Two years after deciding it could not continue, Australia’s Imaging & Digital Entertainment Association (IDEA) is now wrapping up its operations.

President James Murray said the peak industry body had fulfilled “a rich and rewarding function” representing photographic manufacturers, importers and service providers during periods of rapid and continual change across more than four decades.

The decision to close the association was made at its 2020 annual meeting after members concluded it would not be financially viable to continue.

IDEA also arranged annual photographic shows in alternating capital cities where members showcased their products and services to industry, professional photographers and in later years, consumers.

“Photographic displays, judging competitions, as well as industry expert lectures and presentations also featured as part of these events,” he said.

“While digitisation and the availability of mobile phone image capture led to new providers in the imaging and entertainment space, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and suppliers reconsidered their need to actively participate in the exhibition events, despite the final 2015 Digital Show recording record public attendance.”

Only six of the original members remain: Nikon, Leica, Epson, Kayell CR Kennedy and Raleru. Remaining funds are to be allocated in the form of an endowment to RMIT to provide scholarships to help aspiring photography students.

Pictured: IDEA’s 2015 show was a record-breaker