Michael Corbett & Associates, which hosts the Outsourcing World Summit and the Web site Firmbuilder.com, has announced the formation of a new organization, the IAOP or International Association of Outsourcing Professionals. At some point the group will provide a certification, the Certified Outsourcing Professional, start publishing a quarterly magazine and offer online forums and job opportunities. But for now, the benefits for "professional" level members appear fairly tied to Firmbuilder.com — access to articles. Service providers will be able to advertise on the Web site, post articles for members to read and get an exhibit booth at the conference.
An individual membership costs $345. Corporate and other memberships go up from there.
It's a good marketing ploy, for sure. And if they can get a certification program off the ground, I'll be front and center to study and take the tests.
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