Good Times: IMAA hosts inaugural Perth media networking event at Spirit of Little Things

Yesterday evening, The Independent Media Agencies Australia (IMAA) held its inaugural Perth Media Networking Event, at the Spirit of Little Things Gin Distillery in Subiaco.

More than 85 people attended the event, including independent agencies and local media partners, who heard a live panel discussion from local industry leaders as part of the IMAA’s ongoing commitment to fostering education and industry engagement.

IMAA CEO Sam Buchanan welcomed attendees, reaffirming the IMAA’s commitment to elevating and uniting the indie sector nationwide. He highlighted ongoing discussions with the WA Government concerning the upcoming master media contract, emphasising the IMAA’s recommendations to ensure independent agencies have equitable opportunities to participate.

The panel, ‘The indie edge: how to compete and win’, was moderated by Glide Agency CEO, Es Chandra and included industry leaders Ali O’Connor – Fractional CMO & Former CMO at Pentanet, Jason Doust – Marketing Manager at RSL WA and former Digital Marketing Specialist at HealthEngine, and Dana Alamsyah – Senior Marketing Manager at Perth Festival. They shared insights on agency partnerships, emerging media trends, and the evolving marketing landscape.

Buchanan said: “We have an engaged indie sector in Western Australia and it was fantastic to hold our inaugural Media Networking Event in Perth last week. It marks another milestone in the IMAA’s growing national footprint and our commitment to empowering the growing indie sector.

“The IMAA will continue to champion Australian businesses, and here in WA as the Government’s master media contract, valued at approximately $60 million, approaches its tender phase, we will continue to advocate for the inclusion of independent agencies in government procurement processes. This aligns with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent announcement that ‘Australian businesses will be front of the queue for government procurement and contracts — maximising value for local businesses and the taxpayer’.

“We believe there’s a significant opportunity for the WA Government to engage with independent agencies, ensuring that local expertise contributes to effective and value-driven media campaigns.”