International Virtual Assistants To Meet In Orlando

THE INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS ASSOCIATION (IVAA) will hold the second annual IVAA Summit at the Adams Mark Hotel in Orlando Florida October 22-24, 2003. Geared toward prospective and beginning Virtual Assistants (VAs) as well as established Virtual Assistants, the IVAA Summit offers an opportunity for networking, teaching and exchange of information on topics including industry standards, economics of establishing a Virtual Assistant practice and time and productivity management methods for the entrepreneur.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

OF VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS

Press Release

Contact: Molly Darden

Phone: (877)531-6502

E-Mail: md@thewordmason.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9 AM EDT, October 7, 2003

INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS TO MEET IN ORLANDO

THE INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS ASSOCIATION (IVAA) will hold the second annual IVAA Summit at the Adams Mark Hotel in Orlando Florida October 22-24, 2003. Geared toward prospective and beginning Virtual Assistants (VAs) as well as established Virtual Assistants, the IVAA Summit offers an opportunity for networking, teaching and exchange of information on topics including industry standards, economics of establishing a Virtual Assistant practice and time and productivity management methods for the entrepreneur.

According to Angela Allen, President of IVAA, As other industries are pinched by the economy, this industry continues to grow at an amazing rate." A Virtual Assistant is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative, and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in their area of expertise from their own office on a contractual basis.

Due to its innately dynamic nature," says Allen, it is difficult to accurately track the Virtual Assistant Industry as a whole. The International Virtual Assistants Association can, however, offer information on the recent surge of growth in this relatively new industry. IVAA, as the only not-for-profit professional Virtual Assistant organization, tracks the sizeable growth in this new industry by evaluating IVAAs membership trends. As other industries experience cutbacks and layoffs, and as the concept of Virtual Assistance becomes more well-known, the demand for VA services increases."

Christine Whitman, Vice President of Membership, reports current membership in IVAA at approximately 600. This represents an increase of approximately 600% since 1999, and, says Allen, ...there is no indication that this trend will diminish markedly in the near future. However, we do expect a more reasonable, sustainable growth (less than 100% annually) to emerge over the next few years."

Why is the Virtual Assistant industry growing so rapidly? As the world becomes more connected through technology, it shrinks 'virtually," says Allen. This increases the flexibility of individuals to select their own personal best work environment", she continued. The growth of the Virtual Assistant industry reflects a new work style and freedom in lifestyle structure for individuals in the U.S. and abroad. Thus, where an individual lives becomes less important to his or her career development as the depth of their skills becomes increasingly important."

Allen went on to say, On a more 'earth-centric level, the growth of this type of virtual work diminishes the need for commuting as well as the associated cost to the individual and the environment. Working virtually is a boost for the client, the entrepreneur providing the services, the economy and the environment. Given those perspectives, we can only foresee continued, sustainable growth in this exciting new industry."

IVAA is a worldwide resource for Virtual Assistants and a source for those who are seeking a Virtual Assistant. The organization exists to promote, build, support and preserve the integrity of, and to provide for the mutual welfare of the Virtual Assistant profession through standards advanced by the individual membership.

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