Established in 1938, the International Advertising Association (IAA) is the only global association that represents all areas of the marketing and communications industry. Our membership is drawn from marketers, advertising, media and public relations agencies, as well as media companies, research firms and educators.

For over seventy years, the IAA has played a strong and supportive role in key industry issues as such as freedom of commercial speech, self regulation, responsible advertising, education and professional development. With its influence, vast network and grass roots operations, the IAA is the natural platform for the many issues that confront today’s demanding and fast-changing business environment.

IAA is the organiser of the IAA World Congress, a “must-attend” event for those working in the global communications environment, and a platform for industry initiatives. Past recent initiatives include Hopenhagen and the Digital Download Forum Series.

Mission statement

• Value of advertising - to promote the critical role and benefits of advertising as the vital force behind all healthy economies and the foundation of diverse, independent media in an open society.
• Advocacy - to protect and advance freedom of commercial speech and consumer choice.
• Advertising self-regulation - to encourage greater practice and acceptance of advertising self-regulation.
• Professional development - to take the lead in state-of-the-art professional development through education and training for the marketing communications industry of tomorrow and to encourage the interest of young individuals in the business.
• Industry forum - to provide a forum, as the global partnership of marketing communications professionals, to debate emerging marketing communications issues and their consequences in the fast changing world environment.