At the World Administrators Summit in Frankfurt in 2018 (Prior to the IMA Conference), Delegates supported the idea to form a robust, resilient and responsive organization model to replace the WA-Summit Advisory Council and to support the WA-Summit to be held every two years. This was the beginning of the creation of the World Administrators Alliance (WA-Alliance), and IMA Global has always been a strong supporter of this initiative, becoming a Business Partner of the WA-Alliance upon its creation.

Six years later, we are delighted that 10 National Groups of IMA are Association Members of the WA-Alliance. Many IMA members have attended past Summits as Delegates or contribute to task forces on various topics. Two IMA members currently serve on the WA-Alliance Council.

The non-profit WA-Alliance represents a global community of Administrative Professional associations, networks, and stakeholders dedicated to its aims to guide, develop, influence and elevate the administrative profession.

We do this in many ways, but one you are probably most familiar with is the WA-Summit, our working meeting where we bring together the leaders of associations and networks, through leaders and industry influencers. The strength and uniqueness of the WA-Summit has always been to include voices from around the world. We all know that our profession is very different in each country. The WA-Summit gives you the opportunity to come to the global table with your national input. You bring to the discussions the voices of the administrative professionals in your country, so that we can support you to address the unique challenges you are facing.

You will also have opportunities to think outside your own borders, to look at the profession with a helicopter view, giving something back to the profession by helping other Member Associations, by sharing your successes with countries where the profession may not have progressed as much as it could. ‘A rising tide lifts all boats’, so whatever the WA-Alliance can do to influence and elevate the profession will be of benefit to all, and your National Group can contribute to this important work.

IMA is represented in many countries, and to form a truly global community, we need to hear the administrative professional’s voices from as many countries as possible. Membership of the WA-Alliance offers a wealth of benefits for IMA National Groups, empowering you to strengthen your IMA community, increase your visibility, and advance your mission.

Here’s why joining the Alliance can be a transformative opportunity:

1.       A Unified Global Voice

By joining the WA-Alliance, your IMA National Group becomes part of a global movement to elevate the administrative profession. You will have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to and align with global initiatives that enhance the recognition and value of administrative roles.

• Speak with one powerful, collective voice to influence policymakers, industry leaders, and organizations.
  
  

2.       Access to Resources and Research

The WA-Alliance provides tools and resources, such as:

• The Global Skills Matrix, an award-winning career development framework based on research from over 3,000 administrative professionals in 61 countries. It has been downloaded by over 11.000 people in more than 100 countries. This tool helps members articulate career progression and skill development pathways. As a WA-Alliance member, you can become involved in the further development of this framework.
• Shared best practices, case studies, and insights to help you provide relevant and impactful resources to your members.
• Contribute to surveys and polls that will allow us to gather quantifiable data about our industry, so that we can speak with authority on the challenges we all face and find solutions together.

3.       Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

Membership of the WA-Alliance opens doors to:

• Global Networking: You connect with other associations and leaders worldwide to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and learn from diverse perspectives.
• Collaboration Opportunities: Partner with like-minded organizations to co-host events, develop training programs, and advocate for the profession collectively.

4.       Professional Development

The Alliance is committed to fostering the professional growth of its members by offering:

• Exclusive and free ‘members only’ webinars that address critical issues and trends in the profession as well as challenges in your own National Group.
• Opportunities for leadership development by engaging with Alliance projects and initiatives.
• Access to world-class trainers, discussions and resources that enhance your members’ skills and knowledge.
• Opportunities to take up a leading role on the WA-Alliance Council.

5.       Enhanced Credibility and Visibility

Membership in the WA-Alliance adds a layer of prestige to associations, signaling your commitment to excellence and global advocacy. This credibility can:

• Attract new members to your national group by showing alignment with a respected global organization.
• Increase visibility in the international administrative community, giving IMA in your country a platform to showcase your work and achievement.  

6.       Advocacy and Influence

Through the WA-Alliance, you gain the power to:

• Advocate for the profession on a global scale, ensuring that the voices of administrative professionals are heard at key decision-making tables.

• Influence the future of the profession by contributing to important discussions and initiatives that shape its direction.
• Have a say in how the WA-Alliance is run, by having a voice at our AGMs.

Becoming a member of the WA-Alliance offers your National Group a platform for the voice of the administrative profession in your country. You will strengthen your influence, provide greater value to your members and contribute to the advancement of our profession worldwide, helping us to create a unified, empowered future for administrative professionals everywhere.

Helen Monument

Chair

WA-Alliance

chair@wa-alliance.com