The USA Direct Marketing Association has just announced a partnership with 4IT Group, an Italian marketing, communications and information technology company, to develop an affiliate DMA in Italy.

The launch coincides with 4IT Group’s DM Expo – Direct and Relationship Marketing, the first exhibition in Italy to address direct, personalised and relationship marketing, currently taking place in Milan. 

DMA and 4IT Group will work together to establish an Italian DMA which will provide a network and forum to enhance the knowledge and use of direct and interactive marketing communications, as well as advance the marketing and communications industry in Italy. 

Jodie Sangster, USA DMA senior vice-president, education and global development – and keynote speaker for DM Expo – said: "This strategic partnership opens the European market for our US marketer, supplier and agency members. It also lets us share more than 90 years of expertise while garnering an influx of fresh information for our global portal. Exploring these new economic opportunities is just another way we are supporting and providing for our members as DMA leads the charge in developing a global direct marketing process through our many partnerships around the world."

Valentina Carnevali, 4IT Group marketing and communication manager, added: "Over the past three years, a lot of work has been done with national operators in the direct marketing and direct mail sectors to get us to this point. We are truly thrilled it has resulted in this strategic partnership with the industry’s most renowned and important association.

"Establishing an Italian DMA will allow marketers and all professionals involved in the direct communication chain access to a unique network of professional experience while we stimulate the attention of national and European institutions."