August 28, 2008

Member Benefits

How Do I Join?
Contact Mike Silverstein for details on student, local, and national membership rates.

Discounts
Health Insurance from Mutual of Omaha (not available in some states) Production/Liability Insurance from C&S International Insurance Brokers, Inc Hotel Discount Program from Quest International Discount on National and Avis Car Rentals Special MCAI Master Card Airborne Express Discount Discounts on Office Products from Penny Wise Discount Long Distance Telephone Service from TransNational Communications

Networking
Professional contacts may be your career's most valuable resource. Year after year, MCAI members consistently rate networking with other members as their number one reason for membership. And for a good reason - professional communicators are MCAI, sharing and disseminating information about the use of television for communication in business, industry, healthcare, government, education and other fields. MCAI members have unlimited opportunities to benefit from the expertise and experience of other professionals in the MCAI worldwide network.

Membership Directory
One of the most valuable membership benefits is the Membership Directory, published annually in April. The Directory lists members alphabetically, by chapter an by company. It also lists Commercial Member companies, International contacts, the MCAI governance, membership categories and benefits and includes the Principles of Ethics for communications professionals. One of the most popular sections is the Green Pages, MCAI's own production resource directory . Open to national members only, this exclusive guide lets you find at a glance those individuals or companies within the association who can take care of your production needs anywhere in the country.

MCAI News
MCAI News is the association's official newsletter available to International members. Published six times a year, MCAI News is not for sale, nor is it regularly distributed to nonmembers. It is solely for MCAI members and focuses on news and information pertinent to them. Regular features are included on chapter activities, as well as general news about the association and its members. It is mailed directly to all MCAI members at no charge. An abbreviated version of MCAI News is available at MCAI's WWW site. Mid-Michigan Chapter members will also receive a monthly newsletter also named Slate.

Chapter Membership
MCAI dues include chapter membership and national membership. And you're automatically eligible for all the membership benefits offered by your chapter!

Leadership Development
Participating in local, regional, or national committees brings out leadership qualities like communication, budgeting, and "people skills." In addition to the personal growth, leaders confirm that their employers benefit form this "free" training.

Video Systems Magazine
Video Systems magazine, a monthly four-color publication, is sent to free to all International MCAI members. It focuses on the interests, concerns and needs of professionals in video communications. The "Video Visions" pages feature articles written by MCAI members.

Video Network Lending Library
A free service to International ITVA members, the Video Network is a videotape "lending library" containing Golden ReelAE and Silver Reel award-winning programs from the association's annual Video Festival competition. Booking forms and catalogs are included in the membership directory. Tapes are usually shipped with a week, UPS surface prepaid. On request, tapes may also be shipped overnight carrier collect. This service is sponsored by Allied Digital Technologies.

Job Hotline
Available exclusively to International MCAI members, the professional Job Hotline connects employers (both members and nonmembers) with just the right video professional to fill an opening. The Hotline lists job openings received by the International Office and is available here on MCAI's WWW service. Every effort is made to provide complete information about each job described on the Hotline; however, the depth of information for any particular job opening is determined by what employers provide. For information on placing a job listing on the Hotline, contact the Job Hotline Coordinator at the International Office.

Professional Development
Increased knowledge, polished skills, and expert advice are just some of the benefits from attending MCAI's Annual International Conference - the association's stellar professional development opportunity. Featuring 80 dynamic seminars, this four-day event offers technical, creative, and management presentations for professionals at every stage in their career. As a member, you also receive discounts on conference registration.

Website
Member forums, IRS Guidelines, job postings and online meetings are just some the valuable information and activities available at the the MCAI Website. There is a "members-only" section for member forums and other exclusive information.

Video Festival
The most important prestigious festival of its kind, the International MCAI Video Festival recognizes the best in professional video production. Nearly 1,000 programs go through a preliminary judging process throughout the country, followed by a final evaluation by the Blue Ribbon Panel, made up of experienced video professionals. Then, at the annual awards ceremony, MCAI bestows the Bronze Reel, Silver Reel and Golden Reel awards for the best of the best. All MCAI members are eligible for discount entry fees.