‘We have been faced with requests from the USA, Europe and Asia to help connect manufacturers with our UK members for some years but have been concerned not to confuse or dilute our representation of the UK,’ says APRS Executive Director, Peter Filleul. ‘However, now that we are in such a global market place and there is an even greater need to export goods and services, as well as to attract visiting studio clients, there is little point in being protectionist.’

Presently, APRS members include recording studios, postproduction houses, mastering, replication and other music facilities, providers of education and training, as well as audio freelance engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, students and associated industries and professionals primarily based in the UK. APRS Overseas Associate Membership will enable overseas companies find direct contact with the APRS’ UK constituency and to keep UK members in touch with developments in every area of audio technologies. The APRS is confident that, despite the ease of internet enquiry, offering a tailored and targeted connection to the world’s best studios and pro audio manufacturers will encourage commercial interactions to flourish – in both directions.

Overseas members will acquire direct access to the APRS’ existing membership; receive and be able to contribute to APRS publications, including the Bulletins and Handbooks; be listed in the membership databases; participate in on-line technical workshops; participate in the APRS Sound Fellowship nomination processes, and attend APRS events at membership rates whenever they are in the UK. APRS Overseas Associates may also enjoy the MyAPRS social network and professional gossip connections with the entire APRS membership.

The new membership category will see its official launch at the forthcoming AES Convention in San Francisco. APRS Overseas Associate membership will cost £100 and is available via the APRS website under ‘Join the APRS’.

More: www.aprs.co.uk