Aitken takes chair at Real Media Collective

IVE CEO Matt Aitken was installed as chair of the Real Media Collective (RMC) Board at its AGM in Sydney last night, succeeding Ovato CEO Kevin Slaven whose two year term came to an end.

The AGM and Christmas party was held on the first birthday of RMC, which was created a year ago when lobby group Two Sides, the Australian Catalogue Association, and the Australian Paper Industry Association joined forces.

Sponsored by Ricoh, the event saw RMC members, prospective members, and associates enjoy an evening of industry networking in a rooftop garden, as competitive rivalries were left at the entry door.

In his last duty as Board chair, Kevin Slaven spoke to the crowd, saying, “I have been proud to have had the opportunity to serve, it has been a privilege. The industry has evolved and so has the association in tune with the industry. Our members are fierce competitors in the field, but in the association we are working together on the same team for the same goals. The industry needs cohesion.

“As my last formal duty I now hand over chair responsibility to Matt Aitken.”

Aitken then paid tribute to the work of Slaven, and looking forward said, “I am excited as we move ahead. We need each other. Our industry has a great story to tell.”

Hosting the official part of the evening, RMC CEO Kellie Northwood opened by encouraging printers to use the content in the photobooks it provided in their sales conversations, and saying the association was committed to providing the industry with compelling arguments for print.

She then told guests, “All the official procedures for incorporating RMC have been successfully completed with no contraventions. The resolution to merge was carried, with 81 per cent so far voting for it. The RMC is now registered with Consumer Affairs, ASIC, and the ATO.”

With Ovato’s Craig Dunsford, she paid tribute to long time treasurer Simon Doggett, presenting him with a bottle of fine red and thanking him for his efforts.

Members and guests then enjoyed a long evening of conviviality in the warm summer sun, with food and beverages flowing.