ESTABLISHING (AND MAINTAINING) AN IFITT CHAPTER
Are you considering starting a IFITT chapter in your country or region?
REQUIREMENTS FOR IFITT CHAPTERS
1. Active membership of the IFITT and ENTER community
2. Clear objectives and annual activities plan approved by IFITT
3. Minimum of 10 members in the country or region
2. AGM where all country members are invited (teleconference and Skype can do it)
3. Establish Board of 4-7 members with an elected Chapter President
The chapter then signs an agreement with IFITT which defines the obligations of IFITT and the local IFITT chapter which includes for example, the scope and reporting of chapter activities. IFITT Chapters can remain chapters only if the meet these requirements which will be revised annually at the IFITT AGM.
MEMBERSHIP
Individuals are IFITT members but form a local (location based) or special interest (topic based) groups to explore things more relevant to their interest and context
LEGAL STATUS
Some chapters establish their own legal entities and become registered associations but this is not obligatory - it is up to the local chapter board. In any case the IFITT Chapter Agreement regulates the IFITT Chapters.
FINANCE
In general IFITT chapters do not receive any funding or a share of IFITT membership fees. Chapters can raise revenue if they wish to through local events and sponsorship. Sometimes the IFITT Board will be in a position of offer limited financial assistance to cover start-up costs and in the past short term agreements can allow revenue to be shared with chapters if new members join IFITT as a result of a local membership drive.
RANGE OF ACTIVITIES FOR CHAPTERS
Organise events or collaborate with other relevant events. Produce newsletters and material relevant to the local chapter
KEY BENEFITS
One of the key IFITT membership benefits is the access to international peers and the opportunity to observe and hear commentary on new research and global best practice in IT in travel and tourism. At the chapter level membership benefits are more about facilitating local engagement between industry, government and academia, particularly in geographic areas that are far from our European base.
BEST PRACTICE
In Australasia, the key to the modest success of the chapter has been the commitment of 3 or 4 individuals with representation from government, industry and academia. Typically they run business networking sessions (for example breakfasts with a speaker and possibly a sponsor if appropriate)and work with local Tourism conferences for example, advising on program themes and speakers and getting some IFITT recognition in return. To be successful a chapter needs at least 3 leaders prepared to make the chapter work and its help to have a clear idea of the activities that the local chapter will undertake. Be aware that this a commitment will involve on going work and active promotion of the chapter.
If you are interested please feel free to contact either the IFITT President Dimitrios Buhalis or the Chapter Director Paul Baron
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