International Motor Press Association
| Formation | 1909 |
|---|---|
Official language | English |
| Fred Chieco, WABC-TV | |
Key people | Bill Howard, 1st VP Jim Henry, 2nd VP Andrea Canabal, Secretary Mike Geylin, Treasurer Dave Kiley, President Emeritus |
| Website | http://www.impa.org/ |
The International Motor Press Association (IMPA), is the oldest trade association representing automotive journalists and Public Relations professionals in the United States.[1] It was established in 1909.
Activities
Monthly meetings
On the third Thursday of each month, members in New York City hold a luncheon meeting. The purpose of the meeting is twofold:
- Provide speakers from the Automotive industry to discuss topics such as:
- Automotive products
- Current and future automotive technologies
- Market conditions
- Marketing trends
- Motorsports
- Provide a place for member networking
New York International Automobile Show Breakfast
Prior to the opening of press days for the yearly New York International Auto Show, the IMPA hosts a breakfast meeting for its members at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Here, a speaker from the leadership of the automotive industry provides insight into key issues in that industry. In addition, the association presents its annual Ken W. Purdy Award[2] for excellence in automotive journalism.
Annual Test Days
For two days each fall, IMPA members have the opportunity to test drive[3] new and improved automobiles on an auto-test track and, as appropriate, off-road. A typical location for the test track is the Pocono Raceway in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania at Long Pond. Concluding this event is the annual "Test Fest" dinner, providing banquet, socializing, and social networking.