Australian Computer Society reveals makeover plans

 

Dated image.

The Australian Computer Society's chief Bruce Lakin has revealed the industry body will launch a major overhaul of its image next month.

Addressing the society's annual conference in Canberra, Lakin said that ACS commanded 18.000 members - a bit less than five percent of the ICT workforce in Australia.

ACS had consulted with five advertising agencies about promoting professionalism in IT but was rebuffed over its dated image.

“They came back to us with a consistent message,” he said. “You (ACS) have a great opportunity and a great story to tell. But nobody’s listening. You have to look a little more 21st Century.”

Lakin said the society's budget wasn't "mega" but it was "smart.”

He told iTnews It would be three-phase exercise that included a much-needed rebrand.

“We’ll announce that in late April when there will be a new logo, new web page, new business cards. That will try to create a new imprint of being a bit more 'today', he said

He said the current logo represented a flow-charting template with "ACS" against a cathode ray tube outline.

“ A young non-ACS member will probably not even know what a cathode ray tube is. That’s just a small example of why we need to be more relevant to the market today," Lakin said.

The second phase would be an education campaign to promote the value of IT professionalism, to be supported by a national advertising campaign through May and June.

Lakin expected the campaign to continue ACS’ growth in membership. While the Canberra branch was going well, other branch memberships had flatter results. 

“We’d like to see [the numbers] kick up and to see some of the slower branches like South Australia have improved [membership] take up,” he said.

Copyright © iTnews.com.au . All rights reserved.


Australian Computer Society reveals makeover plans
ACS logo
"I knew about ACS, but found them rather expensive for what they have to offer. $320 per annum and what do I get for that? Sage-AU is only $110 and I get a lot of contacts for in return through ..."
By OlgieD
 
 
 
Comments: 5
AusPom
Mar 25, 2011 1:55 PM
Having worked in the IT Industry since 1966 I have found Computer Societies in the UK, Australia and NZ to be of little real benefit or relevence to the general commercial IT practioner. Very few employers take much notice of MACS after someones name. I can hark back to the old days when to gain access to the BCS one had to sit exams which had nothing to do with commercial computing but all to do with academia for which these societies seemed to exist. If the ACS, BCS or NZCS actually made their organisations have some relevence rather than simply self promotion of the individual office holders they might just gain a ilttle bit more of a following.
longsword
Mar 25, 2011 3:29 PM
AusPom couldn't agree more ACS is a complete waste of time. I have worked in IT for 20+ years and have met 1 person who was a member in all that time.
Mordd
Mar 28, 2011 8:25 PM
To be honest this is the first time i've ever heard of them and I consider myself fairly up to date on knowledge of groups like this. Sounds like they really do need an image makeover.
Ace
Mar 29, 2011 2:19 PM
Not a complete waste of time @longsword. As a member, you're entitled to all kinds of benefits... (from ACS)

As members of a professional association individuals get the added bonus of access to a range of exclusive offers, free products and services. Generally these exclusive offers include:

Financial Offers: ACS members get exclusive offers such as fee free Gold Credit Cards, lower interest rates and fees on mortgages, discounted insurances and more.

Lifestyle Offers: ACS members also receive free access to reward programs such as the Ambassador Card, which includes discounted tickets, meals, accommodation, publications, and much more.

Free Products & Services: Additionally members get access to free products and services such as free anti-virus software, legal services, email redirection and consolidation services and more


...all for just $320.00 a year. There's your value!

Edited by Ace: 29/3/2011 02:20:58 PM
OlgieD
Mar 29, 2011 2:24 PM
I knew about ACS, but found them rather expensive for what they have to offer. $320 per annum and what do I get for that? Sage-AU is only $110 and I get a lot of contacts for in return through their mailing lists and monthly meetings. Sage meetings are free, ACS you have to pay extra. And you get pizza and soda with Sage meetings for free.
I've never been asked about ACS by any employee although I've frequently pointed out that they certified my skills and experience when I migrated, and have also not met anyone that is actually a member.
If they want members, make sure you have something to offer as well. Most employers care more about skills and experience than certifications. And in the end, it's not what you know, but who you know.
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