Networking an ICT business

You can connect with other businesses in the ICT industry by contacting your industry association. They often arrange events, seminars and networking opportunities where you may be able to find suppliers, make contacts, and generate new business.

Many industry organisations run training and education programs, and provide information about your industry. Importantly, they may also advocate on behalf of your industry to influence government.

Contact the following industry associations to find out how they can help you run your business:

ICT

• Australian Computer Society Queensland (ACS)
  ACS Queensland represents the interests of members and IT professionals throughout the state. Member benefits include helping ICT professionals keep their knowledge up to date, gain new skills and share ideas with their peers.
• Australian Industry Group (Ai Group)
  Ai Group gives you practical and comprehensive information, advice and assistance with your day-to-day business operations. Ai Group, along with its affiliates, represents the interests of more than 60,000 businesses in an expanding range of sectors.
• Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA)
  AIIA provides industry leadership and influence to shape the image of the information industry within the public and private sectors and the community. Membership is open to Australian ICT businesses.
• Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo)
  APSCo provides all companies involved in the recruitment and management of professional talent the support and distinctive voice they need to be successful.
• Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG)
  SIG is a trade association comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, and network industries that play key roles in the development of Bluetooth wireless technology.
• Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI)
  BICSI is a professional association supporting the information technology systems industry. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI helps professionals deliver critical products and services, and offers opportunities for continual improvement.
• Industry Capability Network (ICN) Queensland
  ICN are supported by the Queensland Government and help to identify procurement opportunities to maximise local industry participation and access to major global and domestic projects and procurement.
• IT Forum Gold Coast (ITFGC) Facebook
  The ITFGC plays a leading role in providing strategic direction to governments and industry wishing to promote the development of the ICT industry on the Gold Coast. Members include hardware, software, games development, multimedia, communications, ISP, web design and IT consultants.
• Information Technology Professionals Association (ITPA)
  ITPA is a not-for-profit organisation established to advance the understanding of ICT matters within the community, corporate and government sectors in Australia.
• Women in Technology (WiT)
  WiT is a peak body for women in Queensland's technology industry. It offers members a range of services, including opportunities to network and attend events.

ICT networks

Several ICT Networks have been established across Queensland – groups of ICT businesses, professionals and practitioners who have a vested interest in promoting and progressing Queensland's ICT industry. These groups provide excellent industry networking opportunities and are often called upon to provide community input or guidance on ICT-related matters.

• Capricorn ICT Network
• Mackay IT Network (M.I.T.N)
• IT Forum Gold Coast.

Digital media

• Digital Technology Collective
  Digital Technology Collective (formerly Australian Interactive Media Industry Association) is a network of Australia’s digital experts: agencies, organisations and individuals that provide services and solutions in the digital and technology space.

Network professionals

• Network Professional Association (NPA)
  NPA is the national industry body for network computing professionals. Members receive quarterly journal publications, a range of benefits, as well as opportunities to volunteer, publish and develop.

Open Source

• Open Source Industry Australia (OSIA)
  OSIA is the national industry body for open source within Australia. If you provide open source based solutions, products and services, you may like to contact OSIA as they aim to help member businesses improve and succeed.

Software

• Software Quality Institute (SQI)
  SQI provides a focus in Queensland for expertise in software quality and serves as a catalyst for innovation in software quality techniques.
• Spatial Industries Business Association (SIBA) | Geospatial Information Technology Association Australia and New Zealand (GITA)
  SIBA | GITA is the peak body representing the spatial industry. Their mission is to grow the opportunities and capabilities of members so that the industry can contribute to the prosperity and sustainability of the region.

Web design

• Australian Web Industry Association (AWIA)
  AWIA is the peak industry body for web design professionals, businesses and students. Members enjoy industry discounts and are invited to attend industry events and contribute to networking forums.

Also consider...

• Discover how to use networking in business.