Funds Sought to Host ISO/TC 176 in United States

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee (TC) 176 is made up of members who develop international standards on quality management and assurance, including the ISO 9000 series. Members of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO/TC 176 develop U.S. positions on those standards. Participation in TAG 176 provides an opportunity for representatives of U.S. constituencies such as industry, commerce, and government, to influence the development of international standards on quality.

Each year a different member country’s TAG hosts the annual meeting of ISO/TC 176. Although the United States plays a significant role on the committee, it has not hosted an international meeting in more than 10 years. TAG 176 formed the U.S. International Standards Connection Fund to help raise a minimum of $100,000 to host an international meeting in 2013.

Although most countries’ standards development organizations (SDOs) are supported by their national governments, U.S. SDOs do not receive any support from the U.S. government. TAG 176 is administered by two nonprofit organizations, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and partially supported by member dues, which help cover the operating costs of the TAG. Funds to host the meeting will come almost entirely from individual donations and corporate sponsorships.

Various tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities range from $5,000–$50,000 and offer a means of associating your organization with the event.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Level	Benefit	Donation
Plenary Partner	Company banner hung behind chair and table during all sessions, opportunity to address the Plenary, formal recognition during the Plenary, in addition to benefits of Plenary Sponsor	$50K or larger
Plenary Sponsor	Company logo on “The End” slide of standard presentation template, plus benefits of Plenary Friend	$25–50K
Plenary Friend	Company logo on banner behind the registration/help table, plus benefits of Contributor	$5–25K
Contributor	Recognition on the agenda sponsors page	$5K or less

 

A la Carte Opportunities
Opportunity Description	Benefit	Donation
Plenary banquet	Company banner prominently displayed during banquet, and benefits of Plenary Sponsor	$32,000
Opening reception	“Sponsored by” sign prominently displayed during reception, and benefits of a Plenary Sponsor	$25,000
Gift bags	Company logo on the bag, and benefits of Plenary Friend	$7,500
Morning breaks	“Sponsored by” sign prominently displayed near refreshments, and benefits of Contributor	$5,000
Afternoon breaks	“Sponsored by” sign prominently displayed near refreshments, and benefits of Contributor	$5,000
Badges and lanyards	Company name on lanyard, and benefits of Contributor	$2,500
Pens or pads	Company logo on pens, and benefits of Contributor	$2,500
Hosting Internet access	Recognition on the agenda sponsors page	$2,500

 

Checks should be payable to “U.S. International Standards Connection” and sent at your earliest convenience to:

ASQ/Standards
600 N. Plankinton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53201–3005

By donating financial resources to help underwrite an international meeting of ISO/TC 176 and related activities, your organization receives global recognition as a supporter of international standards development. Your tax-deductible donation highlights your organization’s position in the global economy and demonstrates to your employees, clients, and competitors that your organization strongly values quality. You support an audience of quality experts from around the world and increase your organization’s visibility.

By hosting an international meeting, the United States emphasizes its position as an influential pacesetter. In addition, a meeting in the United States will reduce travel costs for our TAG members, who are volunteers, and will enable more of them to attend. A larger U.S. delegation allows the United States to have increased influence on the standards development process. This will be especially important in 2013, the anticipated host year, because the revision of ISO 9001 will begin that year.

The international standards developed by ISO/TC 176, including the ISO 9000 series, bring consistency, reliability, and quality to the global market. They contribute to making the development, manufacturing, and supply of products and services more efficient, safer, and cleaner. They make trade between countries easier and fairer. The widespread adoption of international standards also means that suppliers can base the development of their products and services on reference documents that have broad market relevance.

Even if your organization doesn’t use these standards, many of the small- and medium-sized enterprises in your supply chain use them to ensure their continued ability to serve your organization. ISO 9001-registered companies traditionally demonstrate higher levels of quality, reliability, and responsiveness to customer needs. Your support of this effort emphasizes the high value that your organization places on quality.

For more information about the the 2013 meeting of ISO/TC 176 and how you can support it, contact Jennifer Admussen at standards@asq.org or call 800-248-1946, ext. 7736 (outside the U.S., please dial +1-414-272-8575). Visit ASQ at http://asq.org/.

About The Author