By Business & Finance 
CEO of Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland (IAPI), Tania Banotti has been elected to chair the National Associations’ Council of the European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA).
This is the first time an Irish representative has been appointed to the position. She replaces Ralf Noecker, managing director of the German Agencies’ Association, GWA. The National Associations’ Council (NAC) comprises 29 members across Europe, each representing the industry on a national level.
IAPI will host national communication agencies associations from 20 countries in Dublin next year on May 7th and 8th. The event is a global meeting place for leaders in the advertising industry, where a unique programme of high-profile seminars will take place. The appointment is another accolade for IAPI who this year were also announced as the Irish representative for the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, signalling an intent by IAPI and its member agencies to engage more with communication associations and commercial opportunities overseas in 2015.
Based in Brussels, the EACA is the only organisation that represents advertising and media agencies on a pan-European basis and its membership covers the EU and beyond. EACA promotes the value of advertising in society and the relevance of agencies, the contribution of advertising in a free market economy, and encourages close co-operation between agencies, advertisers and media in European advertising bodies.
“Over the years, EACA has built a strong network representing the industry throughout the region. It’s vital that agencies have a strong representation in Brussels, given the number of EU regulatory issues that impact on our industry. As a newly appointed chair, I am keen to ensure that national associations of communication agencies share best practice and learn from each other. I look forward to what promises to be a busy year!” commented Banotti.
Dominic Lyle, EACA director general, said: “It’s an honour to have Tania chair the NAC and I am convinced that she will bring in a fresh and new perspective to the Council. Our industry is constantly changing and, at the same time, under constant scrutiny by legislators, so it’s important that EACA is represented by professionals such as Tania who can apply new thinking.”
