Some months ago all AIJA members have received a survey enquiring about the value of AIJA membership: why they are members, if they are happy with AIJA membership today, which new member benefits they would like to have.
Over 30% of AIJA members took the survey, providing us with a solid sample of data. 80% of respondents are happy with what AIJA offers today: this is great news and we thank them for that! No surprise that most AIJA members consider the possibility to have face to face networking opportunities as well as discounted rates for AIJA events as the most important reasons why they are members. At AIJA we try our best to maximize networking possibilities, being it online or even more at our events. This is what makes our association special and distinguish us from other legal networks.
What about new member benefits? Most members said they would consider very positively attending webinars (33% of respondents) and having an online tool to manage business referrals (42%). You asked, we did it!
A successful webinar on how international lawyers can effectively use LinkedIn was held on 10th March. Over 200 attendees enjoyed a lively presentation full of practical tips. More webinars are being organised for the rest of the year: feel free to forward me your ideas about topics you would find relevant to your practice.
Since early March, AIJA members can log in onto the AIJA website and use our new platform for business referral. Identify your need, make a question and check what the AIJA network has to offer. Have a look at pending questions and opportunities here: AIJA can give you even more than what you already get!
Talking about new projects, something brand new is coming up soon. Details are still top secret but rumours say that next Autumn AIJA will be leading the campaign “Young Lawyers’ Week”, an occasion to celebrate young lawyers in different parts of the world… Stay tuned for further information.
On a more personal note, I have the pleasure to announce that I have been shortlisted for a prestigious award in the associations’ world. I am shortlisted as “Young Leader of the Year” at the International and European Association Awards. This is THE award for association professionals and a remarkable recognition of my professional achievements. This nomination wouldn’t have been possible without the huge trust and support I have always got from the AIJA Bureau since my first day at AIJA and the excellent collaboration I have had with AIJA members and staff. Thanks for sending me good vibes on the 6th May, during the final award ceremony taking place in Lausanne, Switzerland.
On this festive note, let me wish you a nice time with AIJA –mine surely is!
All the best,
Giuseppe Marletta
AIJA Association Manager