In 1999, there was a dramatic shift in the operating philosophy
of ICEFAT. There was a mandate to provide “added value”
to being a member of ICEFAT other than the traditional yearly networking
convention. The idea to start a dynamic and useful website was embraced
by the Steering Committee and marked a departure from the traditional
way ICEFAT had operated and set the stage for moving into the 21
century.
In 2001 it was decided that the website be expanded to offer more
services to both members and their clients. I had become a certified
systems engineer and had been teaching web classes for a couple
of years and was very lucky to be offered the position as Webmaster
for ICEFAT. My background in fine art shipping and my current position
as Registrar for Loans and Exhibitions at the Autry National Center
gives me a unique understanding of the needs of the organization
as well as what their clients might be looking for.
5,000
VISITORS
Electronically, ICEFAT now reaches every country in the world. The
website offers up-to-date contact information on 83 companies in
the fine art shipping industry, a tri-annual newsletter, and the
latest feature, “ICEFAQs”, a question and answer forum
that allows client and non-client communication with ICEFAT companies
on a variety of fine art issues. Currently the monthly average number
of visitors to the website is 5000, an increase of almost 1500 visitors
per month over last year. These visitors are a combination of member
companies and clients.
My job is to keep all of the information on the website current,
I also distribute the newsletter to various museum mailing lists,
and I act as the moderator for the ICEFAT ListServe, an internal
email address that allows members a way to communicate with other
member companies.
ACTIVE
WEBSITE
I have seen a huge leap in the understanding by the ICEFAT membership
of the advantages of maintaining an active website that constantly
offers interesting material and information to both members and
the museum field. Without exception, ICEFAT members have become
diligent in making sure that their company information is complete
and up-to-date. The responses to this years annual website up-date
have been the most in-depth and detailed. It is my pleasure to work
with each and everyone.
Andi Alameda
Los Angeles
