMAP Committee member, as well as Mr Rocky Bester and Mr George Tekmitchov who were invited for the Event Presentation discussion. We were sorry that IMAP Committee Member, Mr Fahri Ikler, was unable to attend. We thank FITA President, Dr Erdener for his words of encouragement and insight at the beginning of the meeting.   During the meeting we reviewed accomplished goals and proposals for the future. The more important topics and suggestions discussed include:   Ø      The importance of maintaining a high level of professionalism and consistency for all types of media—the press, live news, events presentation, publishing, television, the web, written material, etc.   Ø      The FITA team and President are to be congratulated for their efforts to move the image of Archery forward. A good example is the way FITA has worked with the Organizing Committee in Beijing to ensure the quality of Olympic Archery. The venue itself is exciting and different, and with two fields, event coverage will be better than ever. The team of Rocky and George will keep the crowd engaged, and the music and venue atmosphere upbeat.   Ø      The new Archery World Cup logo, which was recommended two years ago, is now a major part of the Archery image. It will be used during the Olympics, using the words World Archery. Effective use of the World Cup logo in all media was evident in Antalya and by other organizing committees. We are on our way to common branding with international consistency.   Ø      The World Cup now has a trophy—thanks to Fahri Ikler for his suggestion two years ago.   Ø      In the last two years, televised archery has made great strides with news reports, highlights and live coverage. With the improvement of the technical quality of FITA’s TV images along with their successful distribution, Dominique Curchod has suggested that FITA consider how to get some income from television promotion. Everyone would benefit—sponsors, the host cities and Archery. The details of this program of sharing television costs are being studied.   Ø      With the highly successful YouTube platform, FITA has enjoyed really good feedback and recognition from other International Federations and media experts. This is a new frontier and the possibilities for Archery are wide open.   Ø      The IMAP committee has suggested that the FITA website might hold interactive activities which would qualify participants for awards. For example—an archery photo contest or possibly a forum for archers to make suggestions, voice their opinions, and answer questions.   Ø      It was the consensus that promotion remains the one area requiring the most improvement. The most important goal here is to educate the organizing committees of the importance of publicity to the success of events. The World Championships in Leipzig are a great example of successful local promotion—they had sold out seats.   Other projects in the works include:   Ø      A FITA Style booklet, which would standardize preferred terminology, spelling and style; and include information about FITA and the Archery World Cup.   Ø      Website improvements such as statistics, results and direct news that could be sent directly.   Ø      New publications such as the Target, Coach’s Manual Level 2, Organiser’s Manual, Branding Manual, Officers and Official Guidebook.   In conclusion, the IMAP Committee identified and discussed specific actions for the future of FITA and Archery. Thanks to the talented and passionate FITA team, for their efforts toward the realization of the goals; and to the FITA volunteers for their valuable time and expertise.   Phyllis Easton IMAP Committee Chairwoman