TABPI launches B2B editors' chapter for SA

Based in Cleveland, the Trade, Association and Business Publications International (TABPI), is a worldwide organisation dedicated to bringing together editors working for English-language publications worldwide, and encouraging a common dedication to editorial ethics and excellence.

TABPI president Paul Heney explains, "One of the main long-range goals of TABPI has been to foster groups that promote B2B journalistic integrity in different countries. This new organisation that Natalia and Louise are spearheading will be a great new resource for the growing B2B industry in South Africa and throughout the continent. Both of them care deeply about the B2B industry and are hoping to give something back."

Raise professionalism

The role of TABPI SA will be:

• To raise the professionalism of B2B editors in SA.
  
• To facilitate relevant training opportunities.
  
• To provide a networking platform for B2B editors in SA.
  
• To provide pertinent research for the B2B industry.
  
• To raise the profile of the B2B media sector in SA.
  
• To liaise with current industry and regulatory online and publication structures for the greater good of the industry.

Research

Comments Marsland, "Business-to-business media is a sector which needs attention. It is an important contributor to the economy when done right and with credibility. Online has changed the media paradigm completely and B2B media can specifically harness online innovation and industry peer networks for future sustainability. We also plan to raise the profile of the B2B industry amongst media training institutions, advertising agencies, the general media sector, public relations professionals and marketers across a wide spectrum of industry throughout Africa."

Thomson explains: "We see this new group as a think-tank for B2B editors in SA and are hoping to host quarterly breakfasts with speakers, hold training workshops and conduct research. Less formal, more frequent networking functions are also planned."

Setting benchmarks

There has been little to no research and upliftment of the trade/business-to-business media sector in SA in recent times and both Marsland and Thomson are setting benchmarks with their research into this vital media sector in the past two years for the completion of their respective Masters degrees. In addition, Thomson was a recipient of the TABPI Young Leaders scholarship and Marsland has spent 20 years in the media sector in South Africa, focusing on B2B media in the past 13 years.

Bizcommunity.com will provide TABPI SA with a free press office, which will be set up shortly, along with a Facebook group page (there is already a Facebook group for TABPI itself at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5728561811). For more information, or to make sure you are on the new group's database, email or .

For more information on TABPI, go to www.tabpi.org.