What is the Media Communications Association-International?
Who belongs to the MCA-I and MCAI-Minnesota?
The international organization has nearly 7,000 members, residing on every inhabited continent on earth. The MCAI-Minnesota Chapter has 200+ members many of whom are former International Television Association (ITVA) Twin Cities chapter and International Interactive Communication Society (IICS) Minnesota chapter members. Our members are writers, producers, videographers, editors, Web developers, actors, interactive designers and project managers. Our MCA-I and MCAI-MN commercial members include equipment and service suppliers and members of allied industries that support visual communications. The organization's uniqueness, and its greatest strength, lies in its diversity of talent. Members find common ground in their commitment to high-quality and effective visual storytelling.
What does the association do?
The association serves as a vital NETWORK for members to find resources. This network helps members cultivate new business and professional opportunities on the local, national and international levels. Networking happens face-to-face at local chapter meetings and workshops, "virtually" through online discussion communities and via the Web-based "Find-A-Pro" searchable member database.
MCA-I provides members with MARKETING training and opportunities. The print and Web-based "Green Pages" in the annual Resource Directory provide the vehicle for members to market their unique services to the member community and other potential clients.
The association delivers PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT opportunities through local and regional workshops and joint ventures with various conferences and trade shows across the country. New programs being developed include on-line distance learning opportunities and a professional certification program.
The association offers the RECOGNITION that professionals deserve. Each year MCAI-Minnesota holds a media Festival which rewards excellence in the production of visual communications programs produced as film, video, Web, CD-ROM and DVD programs. Many winners from our local Festival go on for additional recognition at the international level via Awards in Media Excellence (or AiME) – formerly known as the Golden Reels.
What are some of the MCA-I events, products and services?
Member Discounts
MCA-I members enjoy discounts on music and stock footage from the following suppliers: Omnimusic, WPA Film Library, iXL Video Library, Nautilus Productions and more. Group health insurance and production insurance are also available.
Web site/"Find-A-Pro"
The association's Web site (www.mca-i.org) is more than just a pretty face. It's a virtual reference library of information and assistance, both for association members and for their employers and clients. The centerpiece of the Web site is its powerful searchable worldwide industry database, "Find-A-Pro."
Virtual Network
The association hosts a growing array of virtual communities. Development of these communities and all content is driven by member-input according to changing member needs. In addition to the general-interest Media_Community, special interest communities have been organized around Web Design, Media Producers, Videography, Media Writers and more. Sign up at www.mca-i.org.
What about the MCAI-Minnesota Chapter?
MCAI-Minnesota is one of nearly 100 local chapters across North America. Our members tell us that local chapters and local networking are the most valuable member benefit. In the Twin Cities, our members meet monthly at luncheon and evening meetings and periodic workshops. The chapter's prestigious annual Media Festival is now in its second decade. MCAI-MN's Web site, www.mcai-mn.org, features the latest in meeting and workshop information, helpful news articles and links, job listings and our membership information.
Membership and Resource Directory
MCAI-Minnesota publishes a complete membership directory that highlights local Commercial Members and lists all of our Individual, Organizational and Associate members. MCA-I's Resource Directory contains a complete directory of the association's nearly 7000 members, with cross-referenced indices to find members by name, company or geographic region. A "Green Pages" section gives members a unique opportunity to market their services to other members.
What are the categories of membership in MCAI-Minnesota?
MCAI-Minnesota has memberships available for Individuals, Organizations, Commercial Members, Students and Associates (one year trial). All Individual, Organization or Student Members are automatically enrolled as members in both the chapter and the international organization. Associate membership is available at the chapter level only. Commercial Membership is available at either the chapter level (for local chapter benefits) or the international level (for international benefits).