WHAT IS CMMA?

CMMA is a not-for-profit professional development organization, founded in 1946, to provide managers in all areas of media development and production with the tools they need to lead now and into the future.

OUR MISSION

Through peer support, professional development, networking, and application of technology, CMMA strives to advance the field of communications media management and leadership.

CMMA LEADERSHIP
2023 - 2025

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CMMA HISTORY

1946

Founded as the Industrial Audiovisual Association (IAVA).

1980

Renamed the Audiovisual Management Association (AVMA) to reflect the growing responsibilities of its members.

1995

Renamed the Communications Media Management Association (CMMA) to reflect the expanding role of its members.

2006

CMMA celebrated 60 years of peer networking and professional development opportunities for communications media managers.

2020

First Virtual National Conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021

CMMA celebrated 75 years of peer networking and professional development opportunities for communications media managers.

2025

CMMA reaffirms the commitment to be the association for media leadership, launching a new visual identity and website.

BEYOND

CMMA will continue to be an association where media leaders can learn and grow.

Notes from the Early Years

The five founding audio visual managers were employed Business Screen Magazine, Swift & Co., International Harvester, Standard Oil and General Mills. By 1949 there were 47 Association members. Yearly dues were $15.

One of the startling new advances in technology to be shown at the 1948 spring meeting was a radically different 35mm filmstrip projector with built-in sound and no beeps. Here’s a list of some of the Audio/Visual tools available to the AV Communicator in 1952.

shadow box
silhouettes
wire recording

pictographs
sky writing

5×7 slides
phonovision

puppets
flannel charts