Bridal industry group gains momentum, building membership

Dec 13, 2011 by Vows Magazine

The International Bridal Manufacturers Association (IBMA) has been reestablished with a new board and a new charter, and has moved to address industry issues, and develop programs of specific benefit to its members.

An e-mail membership drive outlining this activity and  soliciting renewals and new memberships was recently sent to approximately 300 bridal and wedding apparel and accessory  manufacturers, and bridal media.

“As a group, we are enthused about the actions the board has taken, and its ability to set aside specific company interests to discuss and address the issues that affect the entire industry,” said board president Alan Dessy, Dessy Design Group. “And we are also grateful to outgoing president David Lesser, Forever Yours Bridal, for his selfless dedication and stewardship of the association. As a board and association, we thank him for providing the  foundation upon which the IBMA hopes to build.”

Specific actions taken by the IBMA board at its meeting in October included the election of officers, approval of revamped by-laws, establishment of committees to address issues of Fashion Piracy and the feasibility of a West coast market, as well as the review of proposals from For the Bride, Conde Nast, The Knot, Bridal Guide, WeddingWire.com, Wedding Audience, and Dallas Market.  Presentations were submitted as part of the IBMA Requests for Proposals, a new process that invites resources to pitch products and services to the association.

“This new Request for Proposal approach is already working, and we expect many more proposals open for participation by all members in time for next market season,” Dessy added.

Presenting their proposals were Marie Connors, Dallas Market Center; Chris Hulse and Jen Cole, The Wedding Audience; Jane Heflin, Couture NY Show, and Jennifer Davidson of The Knot; Jackie Polce and Lori Silver,  Brides; and Persephone Efessiou and Pam Quandt, WeddingWire. Details of each proposal, and the features unique to IBMA members, will be provided to each manufacturer signing up or renewing its membership.

The officers for 2012 are: Alan Dessy, Dessy Group, President; Paula Varsalona, Paula Varsalona, Vice President and Bylaws Committee Chair; Peter Grimes, Vows Magazine, Treasurer; Claudine Hamm, Alyce Designs, Secretary.

Board members are James Elias, Demetrios; Eric Greco, Jordan Fashions; Kevin Lu, Casablanca Bridal; Ed Rene, Touch Ups by Benjamin Walk Shoes; Larry Warshaw, Justin Alexander, Market Committee Chair; Ty Yeh, Private Label by G, and Kyle Yin, Jasmine Bridal, Fashion Piracy Committee Chair.

The International Bridal Manufacturers Association, LTD (IBMA) is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to promote the range and types of products produced by its members, which are intended for sale through full-service bridal retailers. Additionally it is charged with  encouraging high ethical standards in business and to promote and  publicize the professionalism of the industry as a whole.

Also included in its six-point purpose is to encourage uniform standards, and to encourage the coordinated scheduling of the various bridal markets.

Membership dues are $300 a year. For additional info, visit  http://www.bridalmanufacturers.com