SIGs
What are Special Interest Groups (SIGs)?
The AMA’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are communities of AMA members and non-members who are interested in sharing ideas, knowledge and experiences with others in the field. The SIGs are formal groups organized around a common interest area, offering the opportunity for ongoing interaction among professionals regarding a certain topic.
What SIGs does the Columbus AMA offer?
The Columbus AMA currently offers the following SIG options:
- Business-to-Business (B2B) - Targeted to members who have an interest in the practice, study and teaching of business-to-business marketing. Hosted by Sterling Commerce.
- Healthcare -Offers members an opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge within the community of those interested in Healthcare Marketing. Hosted by Mylogy, Inc.
- International – Created exclusively for those interested or involved in cross-cultural marketing. Hosted by The Columbus State Conference Center.
- Internet/eCommerce – Serves members who have an interest in the issues and concerns impacting online marketing and e-commerce. Hosted by Mills James, Inc.
- Job Transition (North A & North B)– The Marketers Job Transition SIGs serve marketing, communications and PR professionals who are currently in transition. The group welcomes young graduates and seasoned professionals alike. Both dates are hosted by Mylogy, Inc.
- Non-profit – Offers members an opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge within the community of those interested in Non-profit Marketing. Hosted by BMI Federal Credit Union.
- Social Media - The Social Media SIG was created in 2009 to address the issues, strategies and tactics of this emerging phenomena in marketing and communications. Sponsored by Fahlgren Mortine and hosted by The DEC.
When and where do the SIGs meet?
All SIGs meet six times per year, every other month from 7:30am – 9:00am with the exception of the Job Transition SIGs which meet monthly in the evenings from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. The location for each SIG stays the same from month to month.
Check the Events page to view all upcoming SIG meetings in the following months:
Meet in January, March, May, July, September, November
- Business-to-Business (Sterling Commerce, Building #1, 4600 Lakehurst Court, Dublin, OH 43016)
- Healthcare (Mylogy, Inc., 1266 Manning Parkway, Powell, OH 43065)
- Job Transition North A & North B (Mylogy, Inc., 1266 Manning Parkway, Powell, OH 43065)
- Social Media (The DEC [Dublin Entrepreneurial Center], 7003 Post Road, 4th floor, Dublin, OH 43016)
Meet in February, April, June, August, October, December
- International (The Columbus State Conference Center, The Center for Workforce Development, 315 Cleveland Avenue, 4th floor Columbus, Ohio 43215)
- Internet/eCommerce (Milles James Productions Facility, 3545 Fishinger Blvd. Columbus, OH 43026)
- Job Transition North A & North B (Mylogy, Inc., 1266 Manning Parkway, Powell, OH 43065)
- Nonprofit (BMI Federal Credit Union, 6165 Emerald Parkway, Dublin, OH 43016)
How much does it cost to attend a SIG meeting?
For every SIG meeting, the Columbus AMA charges members $5 and non-members $15. You may attend the meetings for as many SIGs as you want.
What can I expect at a SIG meeting?
Every SIG meets for an hour and a half. With the exception of the Job Transition SIG, most SIG meetings follow the format below:
7:20am – 7:40 Registration
7:40 – 7:45 Announcements
7:50 – 8:00 Networking activity
8:00 – 9:00am Guest speaker or roundtable discussion among participants
Volunteer Opportunities with the SIGS
The AMA is always looking for volunteers to assist in organizing and coordinating each of the Special Interest Groups. Each SIG is comprised of a committee of four people – one person who acts as the chairperson and three committee members.
Role of the Committee
The role of the committee is to develop, plan/organize and execute the bi-monthly SIG events. This will typically require the chair person to meet with the VP of SIGs every 4 – 6 weeks and for the chair person to then meet with their own committee on a monthly basis. A handbook has been developed that details all of the responsibilities before, during and after the event. Once speakers are lined up for up-coming events, the time commitment is minimal and is often greater for the day of the event itself.
Available Volunteer Opportunities with the SIGs as of 11/5/09
Internet/eCommerce SIG – 1 committee member position open
Non-profit SIG – 1 committee member position open
If interested in volunteering, email the VP of Volunteers, Jessica Hamlin, today.
Interested in starting up a new SIG at the Columbus AMA?
- Check the SIG options on the AMA International website.
- Choose the option(s) that interest you.
- Contact the VP of SIGs for more information on setting it up.
