2008 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the Australian economy and this will have an inevitable impact on the local ICT industry. The full extent of the subprime loans market crash is yet to be realised, and the fear of recession in the USA will undoubtedly lead to fluctuating stock markets, lower business and consumer confidence and the potential for ICT projects being put on hold or delayed.

In the Australian arena, the new Federal Government is spending its first few months in contemplation and review, which will mean some delays in funding proposals, new initiatives and grant monies across the board. The national economy is in turbulence with the fight against inflation, impending IR legislation change, and speculation about wages blowouts.

The AIIA Salary Survey is Australia’s most comprehensive survey of ICT industry salary rates and provides an accurate insight into the current marketplace. This survey is produced twice per year in softcopy format, in March and August, by leading remuneration specialist CSi and is only available to participating AIIA Members. 

The next Salary Survey is due for release on 6 March 2008. To order please contact Kelly Hutchinson, GM Membership, 0403 803 543 or email k.hutchinson@aiia.com.au or salarysurvey@aiia.com.au.

There are only two weeks left to get your iAwards entries in - be quick! Entries close on 7 March 2008.

Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney

Austrade strongly supports CeBIT Australia, which is the largest ICT show in Australasia with over 700 exhibitors and 30,000+ business visitors.  We are seeking high quality ICT clients to exhibit in 'Export Alley'. 

This part of the show allows companies to exhibit at a discounted rate and meet with the overseas Austrade business development managers who are coming to the show.  We are bringing a number of overseas buyers to CeBIT Australia 2008 and if they are seeking the types of products/services which you provide we will arrange for you to meet them.  If you are interested in exhibiting as part of Export Alley further information is available from the Austrade website.

Are you an AIIA member looking for a branding opportunity that will have a lasting effect?  Then we have a great opportunity for you.  AIIA is about to release the strategic directions publication called Outlook 2008 and is looking for sponsors. 

The publication will be distributed to all the AIIA members, plus those on the mailing list - which includes stakeholders, subscribers and associated industries across Australia.  Outlook 2008 is the lead AIIA publication and will have currency for all of 2008.

To take advantage of this opportunity contact Tania Crosbie on 0412 149624 or email t.crosbie@aiia.com.au  This opportunity is ideal for the SME market and is a cost effective way for small brands to build a profile.

In 2007 the AIIA established a National Marketing Committee, comprising senior marketers from the AIIA membership. 

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for 2008 AIIA events.  AIIA events are a great way to put your company’s name on some of the ICT industry’s biggest and most exciting events. Sponsorship and advertising are also accepted for the AIIA Bulletin, which is sent weekly to an influential core of over 6,000 members and stakeholders. Please contact Tania Crosbie for more information.

Embedded Systems Australia is a new industry cluster whose members are collaborating to strengthen embedded systems and related industries in Australia.